Channel band conversion apparatus for optical transmission systems

The invention relates to optical signal transmission systems, and more particularly relates to optical signal band conversion apparatus. The number of optical channels that may be used to transmit information/data is greatly enhanced using an optical transmission facility having a transmitter that outputs optical signals having respective wavelengths within a first bandwidth, e.g., the C band, combines the latter signal with an optical signal having a wavelength between the first bandwidth and a second bandwidth, e.g., the L-band, and, using a non-linear frequency converter, processes the combined signal to form at least optical signals having wavelengths within the second bandwidth that correspond with the wavelengths of the optical signals within the first bandwidth. In this way, equipment designed for the C band may also be used to process optical signals with another, second band.