Apparatus, systems, and methods for nonblocking optical switching
US10634851B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2018 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0058
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of nonblocking optical switching includes guiding a first optical beam from a first input to a first output via a first path through an optical switching fabric. The first path traverses a phase shifter disposed between a pair of cascaded Mach-Zehnder interferometers. The method also includes receiving a second optical beam for a second path intersecting with the first path through the optical switching fabric. The method also includes moving the first optical beam from the first path to a third path connecting the first input to the first output without intersecting the second path. The method also includes shifting a phase of the first optical beam, with the phase shifter, while moving the first optical beam from the first path to the third path to prevent the first optical beam from interfering with the second optical beam.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.