Patent ID: 6034800
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
An n.times.n light matrix switch comprising:optical coupling means for receiving n light signals having different wavelengths from each other (n is a natural number) and for wavelength-multiplexing said n light signals to output the multiplexed light signals,optical dividing means for dividing said multiplexed light signals to n light signals to output divided light signals from n output terminals respectively,n wavelength tunable type light pass band select means disposed subsequent to said respective output terminals for extracting selectively an arbitrary one wavelength component out of said each divided light signals to output selected divided light signals, andcontrol means for controlling a pass of said n wavelength tunable light band pass filters,wherein said n.times.n light matrix switch is provided additionally with a first light amplification means provided between said optical coupling means and said optical dividing means for directly amplifying said multiplexed signals over an entire wavelength band to supply the amplified multiplexed light signals to said optical dividing means,wherein said n.times.n light matrix switch is provided with n add-and-drop wavelength tunable light band pass filters provided subsequent to said optical amplification means having first and second input terminals and first and second output terminals,wherein the first input terminal and the first output terminal of which are connected in series for allowing to pass selectively said amplified multiplexed light signals by controlling variably the light pass band dependently on an external control signal to output selected amplified signals,wherein said n.times.n light matrix switch is provided with a second light amplification means provided subsequent to said n add-and-drop wavelength tunable light band pass filters for amplifying said selected amplified signals,wherein said add-and-drop wavelength tunable light band pass filter includes:wavelength select means for extracting selectively an arbitrary one wavelength component out of the multiplexed light signals supplied from a preceding step to said first input terminals to output the selected light signal to said first output terminals,sending means for sending components other than said one wavelength component to a next step through the second output terminals,wavelength multiplexing means for wavelength-multiplexing the light signal having the same wavelength as that of said one wavelength component to said selected light signal to output the multiplexed selected light signal, andadd-and-drop select means for selecting between the passing means which allows the multiplexed selected light signal supplied from the preceding step to pass to the next step as it is and the add-and-drop means which is for add-and-drop of arbitrary wavelength.