Rearrangeable Nonblocking 8×8 Matrix Optical Switch based on Silica Waveguides and Extended Banyan Network

Abstract

Based on the CROSSBAR network (CN) and the BANYAN network (BN), two new rearrangeable nonblocking constructions of extended BANYAN network (EBN) were proposed for implementing 8×8 optical matrix switch. The interconnection characteristics of these two types of rearrangeable nonblocking EBN were studied, and the driver logic program of switching units was provided. The calculated insertion loss is 3.3 dB for 8×8 optical matrix switch. Silica waveguide 8×8 matrix optical switch was designed and fabricated according to the calculated results. The silica waveguide propagation loss of 0.1dB/cm and waveguide- fiber coupling loss of 0.5dB/point were measured out. With the fabricated 8×8 matrix optical switch, optical insertion loss of 4.6 dB, cross-talk of -38 dB, polarization dependent loss of 0.4 dB, averaged switching power of 1.6 W, and switching time of 1 ms were achieved. A basic agreement between experimental results and theoretical calculated values was achieved.