Light-controlled multichannel switches on the basis of nonlinear interferometers for optical communication lines and networks

The phenomenon of optical bistability (OB), including the so-called transverse effects in distributed OB-systems, offers additional opportunities for development of new architecture designs in optical systems of information processing and communications. In particular, this contribution deals with a class of all-optical multiplexers/demultiplexers (MDM) for data redirecting and processing in the nodes of fiber-optical communication channels and networks. Their specific features are dynamic connection remapping and the possibility of applying WDM/DWDM techniques. As switching elements optically nonlinear and bistable thin-film Fabry-Perot interferometers (TFI) are used. Thus the developed MDM are capable of operating at several wavelengths that correspond to the carrier frequency set of working bands of WDM/DWDM systems.