Abstract

We present a digital free-space photonic switch structure that uses exciton absorption reflection switch (EARS) arrays. The network topology of the switch is a banyan network. This switch structure uses microbeam interconnections to realize a compact switch fabric. The low-loss interconnection that is necessary for high-speed operation can be achieved by the use of an optical system based on birefringent plates. A prototype switch (based on an 8 × 8 EARS array) with fiber array pigtails is fabricated and used to demonstrate two-input, two-output switching of 8-Mbits/s signals. This digital switch may be applicable to large-scale, multistage switching networks for optical interconnections and broadband telecommunication switching systems.

© 1994 Optical Society of America

Five-stage free-space optical switching network with field-effect transistor self-electro-optic-effect-device smart-pixel arrays

Frederick B. McCormick, Tom J. Cloonan, Anthony L. Lentine, Jose M. Sasian, Rick L. Morrison, Martin G. Beckman, Sonya L. Walker, Mike J. Wojcik, Steve J. Hinterlong, Randy J. Crisci, Robert A. Novotny, and H. Scott Hinton
Appl. Opt. 33(8) 1601-1618 (1994)

Experimental investigation of a free-space optical switching network by using symmetric self-electro-optic-effect devices

F. B. McCormick, F. A. P. Tooley, T. J. Cloonan, J. L. Brubaker, A. L. Lentine, R. L. Morrison, S. J. Hinterlong, M. J. Herron, S. L. Walker, and J. M. Sasian
Appl. Opt. 31(26) 5431-5446 (1992)

Shuffle-equivalent interconnection topologies based on computer-generated binary-phase gratings

Thomas J. Cloonan, Gaylord W. Richards, Rick L. Morrison, Anthony L. Lentine, Jose M. Sasian, Frederick B. McCormick, Steven J. Hinterlong, and H. Scott Hinton
Appl. Opt. 33(8) 1405-1430 (1994)

Six-stage digital free-space optical switching network using symmetric self-electro-optic-effect devices

F. B. McCormick, T. J. Cloonan, F. A. P. Tooley, A. L. Lentine, J. M. Sasian, J. L. Brubaker, R. L. Morrison, S. L. Walker, R. J. Crisci, R. A. Novotny, S. J. Hinterlong, H. S. Hinton, and E. Kerbis
Appl. Opt. 32(26) 5153-5171 (1993)

Beam array generation and holographic interconnections in a free-space optical switching network

Rick L. Morrison, Sonya L. Walker, and Tom J. Cloonan
Appl. Opt. 32(14) 2512-2518 (1993)