Optical matrix switch having optimized crosstalk characteristics and

Abstract

An optical matrix switch with 2.sup.i+1 input ports (where i is a natural number) and 2.sup.i+1 output ports, that performs a matrix selection on optical input signals received at the input ports and outputs them as optical output signals at the output ports, comprises: an i-stage input branching tree consisting of 1.times.2 branching means connected in a tree configuration, for dividing the optical input signals into 2.sup.(2i+1) branched signals; a double tree including 2.sup.2i 2.times.2 optical switches connected in series to the input branching tree so that each 2.times.2 optical switch receives two branched signals from different input ports and generates switch output signals at a selected one of its two outputs; and an i-stage output merging tree consisting of 2.times.1 merging means connected in a tree configuration for receiving the switch output signals from the 2.times.2 optical switches and generating optical output signals at the 2.sup.i+1 output ports. Dummy points of intersection are provided to equalize the number of points of intersection on any light propagation path from an input port to an output port.