Design and implementation of a polarization-controlled multistage interconnection network based on birefringent computer-generated holograms

Ashok V. Krishnamoorthy; Fang Xu; Joseph Earl Ford; Yeshaiahu Fainman

doi:10.1117/12.187305

29 September 1994 Design and implementation of a polarization-controlled multistage interconnection network based on birefringent computer-generated holograms

Ashok V. Krishnamoorthy, Fang Xu, Joseph Earl Ford, Yeshaiahu Fainman

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2297, Photonics for Processors, Neural Networks, and Memories II; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.187305
Event: SPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1994, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

There is a growing need in the telecommunication industry for a scalable switch that can provide high-throughput communication between a large number of I/O ports: a terabit switch. Recent advances in the area of fiber amplifiers has spurred interest in `transparent' optical networks, wherein communication between users is achieved without multiple conversions between the optical and electrical domains. Moreover, polarization compensators have been developed for single-mode fibers to allow automatic and stable control of the polarization stage of output optical signals. This may enable a polarization-independent switching system that uses polarization-dependent `all-optical' switches. Polarization switching has been widely proposed in the context of free-space optical multistage interconnection networks for switching applications as well as for multiprocessor interconnections. In this paper we suggest a novel polarization-controlled free-space optical switch and present the implementation and characterization of a 4 X 4 photonic switch. The switching system is based on a unique optical element capable of acting with an arbitrary independent phase function upon illumination with horizontally or vertically polarized monochromatic light. This element, known as a birefringent computer generated hologram (BCGH) is composed of two birefringent substrates, etched with a surface relief pattern and joined face to face. BCGH optical interconnects provide arbitrary independent, efficient responses to the two orthogonal linear polarizations, thereby reducing the number of optical components in the free-space optical system.

Citation Download Citation

Ashok V. Krishnamoorthy, Fang Xu, Joseph Earl Ford, and Yeshaiahu Fainman "Design and implementation of a polarization-controlled multistage interconnection network based on birefringent computer-generated holograms", Proc. SPIE 2297, Photonics for Processors, Neural Networks, and Memories II, (29 September 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.187305

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