Recent Advances in Optical Switches Using Silica-based PLC Technology

摘要

We review recent progress in optical switches based on planar lightwave circuit (PLC) technology. First, we describe the basic configuration and fabrication of silica-based PLC switches. Then, we describe the configuration and characteristics of N * N strictly nonblocking matrix switches (mainly a 16 * 16 switch), 1 * N switches (mainly a 1 * 128 switch), a 128 * 128 switching sub-system consisting of 256 1 * 128 switch modules, and an optical add/drop multiplexing circuit consisting of arrayed waveguide gratings and 2 * 2 switches. We also report a low power consumption trial for large-scale PLC switches and the results of reliability tests.