All optical data comparator and decoder using SOA-based Mach–Zehnder interferometer

By exploiting nonlinear effects in a semiconductor optical amplifier, different functionalities for all-optical digital signal processing are implemented. In particular we demonstrate the all optical decoder and data comparator. The all-optical realizations are based on semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and Mach–Zehnder interferometer, which represent one of the most promising solutions due to their compact size, thermal stability and low power operation. Numerical simulation confirming the described logic devices is done at 40 Gbps and for different input combinations.