Optical signal processing using nonlinear fibers

Ultra-fast optical signal processing is a promising technology for future photonic networks. This paper describes possible applications of nonlinear fibers to optical signal processing. The third-order optical nonlinearities in a fiber are discussed by analyzing the interaction of co-propagating optical waves. The properties of a nonlinear fiber are then considered in terms of optimizing the dispersion for achieving phase matching and decreasing walk-off. A highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) is a practical candidate for an ultra-high-speed signal processor. Using HNLF the following experiments are successfully demonstated: ultra-broadband wavelength conversion/optical phase conjugation by four-wave mixing 160 Gb/s optical 3R-regeneration and optical switching up to 640 Gb/s using a parametric amplified fiber switch. Steps for further improvements are also discussed. © Springer 2006.