Channelizer switch

Abstract

An RF-photonics integrated communications module including: a plurality of RF input channels; a plurality of modulators each being responsive to one of the RF input channels; and, a plurality of photonic output channels coupled to the modulators via a switching network. The switching network includes a plurality of resonating elements coupled between the modulators and the output channels to selectively apply outputs of the modulators to the output channels.

I claim:  
     
         1 . An RF-photonics integrated communications module comprising: 
 a plurality of RF input channels;    a plurality of modulators each being responsive to one of said RF input channels; and,    a plurality of photonic output channels coupled to said modulators via a switching network;    wherein, said switching network comprises a plurality of resonating elements coupled between said modulators and said output channels to selectively apply outputs of said modulators to said output channels.    
     
     
         2 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein said resonating elements are coupled in a matrix fashion between said modulators and said outputs.  
     
     
         3 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein each of resonating elements comprises a ring resonator.  
     
     
         4 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein each of said resonating elements is a ring resonator.  
     
     
         5 . The module of  claim 1 , further comprising an optical signal input for receiving an optical input signal and being coupled to each of said modulators such that said modulators modulate said optical input signal in response to said RF inputs, respectively  
     
     
         6 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein each of said resonating elements comprises an elongated ring resonator.  
     
     
         7 . The module of  claim 1 , further comprising a second plurality of resonant elements coupled between said optical input and modulators for selectively applying portions of said optical input signal to said modulators.  
     
     
         8 . The module of  claim 7 , further comprising an amplifier coupled to said optical input.  
     
     
         9 . The module of  claim 8 , wherein said amplifier comprises a semiconductor optical amplifier.  
     
     
         10 . The module of  claim 7 , wherein said second plurality of resonant elements exhibit electro-refractive properties.  
     
     
         11 . The module of  claim 10 , wherein each of said second plurality of resonant elements comprises a ring resonator.