Liquid crystal-based optical space switches fordwdm networks

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of using conventional liquid crystal materials as reconfigurable holographic or diffractive phase elements within optical space switches and the resulting constraints in their choice and use in a telecommunication environment. We discuss the advantage of this technology for implementing holographic-based approaches with respect to other techniques. As an illustration we give two examples which illustrate two generic architectures and complementary use of liquid crystal to implement them. Finally, we give some trends on implementations of high channel capacity space switches based on this technology.