All-optical wavelength conversion of a polarization multiplexed signal

The implementation of the all-optical wavelength-conversion (AOWC) function will be a key-feature in next-generation networks, as it could enable dynamic signal routing, wavelength reuse and path protection and restoration. At the same time, the use of differential-quadrature phase-shift-keying (DQPSK) modulation technique in combination with polarization multiplexing (POLMUX) is considered as the most promising candidate for the realization of high-bit-rate transmission links with a capacity of 100 Gb/s per wavelength and beyond.