Multistage Optical Interconnects for Parallel Access Optical Memory

摘要

This contract demonstrated an optical multistage interconnection network (MIN) for interfacing and distribution of parallel access optical memories. This demonstration consisted of a folded, free space optical MIN using a novel folded dilated bypass exchange switch (DBS) built using birefringent computer generated holograms (BCGH) and polarization rotator elements. By utilizing the three dimensional functionality of the optical elements, the DBS elements can be stacked in the vertical dimension by folding the switch along its central line of symmetry. The interconnection between multiple DBS is also folded, forming a compact, transparent optical MIN network.