Optical Switch Array Using Banyan Network∗

A large scale optical switch array based on guided-wave technology using banyan network architecture is demonstrated. Banyan network architecture is the simplest N×N network connecting a input port to all the output ports. A banyan network optical switch array serves as a base for constructing many classes of switch networks, as we propose in this report. We fabricated a 32×32 switch and measured its characteristics. Drive voltage was about ±12 V and extinction ratio was 18 dB, and the average insertion loss was 18 dB. Preliminary experiments were conducted on a 64×64 device. The use of proton exchanged waveguides makes a 10 mm radius of curvature feasible. key words: optical switch, switch matrix, waveguide, LiNbO3