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Optical Switching Systems, Components and Applications Research

Objectif

The objective of OSCAR is to develop key switching technologies and materials to support evolution towards integrated optical networks. OSCAR makes use of practical test beds as tools to verify its results both at the components and the systems level. Recommendations and a compilation of 'the OSCAR view on photonic switching' are to be issued.
The objective of OSCAR is to develop key switching technologies and materials to support evolution towards integrated optical networks. OSCAR makes use of practical test beds as tools to verify its results both at the components and the systems level. Recommendations and a compilation of the OSCAR view of photonic switching have been issued.
Technologies used to implement electrically controlled, guided wave optical switches are implemented using: lithium niobate intially, and indium phosphide base epitaxial structures for the major part of the project. Several specific types of switches are being designed, fabricated, packaged and tested. Laboratory components have been demonstrated and packaged devices made available for OSCAR systems demonstrators. These devices exploit the monolithic integration of space switches and optoelectronic devices, such as detectors and optical amplifiers, as well as integration of high speed gallium argenide or indium phosphide electronic circuits. Entire functional modules are being assembled including switches, drivers electronics and fibre inputs and outputs. Withthe performance of indium phosphide photonic devices now fulfilling system requirements the first practical validations of these devices in system components, explores the possibilities of semiconductor devices in advanced switch and system architectures.
System studies examine the cost/performance benefits of optical switches in different applications and network topologies. Optical and electronic switching systems are generally considered complementary. OSCAR is therefore investigating hybrid approaches to make best use of both types of switch.
Active use is made of practical testbeds as tools to verify project results both at the component and at the system concept level.
Technical Approach

Technologies used to implement electrically controlled, guided wave optical switches are implemented using: lithium niobate initially, and InP based epitaxial structures for the major part of the project. Several specific types of switches are being designed, fabricated, packaged and tested. Laboratory components have been demonstrated and packaged devices made available for OSCAR systems demonstrators and for other RACE projects.

These devices exploit the monolithic integration of space switches and opto-electronic devices, such as detectors and optical amplifiers, as well as integration of high speed GaAs or InP electronic circuits. Entire functional modules are being assembled including switches, driver electronics and fibre inputs and outputs. With the performance of InP photonic devices now fulfilling system requirements; first practical validations of these devices in system environments are now underway. Work on future components, explores the possibilities of semiconductor devices in advanced switch and system architectures.

System studies examine the cost/performance benefits of optical switches in different applications and network topologies. Optical and electronic switching systems are generally considered complementary; OSCAR is therefore investigating hybrid approaches to make best use of both types of switch.

Active use is made of practical testbeds as tools to verify project results both at the component and at the system concept level.

Key Issues

- System concepts for the application of optical switches.
- Realisation of optical space, time and wavelength waveguide switch fabrics; control and synchronisation of optical switches.
- Design, fabrication and testing of III-V semiconductor switches.
- Integration of optical switches with electronic and opto-electronic components.
- Fibre-waveguide alignments and packaging of optical switches.
- Cost and performance trade-offs.

Achievements

- Classification of optical switching applications into routing and signal processing.
- Wavelength switching, bit switching and multiplexing.
- Specifications established for three OSCAR testbeds built and investigated.
- ACCESS and OPTIMUS testbed demonstrated at ECOC/IOOC 91 exhibition.
- LiNbO3 devices fabricated for the demonstrators:
- Reliable packaging techniques developed for LiNbO3 switches and environmental tests successfully performed.
- Realisation of multifunctional semiconductor integrated optics devices.
- Modelling studies of passive and active integrated optics waveguide devices and switch components.
- Very low loss waveguides fabricated (0.2 dB/cm best, 0.5 dB/cm typical), low loss waveguide corner mirrors and bends.
- 2x2 and 4x4 InP based switches fabricated.
- First realisation of digital optical switches in compound semiconductors. Digital switches open avenue towards looser fabrication tolerances and > 4 x 4 switches.
- Zero loss integrated optical amplifier/waveguide switches.
- Integration of high speed detectors and switches.
- Passive active node switches with integrated detectors.
- Integration of high speed switch matrices with electronic drivers in both GaAs epitaxial lift-off and with InP heterobipolar transistor technology.
- Consolidation of the OSCAR view and recommendations on the application potential of optical switching.

Expected Impact

The impact of the project on IBC will be increased technical flexibility in the optical regime leading to greater efficiency and enhanced performance for IBC systems. Three RACE II projects are working on advanced switching concepts whose foundations are at least in part an outgrowth of the OSCAR project.

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Coordinateur

Swiss Federal Inst of Technology
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HPT E5.2
8093 Zurich
Suisse

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