Ultrafast multihop packet-switched optical time-division multiplexing: components and systems

Ultrafast processing techniques for the implementation of high-speed all-optical packet-switched networks are reviewed. Some of the key technologies required for building the next generation of high-speed interconnection networks include ultrafast packet generation, high-speed packet demultiplexing, and efficient packet routing. A review of recent component, subsystem, and system development as well as experimental demonstrations being conducted at Princeton University is presented to illustrate some of the capabilities of these technologies.