Sep 5 2010
We now live in world where we require access to communication technology 24/7 and at a lightening fast operating speed. Gone are the days of dial up connections and egg timer delay graphics, consumers demand large band width availability despite ever increasing telecom and data traffic.
As a result significant advances have been made in optical communications throughout the optical network system.
Optical Switches: Materials and Design from Woodhead Publishing comprehensively reviews this commercially significant area of research and addresses the different technologies which can be applied to switching optical signals. After a thorough overview of optical switches and performance the conclusion of the book provides a balanced look at the developments which can be defined as key trends in optical switches.
Major optical switches including electro-optical, thermo optical and magneto-optical switches are discussed and the respective theory and principles of each explored. Further chapters feature progression in the areas of MEMS-based optical switches and liquid crystal optical switches and the relevant applications utilizing the technology. An insight into the device structure of photonic crystal optical switches features an examination of performance levels and criteria.
Written by a distinguished editor and an international team of expert contributors, Optical switches: Materials and design is a standard reference for the telecommunications industry as well as those researching this important topic.