Abstract

The core selective switch (CSS) is an optical spatial switch that has been recently proposed as a key building block to achieve a scalable and low-insertion-loss spatial cross-connects for use in future spatial channel networks. In this paper, we report on a novel CSS design employing a two dimensionally arranged microlens-based multicore fiber (MCF) collimator array and a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror array. The former enables precise alignment between MCFs and collimator lenses, and the latter yields polarization-independent high reflection over a wide wavelength range and a large tilt angle. Based on the design, a compact (∼50 mm) five-core $1 \times 8$ CSS prototype is fabricated. We experimentally show that the CSS prototype exhibits low insertion loss (1.2∼2.7 dB), low polarization dependent loss (< 0.25 dB), and low crosstalk (< $ - 30$ dB) characteristics over an ultra-wide wavelength range from 1500 nm to 1630 nm. Bit-error-rate measurements using optical signals in the C-band, S-band, and L-band show that the CSS prototype incurs no optical signal-to-noise ratio penalty in spatial channel routing over an ultra-wide wavelength band.

Enhancing the flexibility and functionality of SCNs: demonstration of evolution toward any-core-access, nondirectional, and contentionless spatial channel cross-connects [Invited]

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J. Opt. Commun. Netw. 13(8) D80-D92 (2021)

Bidirectional single-multicore-fiber spatial channel network based on a spatial cross-connect and multicore EDFA that efficiently accommodates asymmetric data traffic

Kyosuke Nakada, Hitoshi Takeshita, Yuki Kuno, Yusuke Matsuno, Itsuki Urashima, Yusuke Shimomura, Yuji Hotta, Tsubasa Sasaki, Yudai Uchida, Kohei Hosokawa, Ryohei Otowa, Rika Tahara, Emmanuel Le Taillandier de Gabory, Yasuki Sakurai, Ryuichi Sugizaki, and Masahiko Jinno
J. Opt. Commun. Netw. 15(11) 871-882 (2023)

Design of a low-cost and compact 1 × 5 wavelength-selective switch for access networks

Tianxin Lu, Neil Collings, Brian Robertson, and Daping Chu
Appl. Opt. 54(30) 8844-8855 (2015)

Mach–Zehnder interferometer switch with a high extinction ratio over a wide wavelength range

Takayuki Mizuno, Hiroshi Takahashi, Tsutomu Kitoh, Manabu Oguma, Toshimi Kominato, and Tomohiro Shibata
Opt. Lett. 30(3) 251-253 (2005)

Spatial Channel Network (SCN): Opportunities and Challenges of Introducing Spatial Bypass Toward the Massive SDM Era [Invited]

Masahiko Jinno
J. Opt. Commun. Netw. 11(3) 1-14 (2019)