The nonlinear polarization switching using the principal states of polarizations in SOA

摘要

Nonlinear polarization rotation in semiconductor optical amplifier has been widely utilized in all-optical signal processing and high-speed all-optical network Nonlinear polarization switching which is based on nonlinear polarization rotation in SOA is an important element in all-optical devices such as wavelength converter, all-optical logic gate, all-optical flip-flop and so on. Presented principle of PSW is based on rate-equation model in the SOA. The TEand TM modes experience different refractive indexes, which lead to phase difference between the two modes, then they interfere at the output of the SOA, and the switching effect is obtained. The rate-equation model is effective in describing the switching effect. But in experiments, this model is hard to realise and track on line, and there are many difficulties for achieving the switching effect.