Novel Photonic Switching Array with Large Scale Matrix Forming Capability

Photonic approaches are attractive for next generation computing and communication systems. Large-scale photonic switch matrix is however difficult to realize because of the limitation of existing switching device architectures and fabricationtechnologies. Typically photonic switch matrix requires N2 cascaded matrix switching elements for N x N non-blocking switching. The large number of switching nodes involved makes the switch matrix suffer from significant crosstalk due to imperfect analogswitching. This limits the matrix size that can be achieved. Using binary switching control can facilitate the formation of large-scale switch matrix. But current technology suffers from slow switching reconfiguration rate. New Span Opto-Technology Inc.proposes a novel photonic switch matrix using all optical control for switch pattern reconfiguration. By minimizing the switching nodes and incorporating binary switching the novel device should minimize the switch crosstalk, improve device throughput, andoffer the simultaneous advantages of large scaling matrix forming capability and fast switch pattern reconfiguration. It further minimizes switch system sensitivity to EMI due to all-optical binary switching. The feasibility of the proposed switch matrixconcept has been successfully demonstrated in Phase I. This Phase II study will optimize the device and realize a large-scale photonic switch matrix for communication and computing applications.