Representations of world coordinates in FITS

The initial descriptions of the FITS format provided a simplified method for describing the physical coordinate values of the image pixels, but deliberately did not specify any of the detailed conventions required to convey the complexities of actual image coordinates. Building on conventions in wide use within astronomy, this paper proposes general extensions to the original methods for describing the world coordinates of FITS data. In subsequent papers, we apply these general conventions to the methods by which spherical coordinates may be projected onto a two-dimensional plane and to frequency/wavelength/velocity coordinates.Comment: 15 Pages, 1 figure, LaTex with Astronomy & Astrophysics macro package, submitted to A&A, related papers at http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/~egreise

Representations of celestial coordinates in FITS

In Paper I, Greisen & Calabretta (2002) describe a generalized method for assigning physical coordinates to FITS image pixels. This paper implements this method for all spherical map projections likely to be of interest in astronomy. The new methods encompass existing informal FITS spherical coordinate conventions and translations from them are described. Detailed examples of header interpretation and construction are given.Comment: Consequent to Paper I: "Representations of world coordinates in FITS". 45 pages, 38 figures, 13 tables, aa macros v5.2 (2002/Jun). Both papers submitted to Astronomy & Astrophysics (2002/07/19). Replaced to try to get figure and table placement right (no textual changes

WDM monitoring technique using adaptive blind signal separation

We present a cost-effective method of monitoring the performance of wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) channels. The method is based on simple optical signal processing in combination with electronic signal processing. The photocurrent of a detected (multi-channel) optical signal is analysed using an adaptive blind signal separation method. A maximum data decorrelation criterion is used to separate the WDM channels. We show experimentally that four WDM channels can be reconstructed accurately by this numerical method

A simple and low-power optical limiter for multi-GHz pulse trains

We study the limiting-amplification capability of a saturated Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) followed by an optical band-pass filter. We experimentally demonstrate that this simple optical circuit can be effectively exploited to realize a low-power optical limiter for amplitude-modulated pulse trains at multi-GHz repetition rate. We report very large amplitude-modulation-reduction factors for the case of 20 and 40 GHz pulse trains that are super-imposed with modulating frequencies ranging from 100kHz to several GHz. (C) 2007 Optical Society of America

A simple and low-power optical limiter for multi-GHz pulse trains

We study the limiting-amplification capability of a saturated Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) followed by an optical band-pass filter. We experimentally demonstrate that this simple optical circuit can be effectively exploited to realize a low-power optical limiter for amplitudemodulated pulse trains at multi-GHz repetition rate. We report very large amplitude-modulation-reduction factors for the case of 20 and 40 GHz pulse trains that are super-imposed with modulating frequencies ranging from 100 kHz to several GHz

All-optical label swapping of in-band addresses and 160 Gbit/s data packets

A 1×4 all-optical packet switch is presented, based on an optical label swapping technique that utilises a scalable label processor and a label rewriter with 'on the fly' operation. Experimental results show error-free packet switching with a data payload at 160Gbit/s. The label erasing and new label insertion operation introduces 0.5dB of power penalty. These results indicate a potential utilisation of the presented technique in a multi-hop packet switched network

All-optical label swapping techniques for data packets beyond 160 Gb/s

We present two paradigms to realize all-optical packet switches, and report experimental results showing the routing operation of the 160 Gb/s packets and beyond. Photonic integrated sub-systems required to implement the packet switch are reviewed. © 2009 IEEE

Low penalty 80 Gb/s non-inverted wavelength conversion using a broad rectangular shaped optical filter

We demonstrate non-inverted wavelength conversion at 80 Gb/s based on cross-phase modulation in a SOA. Using a flat-top 6 nm broad filter with sharp roll-off we achieve a penalty of only 0.5 dB