OPTICAL CROSSOVER NETWORK

摘要

Optical Crossover Network A crossover network is obtained by using a plurality of similar optical crossover stages. Each stage includes two light paths that combine at an output plane. One path provides the direct connection while the other path provides thecrossover connection. To realize this crossover capability, each stage comprises a beam splitter element that accepts a beam containing an image array and developstherefrom two beams that are each directed in two different paths. Along one path, means are provided for reversal of selected segments of the image array and for sending of the reversed or crossed-over image through a beam combiner. Along the second path, means are provided for applying the light to a beam combiner without the image reversal. One disclosed means for image reversal is aprismatic mirror. The number of corners in such a mirror differs from stage to stage.