Bringing High-Performance GaInNAsSb/GaAs SOAs to True Data Applications

We experimentally demonstrate the high-speed data processing capabilities of a GaInNAsSb semiconductor optical amplifier operating at 1.55 μm. The investigated structure exhibits good thermal characteristics and fast gain dynamics with 10%-90% recovery time of 55 ps. Successful wavelength conversion of 10-Gb/s signals is reported. A maximum power penalty of <;2.4 dB for return to zero formatting and of 1.9 dB for nonreturn to zero is demonstrated.