Performance of RZ and NRZ modulation—Format in 40–160 Gb/s OTDM system demultiplexing

With a symmetric SOA-MZI as a de-multiplexing switch we describe the performance of return-to-zero (RZ) and nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) modulated signals in all optical demultiplexing of an OTDM channel at data rates up to 160 Gb/s. First, the effect of input signal power, control signals power and pattern length on BER and extinction value of demultiplexed channel is investigated for RZ and NRZ signals at different data rates. Second, demultiplexing of 160-Gb/s OTDM signal to the base rate of 40 Gb/s was successfully demonstrated with error free operation for both modulation formats. Effect of variation of pulse width on BER has also been analyzed for 160–40 Gb/s demultiplexing operation.