Self-latching solid-state fiber optic cross-connect switch array

"High performance fiberoptic switches are in great demand for use in both modern commercial and defense communication networks and next-generation military sensing systems. Current fiberoptic switches lack reliability and operation speed. Carrie-classreliable switch matrix has not been realized because of the intrinsic limitation of existing technologies. Agiltron Corporation proposes to develop a novel all solid-state cross-connect switch technology that overcomes these drawbacks. The non-mechanicalfiberoptic switch has leading edge performance attributes, which include excellent thermal and temporal stability, high-speed operation, polarization insensitivity, low optical loss, fault-tolerance self latching, as well as compact and rugged. Thisadvanced switch is well suited for defense applications that require ultra-high reliable long-term and fail-safe operation in harsh environment. The design eliminates the need for mechanical movement and organic materials, which introduce intrinsicdrawbacks. Moreover, the design is simple, compact, scalable, and cost effective. It is anticipated that state-of-the-art performance in several key specifications can be achieved through this program. These include uncompromising optical performance andreliability that has not been reached before. Prototype 1x4 switch will be fabricated to demonstrate functionality in Phase I. It is anticipated that the proposed high performance switch will ha