Agile and broadband all-optical wavelength conversion with multi-wavelength lasers

All-optical wavelength conversion (AOWC) is a key functionality for future wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) networks, enabling signal routing and wavelength reassignment without power-hungry optoelectronic regeneration. AOWC mostly relies on nonlinear interactions between the signal and a pump in a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). Here, we demonstrate AOWC using a monolithically integrated indium phosphide (InP) multi-wavelength laser (MWL), eliminating the need for an external probe laser. By optically injecting an intensity-modulated data signal into the MWL, carrier-induced gain modulation in the shared gain section, together with strong intermodal coupling between longitudinal modes, enables data wavelength conversion over a 1.3 THz range for signals up to 10 GBd. A monolithically integrated feedback cavity provides agile selection among three output modes or simultaneous broadcasting across all three, by tuning the feedback phase. We evaluate the signal quality of the converted data for various symbol rates, showing both transparent conversion and, at low injection powers, net signal gain. Complementary numerical simulations, based on a multimode extension of the Lang-Kobayashi rate equations, reveal the role of modal gain imbalance and cross-saturation in shaping the conversion efficiency. These results point to a scalable, compact, and energy-efficient route toward agile AOWC devices.