Optical Path Processor

This project pursues a dynamic optical path network (DOPN), which is a circuit-switched network. The DOPN requires a matrix switch with a large number of port counts and a wavelength cross-connect (WXC) as well.

For the large-scale matrix switch, we employ a silicon photonics technology that has a full compatibility with a CMOS technology. The specific targets include (1) thermooptic switch, (2) fast switch with a p-i-n junction, (3) optical interface and packaging, and (4) WXC as a combination of silica PLC and LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon). We proceed the development in a close collaboration for (1) with NEC Corporation, for (2) with Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., for (3) with Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., and for (4) with Hitachi Cable, Ltd..