Architectures for large nonblocking optical space switches

This paper introduces three architectures for optical space switches that are based on a multiplicity of fiber interconnected optical components. The architectures eliminate the need for optical waveguide Crossovers and reduce the complexity required in the individual elements. The architectures are strictly nonblocking and allow for easy control and routing. Architecture type 1 exhibits a low system attenuation and a high system signal-to-noise ratio for very large switch dimensions. Architectures 2 and 3 are alternatives for realizing broadcast and point-to-point architectures.