Integrated optical switch array

Abstract

An optical switch array in which a plurality of input waveguides is coupled to a plurality of output waveguides. All but one of the output waveguides is coupled to each of the input waveguides by a switching element such as a 1×2 switch. A combining mechanism couples all the input waveguides to each of the output waveguides. In one preferred embodiment, one of the input waveguides continues directly into the output waveguide that is not coupled to input waveguides by switching elements, and each combining mechanism includes, for each of the other input waveguides, a coupling element such as a y-junction combiner. The switching elements are connected to the corresponding combining mechanisms by intermediate waveguides. Intermediate waveguides intersect input waveguides as required to allow the array to be fabricated as a planar integrated device.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An optical switch array comprising: 
 (a) a plurality of input waveguides; and    (b) a plurality of output waveguides;    all said waveguides being arranged substantially in a common plane, all said waveguides being curved and concentric.    
     
     
         2 . The optical switch array of    claim 1   , wherein said input waveguides are radially inward from said output waveguides.  
     
     
         3 . The optical switch array of    claim 1   , having at least 16 said input waveguides and at least 16 said output waveguides, the optical switch array being fabricated on a substantially circular substrate having a diameter of at most about four inches.  
     
     
         4 . The optical switch array of    claim 3   , wherein said substrate is a face of a Z-cut lithium niobate crystal.  
     
     
         5 . The optical switch array of    claim 3   , having 32 said input waveguides and 32 said output waveguides.