Acousto-Optic Commutation of Fiber-Optic Channels

Abstract

An acousto-optic commutator of fiber-optic channels based on a ТеО₂ two-coordinate deflector has been proposed and realized. The commutator yields switching of optical radiation from a single output waveguide into a two-dimensional input matrix of waveguides, or vice versa, switching from any matrix waveguide into a single output one. The main interrelated parameters have been obtained. It has been established that the commutator has a short response time of 2–10 μs, yields up to several hundreds of switching channels, low insertion losses of 2–5 dB, and a considerable inter-channel isolation from –35 to –60 dB. Experiments were performed for the output matrix containing 19 waveguides. The channel multiplexing operating mode of this commutator has been demonstrated, which is simultaneous transmission of a signal from the output waveguide into a given number of waveguides of the input matrix.