Improved Array of Switches for Fiber-Optic Communications

A rectangular array of Y-junction electro-optical switches has been proposed as a prototype of reliable, high-speed cross-point switches for fiber-optic-based photonic communication systems. The proposed array would feature a hybrid digital/interference design. The proposed array would be an integrated-optics device, fabricated in the silicon-on-insulator material system; it would be compatible with silicon-based electronic integrated circuits and with up-to-date V-groove packaging.