Six-stage digital free-space optical switching network using symmetric self-electro-optic-effect devices

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Computer Architecture
• Holography

Background:

• Interconnection networks are crucial for parallel and distributed computing systems.
• Existing optical switching technologies face challenges in scalability and integration.
• The need for high-density, compact, and efficient interconnection solutions is growing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and demonstrate an extended generalized shuffle interconnection network.
• To implement a banyan interconnection pattern using advanced optical and holographic techniques.
• To present the architecture, design, and performance considerations of a novel optical switching system.

Main Methods:

• Utilized computer-generated Fourier holograms for implementing the banyan interconnection pattern.
• Employed custom metallization at each 32x32 switching node array.
• Integrated electrically controlled tristate symmetric self-electro-optic-effect devices.

Main Results:

• Successfully designed and demonstrated an extended generalized shuffle interconnection network.
• The six-stage system occupies a compact 9 in. x 12.5 in. area.
• Each switching node array features 10,240 optical pinouts and 32 electrical pinouts.

Conclusions:

• The developed system showcases a viable approach for high-density optical interconnections.
• The use of holography and self-electro-optic-effect devices enables compact and efficient switching.
• Further details on architecture, design, alignment, and tolerancing are provided.