Photonics Filters, Switches and Subsystems for Next-generation Optical Networks

Abstract

This article reviews a host of photonics devices and subsystems research that are of increasing interest for next-generation wavelength division multiplexing optical networks. On the device front, we report our initial results on silicon-based planar optical micro-resonator channel add-drop filters, and on liquid-crystal-based optical switches and tunable devices. On the subsystem work, we report an effective and scalable protection switching for large-capacity MEMS-based optical crossconnect systems.