Optical Signal Processing

Introduction

According to Fraunhofer HHI [1]:

Optical signal processing refers to a broad range of techniques that operate in optical data signals. In particular all-optical signal processing uses nonlinear effects in optical media for optical data manipulation. The advantages are higher bandwidth, faster processing speed, no need for opto-electrical / electro-optical conversion. 

Nonlinear devices

Examples of functions that can be performed with nonlinear devices are [1]:

1. Wavelength conversion
2. Optical multiplexing and demultiplexing
3. Multicasting
4. Equalization
5. Correlation
6. Fast / discrete Fourier transform
7. Digital-to-analog (D/A), and analog-to-digital (A/D) conversions
8. Regeneration
9. Optical logic gates (AND, OR, XOR, etc.)
10. All-optical tunable delays

Reference

1. Schmidt-Langhorst, Carsten, (n.d.). Optical Signal Processing. Retrieved September 7, 2019 from URL https://www.hhi.fraunhofer.de/en/departments/pn/research-groups/submarine-and-core-systems/optical-signal-processing.html

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank the following for contributing to this article:

• .