Method and device for combining optical signals
AssigneeAlcatel
InventorsMichel Sotom, Corinne Chauzat, Dominique De Bouard, Jean-Michel Gabriagues, Dominique Chiaroni
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Abstract
Logic operations are carried out on binary optical signals using a non-linear optical amplifier having a front port and a rear port respectively receiving a front wave and a modulated rear wave. The output wave via the rear port is separated from the rear wave by exploiting the fact that they have opposite propagation directions. Applications include optical data switching and transmission.
Claims12
A method of producing an optical output signal by combining a plurality of optical input signals using a non-linear optical amplifier having a front port and a rear port, comprising the steps of:
- applying an amplitude modulated rear optical wave to said rear port;
- applying a front optical wave to said front port;
- generating said output signal, from said rear optical wave and said front optical wave, as a wave output from said rear port;
- modulating said rear wave to enable saturation control of said non-linear optical amplifier;
- and
- separating said output wave from said rear wave.
Device for producing an optical output signal by combining a plurality of optical input signals using a non-linear optical amplifier having a front port and a rear port, comprising the steps of applying an amplitude modulated rear optical wave to said rear port, applying a front optical wave to said front port, generating said output signal, from said rear optical wave and said front optical wave, as a wave output from said rear port, modulating said rear wave to enable saturation control of said non-linear optical amplifier, and separating said output wave from said rear wave, comprising:
- said non-linear optical amplifier having said front port and said rear port, said front port being adapted to receive said front optical wave, and
- a spatial separator comprising a first port for receiving said modulated rear optical wave, a second port connected to said rear port of said amplifier for transmitting said modulated rear optical wave to said amplifier, and a third port for outputting said optical output signal from said amplifier.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.