Magnetically Controlled Switches for Optoelectronics Networking: The Problem, Available Technology, New Implementations

This paper introduces some physical layer requirements of electro-optical as well as all optical networking. Due to the huge volume of data that is transmitted on these networks, there is a need for high-speed switching with effective switching in the nanosecond regime or better. While such switches exist for electronic media, they have been challenging for optical applications. Taking the recent developments in magneto-optical switches into consideration, there is a pressing need for fast switching of highly inductive loads. The state-of-the-art as well as the trends and needs for high speed switching in optical networks are presented. Some of the newest developments in the small-scale high-speed switching for electro-optical and all optical light path applications will also be presented. Experimental results of the newly developed switches at our program are presented and discussed. Based on the results, system requirements are identified and some shortcomings of the initial system are addressed. Possible improvements to the overall light-trail system are proposed and discussed