Novel polarization-insensitive synchronous modulator for 20 Gbit/s all-optical regeneration

We propose the use of a saturable absorber as all-optical synchronous modulator for performing 3R regeneration in long haul transmissions. This novel regenerator is based on a fully passive component, which does not require any electric driving nor temperature control, thus significantly reducing power consumption. Moreover, it is shown to be polarization-insensitive and to exhibit a large operating wavelength bandwidth, thus making it compatible with WDM systems. Implementation of this novel regenerator in a recirculating loop made it possible to demonstrate a 20 Gbit/s error free transmission over 10,000 km with 2³¹-1 PRBS coding pattern. This result clearly validates the regenerative properties of this novel 3R regenerator and makes it very attractive for cost-effective implementation of optical regeneration in high bit-rate long-haul transmission systems.