A dual purpose, all optical multiplexer circuit in InP, for multiplexing clock and NRZ data, and for transmultiplexing WDM to TDM

We present a new, integrated all-optical multiplexer for wavelength grooming of many WDM channels into a single TDM channel. The chips were realized in a novel generic InP foundry process. For design and mask layout of the multiplexer circuits, we developed a simple equivalent circuit, representing the incorporated wavelength converter. With the chips realized, successful WDM to TDM transmultiplexing is demonstrated, as well as multiplexing of clock and NRZ data. (C) 2012 Optical Society of America