Abstract

In this paper, we overviewed a new architecture of asymmetrical optical switch device which is expected to have vast application in optical communication and monitoring system. As reported in previous publication, it has many excellent features such as low crosstalk, lossless and multifunction. The multifunctional device means the integration of single functional devices onto single architecture and Optical Cross Add and Drop Multiplexer (OXADM) achieved the point with its unique architecture. With the use of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMs) technology has minimized the effect of crosstalk and return loss. With the accumulation feature, asymmetrical OXADM has widened its application to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and network security system. The main function of OXADM is to reconfigure the optical channel path while implementing add and drop function simultaneously. The multifunctional OXADM can also work as single optical devices such as multiplexer, demultiplexer, optical cross-connect (OXC), optical add drop multiplexer (OADM), wavelength selective coupler (WSC) and wavelength roundabout (WRB). With such excellent features, the OXADM is expected to be unique, universal and with a high reliability that is used to overcome the various functions in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) communication network today. This paper reviewed the application of OXADM through its unique features.

Key words: Accumulation, asymmetrical, optical cross add and drop multiplexer (OXADM), ‘U’ turn reflection.