OPN02-3: Low Complexity Design of a Wavelength-Selective Switch Using Raman Amplifiers and Directional Couplers

We propose a novel wavelength-selective switch using Raman amplifiers and directional couplers for WDM packet routing, where the switching operation is performed by pumping proper injection wavelengths individually to Raman amplifiers so that the corresponding wavelengths multiplexed in the incident signal will get power amplification and be routed to desired output port. In comparison to an existing work, our design provides: (i) lower complexity, where the number of Raman amplifiers used in a switch can be reduced; and (ii) configurable gain, where the output power gain of individual wavelengths can be flexibly determined in a wide range. Both 1times2 switches and 2times2 switches are designed in this paper, which can be used to construct a large-scale WDM optical switches.