Patent ID: 7031617

Claim:
A method for the wavelength conversion and regeneration of an optical signal at a given wavelength (λ 1 ), said optical signal being modulated to have at least first and second logical values, the method comprising the steps of: providing a switchable source of a further optical signal at a respective wavelength (λ 2 ), selectively switching said source to generate said further optical signal at said respective wavelength (λ 2 ) when said given wavelength (λ 1 ) differs from said respective wavelength (λ 2 ), providing an interferometer for producing an output signal, said interferometer being adapted to receive said modulated optical signal and said further optical signal at said respective wavelength (λ 2 ) generated by said source, so that said further optical signal generated by said source gives rise to destructive interference when said modulated optical signal has said first logical value and constructive interference when said modulated optical signal has said second logical value, respectively, whereby: when said given wavelength (λ 1 ) corresponds to said respective wavelength (λ 2 ), said output signal is a replica of said modulated optical signal regenerated at said interferometer, and when said given wavelength (λ 1 ) differs from said respective wavelength (λ 2 ), said output signal is a replica of said modulated signal regenerated at said interferometer, said replica being also wavelength converted to said respective wavelength (λ 2 ).