Multistage optical system for broadcasting and switching information

Conventional switching systems connect each input channel to one output cha nnel. Broadcasting systems permit the connection of each input channel to m ore than a single output. A broadcast 2 x 2 switch is presented. This switc h is an extension of the standard bypass-exchange switch. It allows for the broadcasting of the inputs in addition to the conventional modes. Multista ge interconnection networks can be constructed with this switch as the basi c building Mock. Such networks will extend their capabilities, allowing for broadcasting features. Three implementations of this type are described, a nd experimental results for the 2 x 2 switch are also presented. (C) 1999 O ptical Society of America.