Abstract

A free-space optical crossbar network integrated in a single block of ${\mathrm{LiNbO}}_3$ crystal is proposed, which consists of stages of $2\times 2$ switches making use of the electro-optic effect of crystal and in-between routing devices for permutation based on double refraction and internal double reflection on interfaces. Two basic configurations are suggested. A control algorithm for the crossbar network is discussed, which may control a nonblocking interconnection between any input and output. The integrated crossbar network is low energy loss, nonblocking, easy to assemble, and insensitive to environment. A $3\times 3$ crossbar network is designed and the experiment is demonstrated.

©2012 Optical Society of America

Cantor network, control algorithm, two-dimensional compact structure and its optical implementation

Ning Wang, Liren Liu, and Yaozu Yin
Appl. Opt. 34(35) 8176-8182 (1995)

Free-space optical implementation of a feed forward crossbar network

Thomas J. Cloonan
Appl. Opt. 29(14) 2006-2012 (1990)

Self-routing crossbar packet switch employing free-space optics for chip-to-chip interconnections

Thomas J. Cloonan and Anthony L. Lentine
Appl. Opt. 30(26) 3721-3733 (1991)

Single-mode fiber optical crossbar routing switch with ferroelectric liquid-crystal–VLSI technology and free-space optics

R. Moignard, Y. Defosse, S. Kerouédan, J. L. de Bougrenet de la Tocnaye, P. Le Gars, and C. Le Moing
Appl. Opt. 36(17) 3866-3876 (1997)

Mirror-folded free-space crossbars with holographic implementation

M. E. Marhic and S. G. Lee
Appl. Opt. 32(32) 6438-6444 (1993)