Exploring the performance of three stage SPM-based regenerative wavelength conversion using HNLF

Abstract

In this work, the effectiveness of three-stage Highly Nonlinear Fiber (HNLF)-based Self-Phase Modulation (SPM) regeneration wavelength conversion is examined. Through the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE), nonlinear optical effects in fiber are explored, which is important to comprehend SPM-based conversion. In addition, mathematical exploration is done on the principles of wavelength conversion, which are mainly controlled by Four-Wave Mixing (FWM), SPM, and Cross-Phase Modulation (XPM). This work offers the theoretical underpinnings of SPM-based wavelength conversion. We investigate the features of HNLF, delve into the architecture of the suggested three-stage conversion system, and examine performance measures including optical power spectrum, RF spectrum quality factor (Q) and bit error rate (BER) in relation with bit rate (Gb/s). In the realm of regenerative wavelength conversion, this study unveils a spectrum of quality factor (Q) values across three consecutive stages, each associated with specific data rates. At a bit rate of 60 Gb/s, the achieved quality factor at the first, second, and third stages for a 100 km length of HNLF is 19.36 dB, 19.39 dB, and 19.41 dB. Additionally, realized quality factor at first, second, and third stages for a 50 km length of HNLF at a bit rate of 60 GB/s is 24.96 dB, 25.26 dB, and 25.41 dB. It is concluded from the findings that at each stage, bit error rate reduces and quality factor increases due to parallel combinations of OBPFs and 3R regeneration. The results exquisitely highlight the complex interaction between the number of stages used, HNLF length, and data rate for accomplishing optimal wavelength conversion of an optical signal from 1545 nm to 1555 nm.