A new nonblocking photonic switching network

Abstract

In this paper, a new switch architecture is proposed for nonblocking photonic switching. The switch is a space division multistage network using 2/spl times/2 optical switching elements, which may be directional couplers, fabricated on titanium diffused lithium niobate (Ti:LiNbO/sub 3/) substrates. The idea behind the proposed architecture and a recursive definition for it are presented. Some properties of the switch are derived and analyzed. The performance of the switch is also discussed and compared with other well-known designs.