Abstract

We propose a novel optical N×N switch network based on MMI elements and a nested rings topology. Reductions compared to the conventional Beneš network include the number of switching elements, power consumption, and physical device area. As much as 20% reduction to the number of elements is achievable for an N×N switch. An equation has also been derived for the number of switches. Since MMI elements in this type of device are required to operate with bi-directional inputs, passive simulation shows that they can exhibit low losses of 0.1dB with −52dB of crosstalk.

© 2007 Optical Society of America