1.31-to-1.55 mu m wavelength conversion by optically pumping a distributedfeedback amplifier

We demonstrate a new technique for all-optical wavelength conversion to 1.5 5 mu m by using a 1.3-mu m signal that directly pumps a distributed feedbac k semiconductor optical amplifier. Data polarity can be selected by tuning the probe wavelength to different regions of the Bragg resonance. Polarity- inverted signals exhibit a digital-like transfer function with an on-off ra tio of 4 and 2.4 at 155.5 and 622 Mb/s, respectively. This simple wavelengt h-conversion scheme is insensitive to the direction and polarization of the 1.31-mu m signal, and should be affordable for local access and other cost -sensitive optical-network layers.