Comparison of three nonlinear optical switch geometries

Summary form only given. All-optical switches using ultrafast nonlinearities enable high aggregate data rates in optical TDM networks. These nonlinearities are based upon a resonant excitation in active or passive semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA) or nonlinear waveguides. Extensive experimental demonstrations have been performed on various configurations of these devices. Optical switches which use an SOA as the nonlinear element are promising for future networks since they require low control pulse energy compared to passive devices.