Large scale optical switch using asymmetric 1X2 elements

An optical switching arrangement, comprising:

• a plurality of input waveguides, each of the input waveguides having a first plurality of 1×2 optical switches associated therewith and extending therealong;
• a plurality of output waveguides, each of the output waveguides having a second plurality of 1×2 optical switches associated therewith and extending therealong;
• each of the optical switches in the first and second plurality of optical switches being selectively switchable between first and second states such that in a first state each optical switch allows light propagating in the input or output waveguide with which it is associated to continue propagating therethrough and in a second state each optical switch couples light into or out of the input or output waveguide with which it is associated, the input and output waveguides being arranged such that optical losses arising for any wavelength of light only depend on a length of segments of the input and output waveguides located between adjacent ones of the 1×2 optical switches;
• and
• wherein at least one of the first plurality of optical switches associated with at least one of the input waveguides is optically coupled to one of the second plurality of optical switches in a different one of the output waveguides when both optical switches are in the second state, each of the 1×2 switches including (i) a displaceable optical cross-guide, the 1×2 switch being in the first state when the optical cross-guide is a first distance from the input or output waveguide with which each of the 1×2 switches is respectively associated and in a second state when the optical cross-guide is a second distance from the input or output waveguide with which each of the 1×2 switches is respectively associated and (ii) an actuator for selectively displacing the displaceable optical cross-guide so that its distance from the input or output waveguide with which it is associated is equal to the first or second distance.