Integrated optical switch array

摘要

An optical switch array is provided in which at least three input waveguides (140 a-d) are coupled to at least three output waveguides (142 a-d). Each of the input waveguides is coupled in the same order to each of the output waveguides by a coupling element such as a y-junction combiner (146aa-ad), via an intermediate waveguide (148aa-ad) and a switching mechanism that includes a coupling element such as a 1 x 2 switch (144aa-ad). For compactness, the coupling elements that couple to the same input waveguide are mutually displaced along the output waveguides. <IMAGE>