Optical label Processing and 10-gb/s variable length optical packet switching using a 4 /spl times/ 4 optical crosspoint switch

We demonstrate the use of an integrated 4 /spl times/ 4 InGaAsP-InP active vertical coupler optical crosspoint switch matrix to detect optical labels and to further switch variable length optical packets at rate of 10 Gb/s. Label detection sensitivity is assessed. Switched payload Q-factor and power penalty measurements have been carried out. Power penalty of less than 1.5 dB is found.