Multi-core asymmetric STar-routing switch and method for optical routing (MASTR switch and mor)

A method of selecting at least a first optical output path for at least a first optical input signal, the method comprising:

• inputting the first optical input signal into a first plurality of input waveguide cores, so that a light beam of the first optical input signal passes through each input waveguide core of the first plurality of input waveguide cores simultaneously;
• adjusting the phase of each light beam in each input waveguide core of the first plurality of input waveguide cores to result in a phase profile for the light beams passing through the first plurality of input waveguide cores;
• transmitting the light beams having the phase profile through an input aperture formed at least in part by terminal ends of the first plurality of input waveguide cores and into an interference space to result in light having an interference profile;
• collecting the light having the interference profile at an output aperture formed at least in part by terminal ends of a first plurality of output waveguide cores, thereby passing a light beam through each output waveguide core of the first plurality of output waveguide cores;
• adjusting the phase of the light beam in each of output waveguide cores of the first plurality of output waveguide cores;
• and
• combining the light beams from the output waveguide cores of the first plurality of output waveguide cores to form a first combined light beam, and inputting the first combined light beam to a first output waveguide,
• wherein the adjusting of the phase of each light beam in each input waveguide core of the first plurality of input waveguide cores and the adjusting of the phase of the light beam in each of output waveguide cores of the first plurality of output waveguide cores is controlled to select the first output waveguide for routing the first optical signal.

An optical switch comprising:

• M input waveguides, M being an integer greater than 0;
• N output waveguides, N being an integer greater than 0;
• a plurality of input-waveguide cores coupled to the M input waveguides, so that N input-waveguide cores that form a compound input waveguide are coupled to each input waveguide and each input-waveguide core is configured to receive a light beam output from the input waveguide to which it is coupled;
• a plurality of input phase shifters, each input phase shifter coupled to a corresponding input-waveguide core and configured to be controllable to adjust a phase of a light beam passing through the corresponding input-waveguide core;
• a first aperture through which light beams exiting the plurality of input-waveguide cores pass;
• an interference space where the light beams exiting the plurality of input-waveguide cores interfere with each other;
• a second aperture configured to receive light having a particular light profile from the interference space and at which a plurality of entry ends of a plurality of output-waveguide cores are located, the output-waveguide cores grouped into N groups, each group comprising a compound output waveguide;
• a plurality of output phase shifters each output phase shifter coupled to a corresponding output-waveguide core and configured to be controllable to adjust a phase of a light beam passing through the corresponding output-waveguide core,
• wherein exit ends of the output-waveguide cores for each compound output waveguide are coupled to a corresponding output waveguide;
• and
• a controller configured to control the input phase shifters and the output phase shifters in order to simultaneously route a plurality of light beams received by k of the M input waveguides to k of the N output waveguides, k being an integer greater than 0.