Optical packet multicast operation using active vertical coupler (AVC) based 4x4 optical crosspoint switch matrix

This paper analyse a novel optical multicast scheme without excess optical splitting loss realised using an active vertical coupler based optical switch matrix utilising optical gain in the AVC switch cells. Theoretically analysis and computer simulation are carried out regarding the operational principle and switching characteristics of this scheme. Computer simulation suggests that the amplified spontaneous emission limited scalability of the scheme can be as high as more than 40. Experiment investigation of the predicted multicast switching operation using existing 4x4 switch matrix device has been carried out in for single wavelength and WDM signals. Multicast scale up to 2x4 is demonstrated. Measured switching characteristics and the OSNR values are in good agreement with simulation predictions. High Q factor values for 1-to-4 and 2-to-4 multicasting switched signals indicate that the scale of the multicasting scheme can be further increased.