Photonic Routing Systems Using All-optical, Hybrid Integrated Wavelength Converter Arrays

The integration of a new generation of all-optical wavelength converters within European project ISTMUFINS has enabled the development of compact and multi-functional photonic processing systems. Here we present the realization of demanding functionalities required in high-capacity photonic routers using these highly integrated components including: Clock recovery, data/label recovery, wavelength routing and contention resolution; all implemented with multi-signal processing using a single photonic chip – a quadruple array of SOAMZI wavelength converters which occupies a chip area of only 15 x 58 mm. In addition, we present the capability of the technology to build WDM signal processing systems with the simultaneous operation of four quad devices in a four wavelength burst-mode regenerator. Finally, the potential of the technology to provide photonic systems-onchip is demonstrated with the first hybrid integrated alloptical burst-mode receiver prototype.