Nonlinear pulse switching using cross-phase modulation and fiber Bragg gratings

Abstract
We propose and analyze a new all-optical nonlinear switch. The device is based on cross-phase modulation (XPM)-induced temporary frequency shift upon co-propagation of signal and control pulses with walkoff, and on the filtering effect of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG). Very high ON/OFF contrast with practically no pulse distortion can be achieved with moderate switching power. The new device possesses some important advantages over nonlinear optical-loop mirror switches.