Optical matrix switch

An optical matrix switch, comprising:

• plural input light paths, to which one or more input light signals are supplied;
• plural output light paths, from which one or more output light signals are supplied to a following stage;
• a plural demultiplexing and multiplexing light paths, each of aid plural demultiplexing and multiplexing light paths being coupled by a lattice pattern between a corresponding one of said plural input light paths and a corresponding one of said plural output light paths;
• plural optical switching devices each provided on a corresponding one of said plural demultiplexing and multiplexing light paths;
• and
• means for controlling said plural optical switching devices to be selectively turned on and off;
• wherein one or more optical switching devices which are selectively turned on among said plural optical switching devices emit light signals to be supplied to one or more output light paths of said plural output light paths by receiving and amplifying one or more light signals from one or more input light paths of said plural input light paths, whereby the optical switching devices amplify only light signals having wavelengths assigned thereto;
• and
• one or more optical switching devices which are selectively turned off among said plural optical switching devices emit no light signal by receiving and absorbing one or more light signals from one or more input light paths of said plural input light paths.