Cross talk free multi channel processing of 10 Gbit/s data via four wave mixing in a 1550 nm InAs/InP quantum dash amplifier

We demonstrate multi wavelength processing in a broad band 1550 nm quantum dash optical amplifier. Two 10Gbit/s signals, spectrally separated by 30nm are individually wavelength converted via four wave mixing (FWM) with no cross talk. High power signal levels cause depletion of high energy and wetting layer states resulting in some homogenizing of the gain medium and generation of cross FWM components near each channel due to FWM in the other channel. These do not affect the cross-talkless multichannel processing except when the two channels use equal detuning between signal and pump. (c) 2008 Optical Society of America