Simultaneous all-optical multi-channel RZ and CSRZ to NRZ format conversion

We propose and demonstrate multi-channel all-optical return-to-zero (RZ) and carrier-suppressed RZ (CSRZ) to non-return-to-zero (NRZ) format conversions using a same fiber delay-interferometer (DI). The conversions are based on simultaneous constructive interference induced by the periodical comb-like filtering characteristic of the DI. By using a DI with free spectral range of 40 GHz, 8 channel RZ and CSRZ signals at 20 Gb/s can be converted to corresponding NRZ signals at the same time. Furthermore, a duplicate output can be obtained for multi-channel CSRZ input. Bit error ratio measurements show 4 and 3.5 dB penalties for the proposed multi-channel RZ and CSRZ to NRZ conversions respectively. Further transmission for the converted NRZ signals verifies the good performance of the proposed all-passive multi-channel format converter. The potential of multi-channel RZ signals with mixed duty-cycle to NRZ conversions is also investigated. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.