Title :
Guided-wave optical switching
Author_Institution :
AT&T Bell Lab., Naperville, IL, USA
fDate :
5/1/1989 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Technologies available for guided-wave optical switching, architectures using these technologies, and applications of the architectures are reviewed. The review encompasses the following topics: mechanical switches; directional couplers in titanium-indiffused lithium niobate; semiconductor guided-wave switches; spatial light modulators. Specific considerations for guided-wave optical switches are covered for space-division switching and time-division switching, and a short discussion is included about switching using other orthogonal parameters. The major applications seen for guided-wave optical switches are as space switches connecting high-bandwidth users that are within 10 km of each other. Since the entire network is within one lightwave regenerator span, optical-to-electrical conversions can be avoided. A space switch of this kind could support many different simultaneous data rates traversing its fabric as well as several different wavelengths
Keywords :
multiplexing equipment; optical communication equipment; optical switches; 10 km; LiNbO3:Ti; data rates; directional couplers; guided wave optical switching; lightwave regenerator span; mechanical switches; orthogonal parameters; semiconductor guided-wave switches; space-division switching; spatial light modulators; time-division switching; High speed optical techniques; Optical fiber devices; Optical fiber networks; Optical receivers; Optical refraction; Optical switches; Optical transmitters; Optical waveguides; Space technology; Wideband;
Journal_Title :
Consumer Electronics, IEEE Transactions on
