Switching in coherent multi-carrier systems

Switching nodes for coherent multicarrier networks, in which the signals arriving on input carriers are converted to arbitrary output carriers on arbitrary output waveguides, are discussed. The structure of switching nodes containing coherent multicarrier switching elements is described, and the individual components, such as channel branching filters and optical frequency converters, are examined. A two-channel switching experiment is described, followed by the characterization of frequency bundle transfer through a more general switching mode.