Over 1.3 THz Tunable All-Optical Wavelength Conversion with a Feedback-Controlled Multi-Wavelength Laser

Wavelength conversion is key for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks [1], e.g., to enable flexible wavelength allocation within subnetworks. In current implementations, signal routing impacts the latency and power consumption due to necessary optoelectronic conversions [2]. To overcome this bottleneck, all-optical techniques have been proposed: most relying on nonlinearities in semiconductor lasers or amplifiers, such as four-wave mixing and difference-frequency generation [3]. But these methods require additional probe lasers [4], phase matching [1], and generally feature low conversion efficiency. In this work, we take a different approach: we use a custom multi-wavelength laser (MWL) to achieve emission at the desired wavelength spacing, thus removing the need for probe signals.