High-speed optical FSK modulator for optical packet labeling

We described a novel optical label swapping (OLS) technique for optical packet systems using frequency-shift-keying (FSK) optical labeling. High-speed optical FSK signal can be generated by using an external FSK modulator consisting of four optical phase modulators. The FSK modulator was based on optical single-sideband (SSB) modulation technique, and comprised of traveling-wave electrodes for high-speed frequency switching. We demonstrate 10 Gbps FSK transmission, and simultaneous modulation by FSK and intensity modulation (IM). OLS using double-sideband modulation was also demonstrated, where this technique can be used for a bundled wavelength-domain-multiplexing (WDM) channels without using an array of pumping light sources.