Riccardo Varrazza

Active vertical-coupler-based optical crosspoint switch matrix for optical packet-switching applications

Packet-switching characteristics are optimized across an integrated 4 /spl times/ 4 optical crosspoint switch matrix consisting of active vertical-coupler-based switch cells. Optical gain difference between the shortest and the longest paths less than 3 dB is demonstrated. Bit error rate (BER) and power penalty measurements during packet routing have also been carried out over the entire 4 /spl times/ 4 matrix. At a 10-Gb/s packet data rate, a less than 1-dB power penalty is observed across the switch matrix, and the possibility for error-free packet routing is demonstrated with no BER floor observed.

Lossless optical packet multicast using active vertical coupler based optical crosspoint switch matrix

This paper investigates a novel optical multicast scheme without excess optical splitting loss to be realized using an active vertical coupler (AVC)-based optical switch matrix, due to the optical gain available in the AVC switch cells. Theoretical analysis and computer simulation have been carried out regarding the operational principle and switching characteristics of this scheme. Computer simulation further suggests that the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE)-limited scalability of the scheme can be as high as more than 40. Experiments using an existing 4 /spl times/ 4 switch-matrix device successfully demonstrated the predicted multicast switching operation. Measured switching characteristics and the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) values are in good agreement with simulation predictions. High switched-signal Q-factor values of 1-to-2 and 1-to-3 multicasting configurations indicate that the scale of the multicasting scheme can be further increased significantly.

Packet switching performance at 10 Gb/s across a 4 /spl times/ 4 optical crosspoint switch matrix

Packet-switching characteristics of an integrated 4 /spl times/ 4 InGaAsP-InP active vertical coupler optical cross-point switch matrix are optimized. Optical gain differences of less then 3 dB between the shortest and longest switching paths are achieved. Bit-error rate (BER) and power penalty measurements during packet routing have been carried out over the entire 4 /spl times/ 4 matrix. At 10-Gb/s packet data rate less than 1-dB power penalty is found across the switch matrix, and the possibility for error-free packet routing is demonstrated with no BER floor observed.

Highly flexible 4/spl times/4 optical crosspoint packet switch matrix for optical multicast operations

Multicasting packet-switching characteristics are achieved with an integrated 4/spl times/4 optical crosspoint switch matrix based on active vertical coupler switch cells. Q-factor analysis confirms the flexibility of such a device to perform different kinds of optical packet switching applications.

Advanced optical packet switching functions using active vertical-couplers-based optical switch matrix

This paper describes a fully packaged 4times4 optical crosspoint switch device with its core switch chip based on Bristols unique active vertical coupler switching technology. Demonstration of several advanced switching functions using this device are described. These include on-chip header/label detection, optically addressed optical unicast switching, optical multicast switching, and packet-level dynamic power equalization. These experiments highlight the unique performance, versatility, and rich application potential of the switch matrix device

Optical label Processing and 10-gb/s variable length optical packet switching using a 4 /spl times/ 4 optical crosspoint switch

We demonstrate the use of an integrated 4 /spl times/ 4 InGaAsP-InP active vertical coupler optical crosspoint switch matrix to detect optical labels and to further switch variable length optical packets at rate of 10 Gb/s. Label detection sensitivity is assessed. Switched payload Q-factor and power penalty measurements have been carried out. Power penalty of less than 1.5 dB is found.

Automatic per-packet dynamic power equalization in a 4/spl times/4 active coupler-based optical crosspoint packet switch matrix

Dynamic per-packet output power equalization is demonstrated in a 4 /spl times/ 4 active vertical coupler-based optical crosspoint packet switch, achieving response time of <100 ns and output power levels within /spl plusmn/0.3 dB for input dynamic range of 5 dB between consecutive optical packets.

A fully packaged 4/spl times/4 integrated optical switch matrix

This paper describes a packaged and fiber array coupled 4/spl times/4 optical crosspoint switch designed for optical packet switching. Alignment and fixation techniques of two perpendicular fiber arrays to the integrated InP-based switch chip have been developed. Thermal management is also included in the packaging. The packaged devices demonstrate long-term stability and have been used in switch modules, including the packaged device and electronic interfaces.

Optical packet multicast operation using active vertical coupler (AVC) based 4/spl times/4 optical crosspoint switch matrix

All optical multicast characterisation of an AVC based 4/spl times/4 optical switch matrix, which agreed with the modelling result, is reported. 10 Gb/s optical packet switching/multicasting operation in real time without optical split loss has been demonstrated.

4 × 4 optical cross-point packet switch matrix with minimized path-dependent optical gain

Packet-switching characteristics are optimized across an integrated 4 x 4 optical cross-point switch matrix based on active vertical coupler switch cells. Optical gain is demonstrated across the entire matrix with a <3-dB difference between the shortest and longest switching paths.