All-optical format conversion from inverse-return-to-zero to non-return-to-zero using a Mach-Zehnder delay interferometer

Abstract

All-optical format conversion from inverse-returnto-zero ͑inverse-RZ͒ to non-return-to-zero ͑NRZ͒ is realized by using a half-bit-delay Mach-Zehnder delay interferometer. Experimental results demonstrate that the converted NRZ signal has better receiver sensitivity than the back-to-back inverse-RZ signal.