High-performance optoelectronic switching network with vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays

A schematic solution is proposed for creating a highly efficient switching network with fully connected switching topology for use in supercomputers and telecommunication systems. An important characteristic of this solution is the use of vertical-cavity surface-emitting semiconductor laser arrays and polarising beamsplitters. Estimates show that the commercially available elemental base can be used for a practical realisation of an optoelectronic switching network with basic parameters and functional properties that are superior to those in known electronic analogues.