Passive and active optical bit-pattern recognition structures for multiwavelength optical packet switching networks

Next generation High-Speed optical packet switching networks require components capable of recognising the optical header to enable on-the-fly accurate switching of incoming data packets to their destinations. This paper experimentally demonstrates a comparison between two different optical header recognition structures; A passive structure based on the use of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs), whereas the active structure employs Opto-VLSI processors that synthesise dynamic wavelength profile through digital phase holograms. The structures are experimentally demonstrated at 10Gbps. Performance comparison between the two structures is also discussed. These optical header recognition structures are attractive for multiwavelength optical network and applications