16/spl times/16 strictly nonblocking guided-wave optical switching system

We report the first demonstration of a complete 16/spl times/16 strictly nonblocking guided-wave optical switching system. The system, based on a three-stage extended generalized shuffle network, includes 448 directional coupler switch elements in 23 packaged modules. The modules are mounted in a single equipment cabinet and are controlled with a PC-based switching algorithm. We report results of extensive measurements on device and system performance. The devices and system exhibited low uniform voltages. Low loss, low crosstalk, and broad bandwidth. This lithium niobate based system operated continuously and without maintenance for a period of 20 months.