| 摘要 |
An optical matrix switch comprises 1 x M/2 optical switch means of N in number, optical switch groups of M/2 in number, and N/2 x 1 optical switch means of 11 in number, where N is a number of inputs, and M is a number of outputs. Each of the 1 x M/2 optical switch means includes a predetermined number of optical switch elements each having a function to switch an optical signal between inputs and outputs in accordance with an applied electric field, and has one input and outputs of M/2 in number. The predetermined number is decided dependent on an equation of log2 M/2. Each of the optical switch groups includes optical switch elements of M/2 in number arranged transversely, and each of the N/2 x 1 optical switch means includes a predetermined number of optical switch elements. The predetermined number is decided dependent on an equation of log2N/2. A longitudinal length of the optical matrix switch is approximately (log2M/2 + 1 + log2N/2 times a length of an optical switch element. Therefore, the optical matrix switch is made smaller in the longitudinal direction. |
