All-optic Switch Actuated by Optical Data

The bandwidth increases in telecommunication networks has led to a greater need for optical switching fabrics that can handle not only high data rates, but also large numbers of separate data channels. Due to limitations on die size, I/O count, and thepower of monolithic switch devices, the total size of a desired switching fabric often exceeds the capacity of a single IC in a given technology generation.This research explores the feasibility of an all-optic switch actuated at the leading and trailing edges of the optical message. Switching times of less than 0.5 ps are proposed.With the messages containing routing information, the functions of ICs becomemuch simpler. This permits greater throughput and scaleability at lower cost. It also permits increasing the total size of a desired switching fabric without putting undue burdens on the necessary supporing devices.