All-Optical Signal Processing Using Integrated Mach Zehnder Interferometric Switches for 40 Gb/s All-Optical Label-Swapped Networks

All-optical label swapping (AOLS) has been introduced as a new routing paradigm based on Multi-protocol Label Swapping (MPLS), aiming at bridging the gap between fiber and router packet forwarding capacity. To that end, AOLS routers should handle channel capacities of 40 Gb/s or higher, operating with packets of arbitrary lengths that are potentially generated by packet aggregation at the ingress node. In this communication we report on the implementation of all-optical 40 Gb/s 3R regeneration and label/payload separation sub-systems, operating with different-length packet-mode traffic and how these sub-systems find application in future AOLS networks. Both circuits were implemented by using optically-controlled integrated Mach-Zehnder Interferometric switches as the basic switching elements. The 40 Gb/s 3R regenerator showed high jitter tolerance and error-free operation exhibiting negative power penalty of 2.5 dB. Successful separation of the label from the payload was achieved with 40 Gb/s short packets of different payload length, while error-free operation with 3 dB penalty is demonstrated.