Super-channel multiplexing and de-multiplexing using a phased array switching engine

A method, comprising:

• receiving a plurality of optical channels on multiple input ports to be directed to an output port to form a super-channel comprising the plurality of optical channels having sequential wavelengths with no gap between the sequential wavelengths;
• directing the plurality of optical channels to a switching array,
• the plurality of optical channels being associated with a corresponding plurality of regions of pixels of the switching array,
• at least two regions of pixels, of the plurality of regions of pixels, being partially overlapped;
• applying a plurality of beam steering gratings to the corresponding plurality of regions of pixels,
• the plurality of beam steering gratings including single beam steering gratings in first areas where the plurality of regions of pixels do not overlap, and
• the plurality of beam steering gratings including multiple beam steering gratings in one or more second areas where the plurality of regions of pixels overlap;
• and
• directing, by the switching array and based on the plurality of beam steering gratings, part of the plurality of optical channels to the output port as the super-channel.

An optical device, comprising:

• an input port to receive an optical signal carrying a super-channel including a plurality of sub-carriers,
• the plurality of sub-carriers being spectrally adjacent, and
• the super-channel having reduced guard band between the plurality of sub-carriers;
• a phased array switching engine to:
• direct the plurality of sub-carriers to a switching array of the phased array switching engine,
• the plurality of sub-carriers to be associated with a respective plurality of regions of pixels of the switching array,
• first areas of the switching array to be associated with a single region of pixels corresponding to a single sub-carrier of the plurality of sub-carriers, and
• second areas of the switching array to be associated with overlapping regions of pixels corresponding to adjacent pairs of sub-carriers of the plurality of sub-carriers;
• apply, to the switching array, beam steering gratings corresponding to the plurality of sub-carriers,
• the beam steering grating for a particular optical sub-carrier, of the plurality of optical sub-carriers, to be approximately coextensive with the region of pixels, of the plurality of regions of pixels, corresponding to the particular optical sub-carrier;
• and
• direct, based on the beam steering gratings, parts of the plurality of optical sub-carriers to respective output ports.