Abstract

Integrated-optic (IO) space-division switching architectures¹ utilizing electro-optic (EO) switch arrays^2,3 have been rigorously explored in recent years. In this paper we report on a symmetric nonblocking integrated acousto-optic (AO) space-division switch module that consists of a TI channel-planar-channel composite waveguide structure, a beam expanding/collimating and a focusing Ti-indiffused proton-exchanged (TIPE) waveguide lenses,⁴ as well as multiple tilted SAW interdigital transducers (IDTs) in a y-cut LiNbO3 substrate. Potentially, with increasing switch array size, this guided-wave AO space switch module will incur considerably lower increments in waveguide substrate size and performance parameters, such as cross talk, number of electronic drivers, insertion loss, etc., than the guided-wave EO switch modules.² This AO switch module is capable of performing strictly nonblocking point-to-point multicast as well as multipoint-to-point switching.

© 1991 Optical Society of America