Abstract

The evolution of optical communication plays an important role in our transmission systems. Many systems are put into commercial telecommunication services and are being introduced into networks as essential parts to realize the integrated service digital network. However, in the area of switching systems, many issues have been raised concerning the electrooptical and optical-electro conversions between the transmission and switching systems interface, especially in the high bandwidth environment. In this paper, we describe the state-of-the-art optical switching techniques and systems. Various optical devices for potential applications in switching systems are also discussed.

© 1985 Optical Society of America