Nonlinear dynamics of semiconductor optical amplifiers for high speed all-optical switching

摘要

The nonlinear dynamics of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) are investigated. We focus on the nonlinear gain, phase and chirp dynamics that can be used for high speed all-optical switching. Ultrafast component in the phase dynamics is observed. We explain this phenomenon by using a numerical model that includes the impact of sub-picosecond intra-band effects in the SOA. In addition, we also investigate the chirp properties, and analyze the influences of chirp dynamics upon the detuned-filtering-based optical switches that can realize more than 160 Gbit/s operating speed. The results are useful for SOA-based high speed all-optical switching in photonic networks.