Low loss, polarization insensitive, high speed fiber optic switch

High performance fiberoptic switches are in great demand for use in optical communication networks and modern defense systems. Current fiberoptic switches do not simultaneously meet the requirements of high speed, low loss, high extinction ratio, and highreliability. Based on the successful development of a state-of-the-art high speed and highly stable 1x1 switch, Agiltron Corporation proposes to fabricate a novel solid-state 1x2 switch, using electro-optical crystals with large electro-optic effect andexcellent thermal stability. This fiberoptic switch has leading edge performance attributes, which include electro-optic high-speed operation, polarization insensitivity and low optical insertion loss, as well as crystal ruggedness for high optical powerhandling and long-term stability. The design eliminates the need for mechanical movement, organic materials, and waveguides, which introduce intrinsic drawbacks. Moreover, the design is simple, compact, and cost effective. It is anticipated thatstate-of-the-art performance in several key specifications can be achieved through this program. These include both optical performance and reliability, as well as cost effectiveness. Prototype electro-optic 1x2 switches will be fabricated to demonstratefunctionality in Phase I. 2x2 version will be produced in Phase II.It is anticipated that the proposed high performance switch will have wide application in DoD systems such as photonic radar and fiberoptic microwave distribution network. The anticipatedcommercial communication switching market is very large with forecasted reaching billion dollars by year 2006.