Abstract: A wavelength selector and converter device for n spectral components of a wavelength division multiplexed input signal, the n spectral components being identified by n respective input carrier wavelengths, includes a demultiplexer and broadcaster arrangement for sampling from the input signal p parts of each spectral component and thereby forming n.p spatially separated extracted signals. p wavelength converter devices associated with each spectral component receive p respective signals extracted from the associated spectral component and supply p converted signals as a function of the p respective extracted signals. The p converted signals are conveyed by p respective different predetermined output wavelengths. Each converter device has an optical gate function. An output coupler arrangement couples the outputs of the wavelength converter devices to a common output port.

Abstract: To increase the bit rate of wavelength division multiplexed optical data switched in a photonic switching matrix, whilst maintaining a high bandwidth, a wavelength selector and converter includes a demultiplexer with n outputs respectively connected to n inputs of a coupler via n wavelength converters. Each wavelength converter has an optical gate function and selectively supplies converted signals conveyed by the same wavelength. Applications include optical packet switching.