| 摘要 |
An optical matrix switch comprises 1 x M/2 optical switch means (421-428) of N in number, optical switch groups (431-434) of N/2 in number, and N/2 x 1 optical switch means (441-448) of M 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 (421-428) includes a predetermined number of optical switch elements (421A,B,C) 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 (431-434) includes optical switch elements(431A,B,C,D) of M/2 in number arranged transversely, and each of the N/2 x 1 optical switch means (441-448) includes a predetermined number of optical switch elements (441A,B,C - 448A,B,C). 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. |
