All-optical TDM multiplexers/demultiplexers with buffer stack memory

Buffering of the data is widely used in input/output ports of active node devices (routers, switches) in networks with electronic form of signal representation. One of specific features of optical communications systems and networks consists in the fact that it is rather difficult to realize in them storing of the data for any arbitrary time interval. Usually there is only an opportunity to use fixed short-term delay of light signals in special delay lines. In the present contribution an example of all-optical active network device is presented which is free of the specified drawback and performs the functions of switching and a temporary data storage. Operation of the device is based on the use of phenomena of optical hysteresis and transverse effects in optical bistability (OB). As model bistable medium for breadboarding components of the proposed device nonlinear thin-film semiconductor Fabry-Perot interferometers (TFI) on the basis of ZnS are considered. Functionality of multiplexers/demultiplexers (M/DM) in the nodes of optical communication lines and networks can be increased if the M/DM is supplemented with the buffer memory which stores the data packets received for the period when their headers are analyzed and decisions are made about their further addressing.