The wavelength converter comprises (1) an optical multiplexer for
multiplexing an amplitude-modulated first light and reference light,
which is continuous light having a wavelength different from the
wavelength of the first light, (2) an optical fiber for propagating the
multiplexed light therethrough to generate a third light by a non-linear
optical phenomenon, and (3) an optical filter having a pass wavelength
range set such that a pulse time width of the third light is 20% or more
narrower than a pulse time width of the first light after the third light
has passed through the optical filter, or (3') an optical filter having a
pass wavelength range set such that a cross point of an eye pattern of
the third light is lower than a cross point of an eye pattern of the
first light after the third light has passed through the optical filter.