Patent ID: 7218862

Claim:
An optical system for decoding, switching, demultiplexing, and routing of optical encoded data symbols from multiple inputs to multiple outputs, comprising: a) a plurality of demultiplexing systems, each of said demultiplexing system comprising: i. an input for receiving the encoded data symbols; ii. a plurality of optical paths having first and second terminals; iii. a splitting mechanism for directing said encoded data symbols from said input to each of said first terminals; and iv. a plurality of decoding devices for producing decoded signals in response to said encoded data symbols, wherein each of said optical paths includes, between said first and second terminals, at least one of said decoding devices to produce one of said decoded signals at one of said second terminals in response to one of said encoded data symbols; and b) a coupling mechanism for coupling said second terminals of said plurality of demultiplexing systems to allow each of said encoded data symbols received by said input of each of said plurality of demultiplexing systems to produce said decoded signals at said second terminals of said plurality of demultiplexing systems.