Abstract

To efficiently utilize the bandwidth and parallelism offered by free-space optics, new switching network topologies must be developed that can capitalize on the novel benefits of photonics while circumventing its short-comings. In particular, the topologies must (1) take advantage of 3D connectivity between planar arrangements of optical logic devices, (2) use interconnections that are easy to implement in optics, (3) require low fanin and fanout on the logic devices to maintain large noise margins and signals levels, (4) offer a high degree of fault-tolerance for the emerging logic devices, and (5) be flexible enough to adapt to changing technologies. In addition, the topologies should provide very low blocking probabilities and should permit multi-casting operations for switching of broadband video and data traffic in the future.

© 1991 Optical Society of America