All-optical remote switching for multiplexed optical fiber sensors and communications systems

All-optical self-routing switches are described which automatically route optical data signals. These switches require no separate source of power, and have been demonstrated to operate from a single input laser beam of 300 μW. The input laser beam contains the data, destination address, and optical power. These optical switches can be used for all-optical communication systems, and are used as an example in this paper to demonstrate remote switching via an optical fiber to a sensor. The sensor modulates the optical carrier which returns the modulated carrier to the source end of the fiber. The switch demonstrates auto-aligning properties which ensure correct rerouting of the modulated signal back to the source. Operation has been demonstrated for all the visible lines of an argon ion laser