Abstract

Issues arising from the use of retroreflector arrays to implement the crossover interconnect in multistage switching networks will be presented. Several authors have adopted this technique.^1-4 This paper will discuss its advantages and some of its limitations and drawbacks. In particular, the precision to which it is necessary to fabricate the arrays will be explained. The discussion will provide details on the use of one type of retroreflector array—the prismatic mirror array^1,4—in the implementation of part of a network. This network uses prism arrays of different periods to interconnect 16 × 8 arrays of symmetric SEEDs operating as logic gates.

© 1990 Optical Society of America