Tunable Wavelength Conversion Using Cross-Gain Modulation in a Vertically Coupled Microring Laser

Wavelength conversion using self-pumped cross-gain modulation in a microring laser vertically coupled to a passive waveguide is presented. Successful conversion at 2.5 Gb/s along with a 100-km transmission is demonstrated. Tunable conversion from almost any wavelength of the gain bandwidth to any of the three supported modes of the laser is shown and the limitations of the method, related to mode switching of the laser, are also briefly discussed.