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 IST-MUFINS 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 SOA-MZI wavelength converters which occupies a chip area of only 15 x 58 mm2. 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-on-chip is demonstrated with the first hybrid integrated all-optical burst-mode receiver prototype. © 2010 Academy Publisher.