Wavelength-selective 1×K switches using free-space optics and MEMS micromirrors: theory, design, and implementation

Author

Marom, Dan M. ; Neilson, David T. ; Greywall, Dennis S. ; Pai, Chien-Shing ; Basavanhally, Nagesh R. ; Aksyuk, Vladimir A. ; López, Daniel O. ; Pardo, Flavio ; Simon, Maria Elina ; Low, Yee ; Kolodner, Paul ; Bolle, Cristian A.

Author_Institution

Bell Labs., Holmdel, NJ, USA

Volume

23

Issue

4

fYear

2005

fDate

4/1/2005 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1620

Lastpage

1630

Abstract

The design and performance of several generations of wavelength-selective 1×K switches are reviewed. These optical subsystems combine the functionality of a demultiplexer, per-wavelength switch, and multiplexer in a single, low-loss unit. Free-space optics is utilized for spatially separating the constituent wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) channels as well as for space-division switching from an input optical fiber to one of K output fibers (1×K functionality) on a channel-by-channel basis using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) micromirror array. The switches are designed to provide wide and flat passbands for minimal signal distortion. They can also provide spectral equalization and channel blocking functionality, making them well suited for use in transparent WDM optical mesh networks.

Keywords

demultiplexing equipment; micromechanical devices; micromirrors; multiplexing equipment; optical arrays; optical communication equipment; optical design techniques; optical fibre networks; optical losses; optical switches; space division multiplexing; wavelength division multiplexing; 1×K switches; MEMS micromirrors; WDM networks; channel blocking functionality; demultiplexer functionality; flat passband switches; free-space optics; low-loss multiplexer; micromirror array; minimal signal distortion; optical fiber; optical mesh networks; optical subsystems; per-wavelength switch; space-division switching; spectral equalization; switch design; transparent optical networks; wavelength division multiplexing channels; wavelength-selective switches; Microelectromechanical systems; Micromechanical devices; Micromirrors; Optical arrays; Optical design; Optical distortion; Optical fibers; Optical network units; Optical switches; Wavelength division multiplexing; Gratings; microelectromechanical devices; microelectromechanical system (MEMS); optical add/drop multiplexing (OADM); optical filters; optical switches; wavelength-selective switch;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Lightwave Technology, Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0733-8724

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/JLT.2005.844213

Filename

1424138