Ultrafast nonlinear optics on a chip: Application to signal processing

Abstract

We review results on the recently developed dispersion-shifted, Chalcogenide waveguides demonstrating nonlinear signal processing on a compact monolithic platform with ultra-broadband capability and moderate launch powers of around 100 mW. Highlight results include broadband wavelength conversion of high-bit rate optical signals, time division multiplexing of 320 Gb/s signals and characterization of 320 Gb/s signals using a photonic chip based RF spectrum analyzer with terahertz bandwidth. The performance advantages stem from the waveguide's design for high nonlinearity and a near zero dispersion at the 1550 nm wavelength. These features are shown to enhance the efficiency of the nonlinear processes underpinning many all-optical signal processing functions. © 2009 IEEE.