Optical Switches

Optical communication using optical fibres as the transmission medium is essential to handling the massive growth of both telecom and datacom traffic. To fully realize the potential bandwidth available on these optical fibres, other components of the optical network system have to be developed, ranging from detectors and multiplexers to buffers and switches. This book addresses the different technologies which can be applied to switching optical signals. An optical switch functions by selectively switching an optical signal delivered through an optical fibre or in an integrated optical circuit to another. Several methods are available and each relies on a different physical mechanism for its operation. The various physical mechanisms used are discussed in the main chapters in the book which cover electro-optical, thermo-optical, micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS)-based and semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based optical switches. The book also covers switching based on optical nonlinear effects, liquid and photonic crystal optical switches as well as fibre, holographic, quantum optical and other types of optical switches. Each chapter discusses the choice of materials, fabrication techniques and key issues in switch design. With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Optical switches: materials and design is a standard reference for the telecommunications industry and those researching this important topic. Reviews this commercially significant area of research and addresses the different technologies which can be applied to switching optical signals Provides a balanced look at the developments which can be defined as key trends in optical switches Major optical switches including electro-optical, thermo optical and magneto-optical switches are discussed and the respective theory and principles of each explored

OPTICAL SWITCHING Comprehensive coverage of optical switching technologies and their applications in optical networks Optical Switching: Device Technology and Applications in Networks delivers an accessible exploration of the evolution of optical networks with clear explanations of the current state-of-the-art in the field and modern challenges in the development of Internet-of-Things devices. A variety of optical switches—including MEMS-based, magneto, photonic, and SOA-based—are discussed, as is the application of optical switches in networks. The book is written in a tutorial style, easily understood by both undergraduate and graduate students. It describes the fundamentals and recent developments in optical switch networks and examines the architectural and design challenges faced by those who design and construct emerging optical switch networks, as well as how to overcome those challenges. The book offers ways to assess and analyze systems and applications, comparing a variety of approaches available to the reader. It also provides: A thorough introduction to switch characterization, including optical, electro optical, thermo optical, magneto optical, and acoustic-optic switches Comprehensive explorations of MEMS-based, SOA-based, liquid crystal, photonic crystal, and optical electrical optical (OEO) switches Practical discussions of quantum optical switches, as well as nonlinear optical switches In-depth examinations of the application of optical switches in networks, including switch fabric control and optical switching for high-performance computing Perfect for researchers and professionals in the fields of telecommunications, Internet of Things, and optoelectronics, Optical Switching: Device Technology and Applications in Networks will also earn a place in the libraries of advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying optical networks, optical communications, and sensor applications.

This book introduces the reader to the optical switching technology for its application to data centers. In addition, it takes a picture of the status of the technology and system architecture evolution and of the research in the area of optical switching in data center. The book is organized in four parts: the first part is focused on the system aspects of optical switching in intra-data center networking, the second part is dedicated to describing the recently demonstrated optical switching networks, the third part deals with the latest technologies developed to enable optical switching and, finally, the fourth part of the book outlines the future prospects and trends.

Optical Switching Networks describes all the major switching paradigms developed for modern optical networks, discussing their operation, advantages, disadvantages and implementation. Following a review of the evolution of optical WDM networks, an overview of the future trends out. The latest developments in optical access, local, metropolitan, and wide area networks are covered, including detailed technical descriptions of generalized multiprotocol label switching, waveband switching, photonic slot routing, optical flow, burst and packet switching. The convergence of optical and wireless access networks is also discussed, as are the IEEE 802.17 Resilient Packet Ring and IEEE 802.3ah Ethernet passive optical network standards and their WDM upgraded derivatives. The feasibility, challenges and potential of next-generation optical networks are described in a survey of state-of-the-art optical networking testbeds. Animations showing how the key optical switching techniques work are available via the web, as are lecture slides (www.cambridge.org/9780521868006).

Photonic MEMS devices represent the next major breakthrough in the silicon revolution. While many quality resources exist on the optic and photonic aspect of device physics, today’s researchers are in need of a reference that goes beyond to include all aspects of engineering innovation. An extension on traditional design and analysis, Photonic MEMS Devices: Design, Fabrication, and Control describes a broad range of optical and photonic devices, from MEMS optical switches and bandgap crystal switches to optical variable attenuators (VOA) and injection locked tunable lasers. It deals rigorously with all these technologies at a fundamental level, systematically introducing critical nomenclature. Each chapter also provides analysis techniques, equations, and experimental results. The book focuses not only on traditional design analysis, but also provides extensive background on realistic simulation and fabrication processes. With a clear attention to experimental relevance, this book provides the fundamental knowledge needed to take the next-step in integrating photonic MEMS devices into commercial products and technology.

This book provides a step-by-step discussion through each topic of fiber optics. Each chapter explores theoretical concepts of principles and then applies them by using experimental cases with numerous illustrations. The book works systematically through fiber optic cables, advanced fiber optic cables, light attenuation in optical components, fiber optic cable types and installations, fiber optic connectors, passive fiber optic devices, wavelength division multiplexing, optical amplifiers, optical receivers, opto-mechanical switches, and optical fiber communications. It includes important chapters in fiber optic lighting, fiber optics testing, and laboratory safety.

The 1990 International Topical Meeting on Photonic Switching was held April 12-14, 1990, in Kobe, Japan, in conjunction with the 1990 International Meet ing on Optical Computing. It was sponsored by the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers in cooperation with the IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics Society, the Optical Society of America, and the Japan So ciety of Applied Physics. The attendance was in excess of 340 persons, with 18 countries represented - a testimony to the current international interest in photonic switching. This book contains expanded and more detailed versions of most of the papers presented at the topical meeting. With the success of optical fibers there is an increased demand for a switch ing system that can operate directly on the light present in the fibers. The goal is to reduce the total number of optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical transformations as far as possible, in addition to exploiting the large spec tral and temporal bandwidth offered by such an optically transparent system.

As Internet traffic grows and demands for quality of service become stringent, researchers and engineers can turn to this go-to guide for tested and proven solutions. This text presents the latest developments in high performance switches and routers, coupled with step-by-step design guidance and more than 550 figures and examples to enable readers to grasp all the theories and algorithms used for design and implementation.