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Abstract

A semiconductor active waveguide optical crossbar switch to allow optical signals to be routed to any number of ports with no net attenuation of signal strength. The optical crossbar switch is comprised of a network of optical waveguides wherein both lateral and transverse carrier confinement is provided. Redirection of the optical waveguide is accomplished by means of total internal reflectance turning mirrors. Furthermore, the optical waveguides are formed such that electrical current may be applied to the semiconductor structure to amplify the optical signal travelling therein. Electro-absorption switches formed from distinct metallic contacts overlying portions of the optical waveguides amplify the optical signal travelling through the waveguide underneath the switch if sufficient electrical stimulation is applied to the switch. Additionally, if no stimulation is applied to the electro-absorption switch, the optical signal travelling in the portion of the optical waveguide beneath the electro-absorption switches is attenuated to a level below that of the noise in the optical system such that no signal will be received by the output. Thus, by appropriately patterning the optical waveguide network in conjunction with turning mirrors and metallization contacts to provide attenuation or amplification, an input optical signal applied to this semiconductor active waveguide optical crossbar switch may be directed to any number of output ports. By utilizing optical signals throughout the design with no conversion to electrical signals, the transmission bandwidth of the switch is very large and the switching network is impervious to EMI.

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