Compact interconnection networks for photonics

The length of multistage interconnection networks is a crucial design parameter. The presented compact architecture overcomes this problem but raises several others, which are the additional interconnects between the separated inputs and outputs of a switch and the backreflection of light inside the architecture. Additional interconnects can be avoided by the interleaved organization of the switching arrays, or a mix of inputs and outputs. Different interconnect organization schemes are analyzed and evaluated. The avoidance of backreflection of light is discussed.