Lossless and low-crosstalk characteristics in an InP-based 4/spl times/4 optical switch with integrated single-stage optical amplifiers

We report for the first time a successful operation of a 4/spl times/4 optical switch. A novel structure is utilized to achieve lossless and extremely low crosstalk characteristics. Sixteen of carrier-injection type optical single-slip-structure (S/sup 3/) switch with traveling-wave amplifier (COSTA) are monolithically integrated in 4/spl times/4 crossbar configuration on an InP substrate. A fiber-to-fiber gain of 5 dB and an on/off ratio of 54 dB have been demonstrated using this structure. We believe this switch structure has a potential to be employed in a large scale photonic switching system where low loss and low crosstalk are critical requirements.<>