Wideband Simultaneous Wavelength Conversion of Multiple WDM Channels Using Silicon-Rich Nitride Waveguide

The triple-band (S+C+L) transmission system using only C-band transceivers and all-optical wavelength conversions (AOWCs) without S- and L-band optical transceivers have been proposed. Although an AOWC employs highly nonlinear fibers, it is not applicable to photonic integrated circuits (PICs). For a device with successful wavelength conversion, a silicon-rich nitride (SRN) waveguide provides superior performance, as it is applicable to PIC and facilitates a higher Kerr nonlinearity than conventional stoichiometric silicon nitride waveguides. Thus, in this study, we propose an all-optical simultaneous wavelength conversion method that can be cost-effectively fabricated on a PIC based on four-wave mixing in SRN waveguides. Following an explanation regarding the design of an SRN waveguide for wideband AOWC, the successful operation of a double-stage AOWC of 64-channel 64-Gb/s QPSK signals between the C+L bands and the S-band is demonstrated, which is useful for wideband transmission systems.

Automated summary

This study proposes a triple-band transmission system using only C-band transceivers and all-optical wavelength conversions. By employing silicon-rich nitride waveguides, wavelength conversion can be achieved on photonic integrated circuits with superior performance. Through the design and demonstration of the SRN waveguide, the feasibility of this method in wideband transmission systems is shown.