Wavelength dependent performance of a wavelength converter based on cross-gain modulation and birefringence of a semiconductor optical amplifier

By exploiting pump-induced birefringence in addition to cross-gain modulati on, we have obtained improved extinction ratio and reduced optical power pe nalties for a wavelength converter using a semiconductor optical amplifier. In the probe beam wavelength range of 1528-1566 nm, while extinction ratio s and power penalties of a conventional wavelength converter are found to b e 4.5-9.2 dB and -0.5-2.1 dB, those of the proposed converter are 6.6-10 dB and -0.7-1.0 dB, respectively. The proposed converter shows better perform ance for all wavelengths in the range examined for both extinction ratio an d power penalty. Especially, more improvements have been obtained in the lo nger wavelength.