SWITCH FOR SELECTIVELY SWITCHING OPTICAL WAVELENGTHS

摘要

A 2x2 optical switching element is described. Illustratively, the switching element includes first and second inputs for receiving optical radiation and first andsecond outputs for transmitting optical radiation. The switching element also includes mode conversion means for selectively switching optical radiation of a specific wavelength arriving via one of the inputs to either or both outputs by selectively controlling the conversion of the radiation at the specific wavelength from one mode to another. An NxN swithc may be formed from an array of the 2x2 switching element.