Optical bit-rate conversion and bit-stream time reversal by the use of swept-carrier frequency-selective optical data storage techniques

Abstract

We have demonstrated real-time all-optical bit-rate conversion and bit-sequence time reversal, using a variation of the swept-carrier frequency-selective optical storage/retrieval process. Working in the Mbit/s regime, we obtained order-of-magnitude bit-rate enhancements and reductions. Output signals appear in a time-forward or time-reversed format after an adjustable buffering storage time. Analysis of the method of its potential indicates applicability at substantially higher data rates.