Photonic Switching Using S-Seed Arrays

The use of free-space optics to construct complex digital systems offers some attractive advantages. In particular free-space optical interconnection provide the capability for a high density of connections. Densities which have the potential to rival the density of interconnection of the most advanced electronics packaging. It is this capability which we wish to exploit in the applications of Symmetric Self Electro-Optic Effect Devices (S-SEED) to photonic switching systems. An aspect of new, highly complex switching fabrics is the demand for high density of interconnections; many connections in a small volume. Many connections because of the complex nature of modem multistage switching fabrics and occupying a small volume to minimize propagation delays in potential broadband applications. This work will concentrate on the application of S-SEED devices in building a multistage switching fabrics. The following sections will relate the operation of S-SEED devices, the applicaItion of S-SEED devices in a regular interconnection pattern and finally, an application which was constructed to examine the capabilities of free-space optical interconnections for building switching systems will be shown.