Repeated wavelength conversion of 10 Gb/s signals and converted signal gating using wavelength-tunable semiconductor lasers

Repeated wavelength conversion of 10 Gb/s pseudorandom nonreturn-to-zero signals is demonstrated using semiconductor lasers that can be tuned wavelength over a broad range. Error-free tunable wavelength conversion with a very low power penalty can be achieved in both first and second wavelength conversion over a broad wavelength range from 1.486-1.573 μm. The converted signal can be switched rapidly within this wavelength region. High-speed converted signal gating controlled by adjusting the bias current to the device active region is also demonstrated.