Integrated optical multi-/demultiplexer using acoustooptic effect for multiwavelength optical communications

Optical integrated switching systems using collinear acoustooptic (AO) interactions for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems are discussed. The AO switch module has excellent advantages compared to electrooptic switches. Optical WDM signals can be wavelength-selectively switched by frequency multiplexed surface acoustic waves. WDM switching systems are proposed as an application of this AO switch, and optical insertion loss, crosstalk, and optical frequency shift are discussed. Wavelength-selective characteristics in the AO module are established. The crosstalk from other wavelengths is found to be reduced by decreasing slightly the switching transfer efficiency. The wavelength-selective switching was experimentally demonstrated with a slab-type module of a 4-mm interaction region, where the WDM interval of 25.2 Å was realized. This wavelength interval can be decreased by increasing the interaction length