Optical time division multiplexing/demultiplexing system

An optical multiplexor comprising:

• an optical switch array having a plurality of inputs to receive optical signal pulses and a plurality of outputs;
• a plurality of delay elements coupled to and selectively actuating said switch array;
• a laser coupled to said delay elements;
• and
• an optical combiner coupled to said optical switch array outputs and having an input to receive optical framing pulses.

An optical demultiplexor comprising:

• an optical switch array;
• a first splitter having an input to receive a multiplexed optical signal;
• a threshold detector coupled to said first splitter;
• a second splitter coupled to said first splitter and said optical switch array;
• a third splitter coupled to said threshold detector and said optical switch array.

A method of multiplexing an optical signal comprising:

• receiving a plurality of optical input signals;
• receiving a framing pulse signal;
• inputting each of said optical input signals to an input of a respective one of a plurality of optical switches;
• providing a light source to a plurality of delay elements;
• inputting an output of each of said delay elements to a control beam input of the respective one of the optical switches;
• and
• combining outputs of said plurality of switches with the framing pulse signal.

A method of demultiplexing an optical signal comprising:

• receiving a multiplexed optical signal having framing pulses and data pulses;
• dividing the framing pulses from the data pulses;
• splitting the framing pulses;
• delaying at least one of the split framing pulses;
• inputting said split framing pulses to a control beam input of an optical switch;
• and
• inputting the data pulses to a switch input of the optical switch.