Simultaneous all-optical processing of wavelength division multiplexing channels

Abstract

In this thesis, the possibility of simultaneous all-optical regeneration of wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) signals within the same optical device is investigated. The optical regeneration scheme discussed in this thesis relies on the exploitation of the SPM induced by the optical Kerr nonlinearity within an optical fibre. In the work presented in this thesis, I report the extension of a particular single-channel all-optical 2R regenerator suitable for on-off keying return-to-zero modulation format to WDM operation. The device is referred to as the Mamyshev regenerator, and provides both Re-amplification and Re-shaping capabilities for the incoming optical signal. An in-depth analysis of the single-channel device reveals that remarkable and simple scaling rules can be established to relate the output properties of the optical regenerate to the characteristics of the incoming signal to be regenerated and key physical parameters defining the optical regenerator. The analysis allows general conclusions to be drawn on the mitigation strategies to be implemented to extend the scheme to the multi-channel case. The extension to the multi-channel scenario is then examined. Minimization of the interaction time between adjacent channels is introduced by inducing a sufficient walkoff between co-propagating signals. The strength of the inter-channel nonlinearities can be sufficiently reduced to preserve the optical regeneration capabilities. Two techniques are therefore reported. One is based on the counter-propagation of two optical signals within the same piece of nonlinear fibre. The second relies on polarization multiplexing of two co-propagating signals. Theoretical aspects and experimental demonstrations at 10 Gb/s, 40 Gb/s, and 130 Gb/s are reported

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ORCID for D.J. Richardson: orcid.org/0000-0002-7751-1058

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