Abstract
The use of free-space optics to perform high bandwidth connections for computing applications has been widely discussed in the literature. In this paper we present the practical results of a free-space optical crossbar switch which uses a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator as the active switching element. This work has formed part of a collaborative project entitled OCPM which is concerned with developing optical free-space crossbar switching technology for use as the communications fabric for parallel computing systems. The OCPM project (Optically Connected Parallel Machines) is a collaboration between British Aerospace (Sowerby Research Centre), Meiko, BNR Europe, Heriot-Watt University, the University of Bath and Thorn EMI CRL. The project is coordinated by British Aerospace and is funded in part by the DTI and SERC.
© 1993 Optical Society of America
PDF ArticleMore Like This
H. J. White, N. A. Brownjohn, C. Stace, G. M. Proudley, A. C. Walker, M. R. Taghizadeh, B. Robertson, C. P. Barrett, and M. J. Birch
SDS129 Photonics in Switching (PS) 1993
D. M. Monro, J. A. Dallas, J. A. Nicholls, M. D. Cripps, and W. A. Crossland
OThD.5 Optical Computing (IP) 1993
C. P. Barrett, A. C. Walker, D. T. Neilson, and B. R. Robertson
MOIO.227 International Optical Design Conference (IODC) 1994