Highly efficient interconnection for use with a multistage optical switching network with orthogonally polarized data and address information

Abstract

A novel optical interconnection is introduced for a multistage optical switching network that uses orthogonally polarized data and address information. The network is unique in that the data information is never regenerated and remains in optical form throughout 1i.e., it is never converted into electrical information2. This has two main consequences: 112 the bandwidth of the data is not restricted by electrical circuit considerations, and 122 the optical interconnections from one stage of the network to the next must be highly efficient. The interconnection meets several goals: high efficiency, preservation of cross polarization of data and address, low cross talk between polarizations, good manufacturability, resistance to misalignment caused by thermal expansion, and absence of significant aberrations. In addition, sychronization of the signals is maintained, as the optical path lengths for all routes through the system are equal.

Spatial-coherence modulation for optical interconnections

“…For example, carrying the data and the address on different polarizations has been proposed. 1,2 Reconfigurable holograms have also been discussed to allow changing addresses in a system. 3,4 Another area for development in free-space communications is that of increasing capacity of existing optical data links, for example, by addition of increased levels of multiplexing.…”