Patent ID: 6023360
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: G02F,H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
A multiple-channel all-optical TDM-WDM converter and multiple-channel all-optical TDM demultiplexer comprising:a control optical source for generating a control optical pulse train containing N different optical frequencies, all of which are lower or higher than a frequency of a time-division-multiplexed optical signal pulse train, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, at a timing which is synchronous with optical signal pulse trains of N channels which are to be separated from said time-division-multiplexed optical signal pulse train;an optical wavelength multiplexing means which combines said time-division-multiplexed optical signal pulse train and said control optical pulse train;a nonlinear optical material for inputting light output from said optical wavelength multiplexing means, inducing a four-wave mixing effect between said optical signal pulse trains of N channels and said control optical pulse train containing N optical frequencies, and outputting a frequency-converted optical pulse train wherein N types of optical pulse trains having different optical frequencies are mixed; andan optical wavelength demultiplexing means for spatially separating said N types of optical pulse trains from said frequency-converted optical pulse train according to each of said N optical frequencies.