Patent ID: 6597830
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
An optical matrix switch comprising:a branch-selective network in such a form that output ports of m (m=a positive integer) optical switches, each with one input and n (n=a positive integer) outputs, are connected to input ports of n optical switches, each with m inputs and one output, so that the n1st (n1=a positive integer) output port of the m1st (m1=a positive integer) optical switch having one input and n outputs is connected to the m1st input port of the n1st optical switch having m inputs and one output, wherein: the optical switches, each having one input and n outputs, and the optical switches, each having m inputs and one output, are formed of a material having electrooptic characteristics such that the refractive index changes upon the application of an electric field; and transmittance variable gate members are provided respectively between the output ports of the optical switches, each having one input and n outputs, and the input ports of the optical switches, each having m inputs and one output, wherein a transmittance of each said transmittance variable gate member is controlled from the exterior.