Patent ID: 6271960
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: G02F,H04B

Abstract:
A wavelength conversion method for signal light, using a light source for emitting continuous wave (CW) light at a predetermined wavelength .lambda. and an optical element in the fonn of a Saturable Absorber (SA) having a saturable absorption area, said optical element having a threshold value such that said optical element transmits light with a light power level above the threshold value and absorbs light with a light power level equal to or below the threshold value, to convert applied signal light at a wavelength .lambda.s to signal light at the predetermined wavelength .lambda., the method comprising the steps of:setting light power levels of the applied signal light and the CW light outputted from said light source such that either of the two light power levels is equal to or below the threshold value of said SA and a total of the two light power levels exceeds the threshold value of said SA;applying said SA with both the signal light at the wavelength .lambda.s and the CW light at the wavelength .lambda.; andseparating the outputted light transmitted through said SA to output signal light at a desired wavelength synchronized with the applied signal light.