title: Experimental investigation of a digital free-space photonic switch that uses exciton absorption reflection switch arrays.
abstract: We present a digital free-space photonic switch structure that uses exciton absorption reflection switch (EARS) arrays. The network topology of the switch is a banyan network. This switch structure uses microbeam interconnections to realize a compact switch fabric. The low-loss interconnection that is necessary for high-speed operation can be achieved by the use of an optical system based on birefringent plates. A prototype switch (based on an 8 × 8 EARS array) with fiber array pigtails is fabricated and used to demonstrate two-input, two-output switching of 8-Mbits/s signals. This digital switch may be applicable to large-scale, multistage switching networks for optical interconnections and broadband telecommunication switching systems.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yukimatsu
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matsuo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Amano
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nakano
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kurokawa