HIGH-DENSITY DIGITAL FREE-SPACE PHOTONIC SWITCHES USING MICRO-BEAM OPTICAL INTERCONNECTIONS

We describe a compact free-space photonic-switching module that uses m icro-beam optical interconnections based on stacked planar optics and exciton absorption reflection switch (EARS) arrays, The switching modu le has two-dimensional fiber array pigtails and a two-stage, 16-input, 16-output structure (four sets of 4 x 4 switches). The microbeam opti cal interconnections can provide a compact switching module (approxima tely 30 x 90 x 22 mm [60 cc]), A relay lens array inserted between sta ges eliminates beam spreading in the switch and decreases the coupling loss and crosstalk of interconnections. Two-stage switching at a data transmission rate of 4 Mbit/s is demonstrated.