Tuning technique to optimize input power of a cross-phase modulation wavelength converter

This paper proposes a tuning technique to optimize the input power of a cross-phase modulation wavelength converter (XPM-WC). The focus is on an output signal whose wavelength is the same as the input signal. The optimum input power can be easily set by keeping the output signal (not converted signal) power constant. Input continuous-wave (CW) power should be increased or decreased with increasing or decreasing input signal power so that the output signal power stays fixed at the optimum level. Observing the eye pattern of the converted signal is unnecessary. Wavelength conversion from a fixed optical channel to a random one (30 channels with 100-GHz spacing) is successfully demonstrated by using this technique. A low-power penalty (<1dB) and a low-power fluctuation (<1dB) were confirmed in all optical channels. An XPM-WC unit containing a variable CW light source and its level controller were fabricated and simultaneous and automatic operation was confirmed.