Low-Loss N × N Wavelength Router for Efficient Switching and Multiplexing in Optical Networks

We demonstrate for WDM optical networks a wavelength router with substantially reduced losses using a novel waveguide grating design [1]. This technique will increase in an optical network the maximum distance that can be effectively covered by the router without amplifiers. It will also reduce, in a packet switch, the required powers of the transmitters, and it will increase the switch margins.