ABSTRACT
This section focuses on the fundamental characteristics of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) and applications of diode lasers and SOAs for switching and signal processing.
Switching is one of the most important functions in telecommunications and computing. Today, nearly all switching systems in operational networks are realized with electronics. The bit rate in systems for video, image and data transmission keeps increasing. It is difficult for electronics alone to satisfy the demand of increasingly higher bit rates. The use of optical fibres as a transmission medium has become common in local networks and long-haul terrestrial or transoceanic systems. An optoelectronic conversion is necessary in these systems, as the switching function is realized with electronics while the transmission is optical. The introduction of optics in switching systems would increase the capacity and flexibility of these systems.
