Polarization-stabilized all-optical switch
US6937782B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0041
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Described is an all-optical switch that is significantly insensitive to polarization instabilities. The optical switch can be configured as an ultrafast logic gate, a switch for ultrafast communication systems or a key component of an all-optical regenerator. Performance is independent of the statistical characteristics of the data controlling the switch. The switch includes a birefringent optical channel in communication with one end of a nonlinear optical channel through a coupler and a polarization rotation mirror in communication with the other end of the nonlinear channel. An optical data pulse for controlling the switching function is provided to one port of the coupler.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.