Semiconductor optical amplifier for next generation of high data rate optical packet-switched network

This chapter discusses the general context of slot switched network with possible slot blocker implementation in section 2. In section 3, we focus on SOA devices. First, we present the evolution of SOA with the development of optical communication systems. The level of knowledge and development on this technology are described as well as a comprehensive introduction of SOA devices. Then we study the impact of SOA devices of optical signals carrying data information. To do so, the impact on different formats such as on-off keying (OOK), QPSK and QAM is explained and modelled via analytic and numerical simulations. SOA-based network design focusing on specific issues related to current challenges is presented in section 4. We evaluate the final performance of a large cascade of SOAs and assess novel designs rules based on the non-linear distortions accumulation. Then finally, in section 5, we propose distributed power equalization scheme based on an automatic gain control SOA for optimized network performances. Such scheme allows operating the network within the optimum working condition by controlling the input optical power into each SOA-based nodes.