Patent ID: 6498675
Filing Date: 2002-12-24
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A wavelength converter that converts an input signal pulse having a first wavelength into an output pulse having a second wavelength, the wavelength converter comprising:a light source which outputs continuous wave (â€œCWâ€ ) light; a CW light input port which receives the CW light; a signal input port which receives the input signal pulse; a branch section which combines the CW light and the input signal pulse into a combined light; a nonlinear waveguide which transmits the combined light to a delay interference circuit; and a signal output port coupled to an output of the delay interference circuit, the signal output port outputting the output pulse; wherein the delay interference circuit comprises: a combiner section; a delay interference section; a first branch section which branches the combined light into a first and a second beam of light; a first optical path which transmits the first beam of light to the combiner section at a first time interval; and a second optical path which transmits the second beam of light to the combiner section at a second time interval which is less than the first time interval; and wherein the combiner section combines the first and second beams of light and transmits the first and second beams of light to the delay interference section; the delay interference section causes the first beam of light and the second beam of light to interfere with each other thereby producing the output pulse; and a coherent length of the CW light output from the CW light source is longer than an optical path difference between the optical paths in the delay interference circuit.