Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Single-Mode SOI Waveguides for Ultra-Broadband C-to-S Wavelength Conversion

In order to keep up with expected growth in data traffic, using multiple bands beyond the C band is an appealing solution as it can partly reuse deployed optical fibers. One way of handling multi-band data generation and reception is by using all-optical wavelength converters (AOWCs) to translate to or from the C band, where commercial equipment is easily available. In this work, we therefore designed and realized an AOWC targeting C-to-S band conversion. To respect the requirements of commercial applications, we aimed for a low-complexity high-bandwidth implementation with reasonably low power consumption, tolerance for typical process variations and potential for further integration. Thus we implemented the AOWC as a strip waveguide in a Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. An optimization of the conversion bandwidth was conducted during design and initial characterizations confirmed a conversion efficiency of −32.8 dB and a high bandwidth of about 35 nm with grating couplers and likely beyond 50 nm for edge couplers. Using the fabricated converters, we were able to demonstrate a marginal 0.3 dB optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) penalty for a back-to-back (b2b) transmission of a single-channel single-polarization 32 GBd quadrature-phase-shift keying (QPSK) signal converted from C to S band. Additionally, this converted signal was successfully transmitted over 100 km of standard single-mode fiber (SSMF). Finally, crosstalk issues arising in multi-channel conversion were investigated.