Ultrafast, atto-Joule switch using fiber-optic parametric amplifier operated in saturation
Journal article, 2008

ll-optical manipulation of signals carried by lightwaves is attractive because controlling the light directly can be more efficient, allows a multitude of signal formats, and can also prove most cost effective. We implemented a novel scheme for ultrafast optical switching using very small control energy that relies on the use of a saturated fiber-optic parametric amplifier. Approximately 19 aJ (150 photons) of control pulse energy was needed for 50% extinction of the signal which is three to four orders of magnitude smaller than in other all-optical switching demonstrations. This allows the consideration of novel practical approaches to implement all-optical switching devices and all-optical subsystems for telecommunications and other applications.

Author

Peter Andrekson

Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Photonics

Henrik Sunnerud

Chalmers, Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Photonics

Shoichiro Oda

Fujitsu FTP Corporation

Takashi Nishitani

Osaka University

Jiang Yang

Guizhou University

Optics Express

1094-4087 (ISSN) 10944087 (eISSN)

Vol. 16 15 10956-10961

Subject Categories

Telecommunications

DOI

10.1364/OE.16.010956

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9/6/2018 1