Abstract
An optical architecture is described that offers the maximum interconnectivity
afforded by light. The switch is described conceptually, and specific
implementations are detailed for a prototype and for a large-scale version that
supports more than 10 million channels, each of which carries data at rates of 10
Gbit/s or more. Results for a prototype are presented. Implementation issues,
including off-axis propagation and filter angular sensitivity, are addressed. The
architecture supports a new generation of parallel routers, and the switch is
strictly nonblocking if color switching is not required. Modest levels of color
switching, i.e., wavelength changing, can be supported by the architecture with
little change by use of an optical foreplane. If full color switching is required,
an optical backplane compatible with the architecture is used. Both opaque
(optical–electronic–optical) and transparent (mirror array) versions of the switch
are described. The architecture can support very low-cost switches for two reasons:
(1) The underlying components can utilize wafer-based technologies, and (2) a single
alignment can align hundreds or even thousands of channels at once.
© 2002 Optical Society of America
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