Compact all-optical packet clock and data recovery circuit using generic integrated MZI switches.

We present and evaluate a compact, all-optical Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) circuit based on integrated Mach Zehnder interferometric switches. Successful operation for short packet-mode traffic of variable length and phase alignment is demonstrated. The acquired clock signal rises within 2 bits and decays within 15 bits, irrespective of packet length and phase. Error-free operation is demonstrated at 10 Gb/s.