High Connectivity Multiple Dimension Optical Network in Glass

摘要

An optical communications system includes a first plurality of optical components having optical ports, a second plurality of optical components having optical ports and an optical cross-connect. The optical cross-connect includes a block of a single continuous construction and material having a first side adjacent the first optical components and a second side adjacent the second optical components, and a plurality of non-intersecting, continuous waveguides formed within the block and extending from the first side of the block to the second side of the block. The refractive index of each waveguide is different than the surrounding material of the block, and each waveguide changes direction at least once within the block. The waveguides are optically aligned with the optical ports of the first optical components at the first side of the block and with the optical ports of the second optical components at the second side of the block.

主权项

1. An optical communications system, comprising:
a first plurality of optical components having optical ports; a second plurality of optical components having optical ports; and an optical cross-connect comprising:
a block of a single continuous construction and material having a first side adjacent the first plurality of optical components and a second side adjacent the second plurality of optical components; anda plurality of non-intersecting, continuous waveguides formed within the block and extending from the first side of the block to the second side of the block, the refractive index of each waveguide being different than the surrounding material of the block, each waveguide changing direction at least once within the block, wherein the waveguides are optically aligned with the optical ports of the first plurality of optical components at the first side of the block and with the optical ports of the second plurality of optical components at the second side of the block.