PPLN-based OOK and DQPSK optical grooming by amplitude and phase-signal multiplexing through pump depletion

Opt Lett. 2013 Oct 1;38(19):3870-3. doi: 10.1364/OL.38.003870.

Abstract

We propose and characterize a simple, integrable, and wavelength-preserving scheme able to groom a 40 Gbps (D)QPSK signal with a 20 Gbps OOK one into a 20 Gbaud (60 Gbps) 8-APSK signal. The proposed all-optical scheme is based on the second-order nonlinear signal-depletion effect in a single periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) waveguide. Performance of the device, characterized by means of BER measurements, attests error-free operation and a power penalty below 4.1 dB.