All-optical storage of a picosecond-pulse packet using parametric amplification: demonstration of single-shot loading

Summary form only given. Summary form only given. Optical storage buffers are expected to be an important component in high-speed time-division multiplexed (TDM) optical networks. Storage loops capable of up to 80 GHz bit rates have been demonstrated; however, these require either direct amplitude modulation or indirect optical modulation via cross-gain saturation to maintain the bit timing. Such devices have made use of Er-doped fiber amplifiers to compensate for the linear loss and require filtering to suppress the amplified spontaneous emission noise. We have recently demonstrated all-optical storage of a picosecond-pulse packet in a fiber buffer that made use of a fiber-optic phase-sensitive parametric amplifier (PSA) to overcome the loss. Recently, the use of PSAs for amplitude noise suppression and, with independent phase-locked sources, for in-line amplification has been demonstrated. In this paper we present further results pertaining to our demonstration of the use of a PSA in a fiber buffer that can store picosecond-pulse packets of ones and zeros. In particular, we present data showing single-shot loading of the injected packet.