Interferometric optical switch
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United States of America Patent
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Dec 27, 1994
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Nov 3, 1993
filing date -
Nov 12, 1992
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
For so-called add-drop multiplexers, fast optical switches (SCH) are needed which can switch optical signal waves stemming from different signal sources. Known optical switches include an interferometer in which the signal wave is split into two signals, and in which an optical switching pulse is superimposed on one of the signals. Because of the Kerr effect, interference signals can be generated which can be switched in an optical coupler in a controllable manner to a predetermined output. The signals and the switching pulse have the same direction of polarization, which may cause switching problems with signals from different signal sources. The gist of the invention therefore lies in the use of switching pulses which consist of quasi-depolarized light. Such switching pulses are advantageously generated in two switching-pulse sources (SQ) in which two polarized light beams are superimposed orthogonally. In an optical waveguide (LWL.sub.1, SP) with a nonlinear refractive index, the switching pulse assumes a constantly varying polarization state.
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