Architectural considerations for photonic switching networks

This paper will review some of the photonic technologies that could become important components of future telecommunications systems. It will begin by dividing photonic devices and systems into two classes according to the function they perform. The first class, relational, will be associated with devices, which under external control, maps the input channels to the output channels. The second class, logic, requires that the devices perform some type or combination of Boolean logic functions. After the classes are defined, some of the strengths and weaknesses of the photonic domain will be presented. Relational devices and their applications will then be discussed. Finally, there will he a review of optical logic devices and their potential