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Abstract

An all-optical wavelength converter comprising an optical waveguide of regions having differing non-linear optical susceptibilities such that the regions are quasi phase matched. An optical pumping signal is introduced in the waveguide, either input from the outside or is locally generated from a lasing active layer in the waveguide. Light having a first frequency is input to the waveguide and interacts with the optical pumping signal via the non-linear susceptibility to create light having a second frequency. Each of the regions has a length of one coherence length. That is, the input light and the pump light fall out of phase by 180.degree. in one coherence length. The modulation of the non-linear susceptibility can be accomplished, by disordering the anisotropic material forming the non-linear waveguide, by inverting the anisotropic crystal structure, or by launching an acoustic wave onto the waveguide so that the compression of the material periodically varies the non-linearities. Semiconductor quorum wells provide a high degree of non-linearity, but lithium niobate and related materials can also be used.

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First Claim