Photonic switching using spatial light modulators-a feasibility study

The authors investigate the potential and the limitations of spatial light modulators (SLM) as switching components for building optical-fiber-based local area networks (LAN). The feasibility of a photonic crossbar switch using SLM is examined. The main constraints considered are the attenuation of the optical signal and the crosstalk between the channels. Other problems such as fan-out and fan-in are also addressed. It appears possible to build a LAN servicing approximately 1000 users. It is concluded that the switch shows promise for use in broadband integrated service networks.<>