Large port count high-speed optical switch fabric for use within datacenters [Invited]

This paper reviews advances in the technology of integrated semiconductor optical amplifier based photonic switch fabrics, with particular emphasis on their suitability for high performance network switches for use within a datacenter. The key requirements for large port count optical switch fabrics are addressed noting the need for switches with substantial port counts. The design options for a 16×16 port photonic switch fabric architecture are discussed and the choice of a Clos-tree design is described. The control strategy, based on arbitration and scheduling, for an integrated switch fabric is explained. The detailed design and fabrication of the switch is followed by experimental characterization, showing net optical gain and operation at 10 Gb/s with bit error rates lower than 10-9. Finally improvements to the switch are suggested, which should result in 100 Gb/s per port operation at energy efficiencies of 3 pJ/bit. © 2011 Optical Society of America.

Acoustic optimization of ultra-low count bypass outlet guide vanes

An optimization process has been used to design an ultra-low count fan outlet guide vane with an unconventional leading edge profile to reduce the interaction noise. Computational fluid dynamics has been used to predict the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the stator vane. The final stator design has been built and tested in a representative fan stage rig to determine its tone noise characteristics. The stator vane is found to give significant tone noise reduction at the fundamental blade passing frequency at cut-back in line with design expectations. Detailed comparisons of predicted circumferential and radial modes levels against measured mode detection data are also presented. A good agreement was found between numerical predictions and experimental data.

Modular hybrid dilated Mach-Zehnder switch with integrated SOAs for large port count switches

A modular dilated MZI based optical switch with integrated SOAs is demonstrated with excellent -40dB crosstalk/extinction ratio, 3ns switching time and nearly penalty-free operation. Studies show an 8×8 switch with 14dB IPDR for 0.5dB penalty. © 2014 OSA.