Optical label encoding using electroabsorption modulators and investigation of chirp properties

A novel scheme of optical label encoding by wavelength conversion based on electroabsorption modulators (EAMs) is reported. Based on the experimental observations, the chirp properties of the wavelength-converted signal are discussed and a wide dynamic range of the chirp (alpha)-parameter is found allowed. Compared with cross-gain modulation (XGM) in a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), the EAM has several advantages, which make it attractive for optical label encoding or other applications as a wavelength converter.