A 40-Gbit/s 1-to-2 Photonic Data Distributor Employing a Single Semiconductor Optical Amplifier

A simple design of 1-to-2 photonic data distributor is proposed. A proof-of-concept experiment is performed at 40 Gbit/s employing four-wave mixing and cross gain modulation in a single semiconductor optical amplifier. Correct output logic signals with high extinction ratios (over 11 dB) and clear open eyes are obtained, without using any additional input light beam. The scheme would be a promising candidate for future ultrafast all-optical signal processing applications.