Theoretical and experimental characterization of an acousto-optic modulator for optical interconnections

摘要

In the last few years, user requirements in data rate and bandwidth have grown enormously. A remarkable technological evolution has taken place in two major areas: transmission and interconnection networks. The role of photonic components and technologies in switched networks will mainly be determined by the enhanced functionality given by photonics, e.g., transparency, avoiding electronic bottlenecks. If switched data are kept in an optical format rather than electronic format, it allows the switch bandwidth to be as high as the fiber bandwidth. All-optical, space-division interconnects can be made using an acousto-optic beam deflector. The aim of this work is carry out an experimental analysis on the characteristics and behavior of an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) in order to determine its limitations for switching applications. Relevant parameters of the acousto-optic device have been derived from a theoretical study. This has allowed the identification of the parameters to be optimized in a switching application.