Abstract

Optical signals are used almost exclusively for point-to-point transport in existing communication systems, while signal processing and switching are handled in the electronic domain. High speed optical-waveguide space-switches would allow circuit switching or network packetrouting to be performed in the optical domain, reducing the need for optoelectronic conversion, and producing an optically "transparent" network. The optical switches utilized, should be compact and fabricated in a semiconductor material, to be easily cascaded and integrated with other active devices. In addition, if wavelength independent, they would be suitable for use in WDM networks.

© 1995 IEEE