Magneto-Optic LAN Bypass Switch

G. L. Nelson; S. J. Lins; D. L. Fleming; W. A. Harvey

doi:10.1117/12.963386

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23 January 1990 Magneto-Optic LAN Bypass Switch

G. L. Nelson, S. J. Lins, D. L. Fleming, W. A. Harvey

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Proceedings Volume 1178, Optical Interconnects in the Computer Environment; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963386
Event: OE/FIBERS '89, 1989, Boston, United States

Abstract

Magneto-optic garnets are efficient Faraday rotators at 1300nm and are thus of interest as the basis for a non-mechanical bypass switch. Recent improvements in bismuth-substituted rare earth iron garnet (BRIG) technology have removed limitations which made garnets less than ideal for use in multimode fiber systems such as LAN's. We report recent progress in our laboratory to increase Faraday rotation, lower optical absorption, and to decrease magnetic drive field in BRIG garnets. These improvements allow a simple implementation of an optical bypass switch suitable for multimode use. We report test results from a switch which incorporates features which reduce parts count and simplify magnet design. The results include insertion loss of 2.47dB and crosstalk of -23dB. The switch uses a single garnet and is amenable to a single beamsplitter implementation.

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G. L. Nelson, S. J. Lins, D. L. Fleming, and W. A. Harvey "Magneto-Optic LAN Bypass Switch", Proc. SPIE 1178, Optical Interconnects in the Computer Environment, (23 January 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.963386

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