Alcatel

Alain Pons

Dominique Chiaroni

Nicolas Le Sauze

Thierry Zami

Jean-Yves Emery

Roland Mestric

Fran&ccedil;ois Dorgeuille

To increase the bit rate of wavelength division multiplexed optical data switched in a photonic switching matrix, whilst maintaining a high bandwidth, a wavelength selector and converter includes a demultiplexer with n outputs respectively connected to n inputs of a coupler via n wavelength converters. Each wavelength converter has an optical gate function and selectively supplies converted signals conveyed by the same wavelength. Applications include optical packet switching.

Wavelength selector and converter and a photonic switching matrix incorporating it

In order to be able to use a semiconductor light amplifier of conventional type and operating under gain saturation conditions while nevertheless providing constant gain for an optical signal to be amplified, the device comprises means for producing a compensation light wave and coupling means for injecting the optical signal to be amplified and the compensation light wave into the amplifier. The compensation light wave presents amplitude modulation such that when combined with the optical signal to be amplified the overall amplitude modulation is eliminated or at least attenuated. The device is applicable to optical transmission systems operating at a single wavelength or with wavelength division multiplexing.

Light amplifier device

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Ollainville, France

Alain Pons