Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Optical implementation of a polarization-independent bidirectional 3 × 3 optical switch

  • Published:
Photonic Network Communications Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Based on the important role of optical switching in all-optical communications, a novel 3 × 3 optical switch is proposed using Phase Spatial Light Modulators (PSLM), Polarizing Beam-Splitters (PBS), mirrors, and Quarter-Wave Plates (QWP). This new configuration of optical switch has the advantages of being compact in structure, efficient in performance, and insensitive to polarization of the signal beam. Moreover, the functions of the 3 × 3 optical switch have been implemented bidirectionally in free-space. According to the routing-state table of the polarization-independent 3 × 3 optical switch, its operational processes are analyzed, and the results show that the experimental module of the 3 × 3 optical switch can connect an arbitrary output port to any input port beams. Simultaneously, the module is scalable to large array sizes and has the capability of reconfiguration. Therefore, it should be helpful in the design of a large-scale switching matrix.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Naqaoka S. (1995). Optomechanical switches for fiber optic communication systems. Proc. SPIE-Int. Soc. Opt. Eng. 2576: 383–394

    Google Scholar 

  2. Goh T. (2001). Recent advances in large-scale silica-based thermo-optic switches. Proc. SPIE-Int. Soc. Opt. Eng. 4582: 49–56

    Google Scholar 

  3. Yuan W., Kim S., Sadowy G. and Zhang C. (2004). Polymeric electro-optic digital optical switches with low switching voltage. Electron. Lett. 40(3): 195–197

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Chai T.Y., Cheng T.H. and Bose S.K. (2003). Array interconnection for rearrangeable 2-D MEMS optical switch. IEEE/OSA J. Lightwave Technol. 21(5): 1134–1140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Laor, H.: MEMS mirrors application in optical cross-connects. In: IEEE LEOS Summer Topical Meetings: Optical MEMS, pp. 20–22. Monterey, CA (1998)

  6. Borella M.S., Jue J.P. and Ramamurthy B. (1997). Optical components for WDM lightwave networks. Proc IEEE. 85(8): 1274–1307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Gonzalez C. and Collins S.D. (1997). Micromachined 1 × N fibre optic switch. IEEE Photonic. Tech. L. 9(5): 616–618

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Riza N.A. and Polla D.L. (1993). Micromachined fibre optic switch for optical networks. SPIE 1793: 108–126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Culverhouse D.O., ILaming R. and Farwell S.G. (1997). All fiber 2 × 2 polarization insensitive switch. IEEE Photonic. Tech. L. 9(4): 455–457

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Riza N.A. and Yuan S. (1998). Low optical interchannel crosstalk, fast switching speed, polarization independent 2 × 2 fibre optic switch using ferroelectric liquid crystals. Electron. Lett. 34(13): 1341–1342

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Wagner R.E. and Cheng J. (1980). Electrically controlled optical switch for multimode fiber applications. Appl. Opt. 19(17): 2921–2925

    Google Scholar 

  12. Soref R.A. (1981). Low-cross-talk 2 × 2 optical switch. Opt. Lett. 6(6): 275–277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Fujii Y. (1988). 1 × 2 optical switch for WDM transmission systems. Electron. Lett. 24(18): 1153–1154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Shankar N.K., Morris J.A., Yakymyshyn C.P. and Pollock C.R. (1990). A 2 × 2 fiber optic switch using chiral liquid crystal. IEEE Photon. Technol. Lett. 2(2): 147–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Soref R.A. and Mcmahon D.H. (1980). Total switching of unpolarized fiber light with a four-port electro-optic liquid-crystal device. Opt. Lett. 5(4): 147–149

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Optoelectronics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, China

    Jun-Bo Yang & Xian-Yu Su

Authors
  1. Jun-Bo Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xian-Yu Su
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jun-Bo Yang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Yang, JB., Su, XY. Optical implementation of a polarization-independent bidirectional 3 × 3 optical switch. Photon Netw Commun 15, 153–158 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11107-007-0109-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11107-007-0109-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation