4X4 Electro-Optical Matrix Switch For Fiber Optic Networks

Richard A. Soref

doi:10.1117/12.933340

15 October 1982 4X4 Electro-Optical Matrix Switch For Fiber Optic Networks

Richard A. Soref

Proceedings Volume 0326, Fiber Optics: Technology '82; (1982) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.933340
Event: 1982 Los Angeles Technical Symposium, 1982, Los Angeles, United States

Abstract

A new optical switching component for multimode fiber-optic networks has been developed. This voltage-controlled switch is an 8-port device coupled by GRINrod lenses to four input fibers and to four output fibers (graded index, 50-μm core diameter). The matrix switches light from any input to any output, and four simultaneous input-output connections are made. There are 24 such states. Switching is done via controlled reflection from two layers of nematic liquid crystal. This switch is the first multimode, electro-ontic, fiber-optic matrix. Construction is simple and compact, using only four glass prisms and two liquid crystal layers. The matrix architecture is based on a new dual-switching-array concept that provides very low levels of optical crosstalk, more than 53 dB below the optical input level. The 5-ms on/off response time is faster than that of electro--mechanical matrices, although the 40 Vrms addressing voltage is higher. The optical insertion loss had a minimum value of 6 dB and an average value of 15 dB. The latter is due to misalignment of fibers during attachment to the switch, which can be remedied. Because the present switch does not use moving parts, it is quite reliable.

Citation Download Citation

Richard A. Soref "4X4 Electro-Optical Matrix Switch For Fiber Optic Networks", Proc. SPIE 0326, Fiber Optics: Technology '82, (15 October 1982); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.933340

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