Optical data processing technique for optical communication switch node

Electronic solutions are limited by pin-out and the capacitance/inductance of interconnections. Therefore, large broadband optical switch nodes require novel hardware solutions that can benefit from the inclusion of self- routing optical data switching and optical interconnect network. A novel self-routing optical data switching technique for an optical communication switch node has been analyzed and demonstrated by using a vertical cavity surface emitting laser array and a micro-lens array for fan in and fan out. An optical image copy and an optical lookup table concept were used to rapidly decode the address header of the input optical signal. This decoding system can immediately determine the switch state to route optical path in the optical communication switch node. We constructed a complete, small-scale optical self-routing interconnected network, and used this technology to process a packet optical signal with a 8-bit address header. Initial test results with this network successfully demonstrated the unique advantages of our high-speed, and self-routing switching node. This novel self-routing optical data switching technique is cost effective and fast. Moreover, the optical self-routing switching node can be developed in accordance with a network standard such as ATM/SONET. In addition, it can be used in high-speed multimedia communication networks and private industry.