Open loop control theory algorithms for high-speed 3D MEMS optical switches
Abstract
There is a world-wide push to create the next-generation all-optical transmission and switching technologies for exascale data centers. In this paper we focus on the switching fabrics. Many different types of 2D architectures are being explored including MEMS/waveguides and semiconductor optical amplifiers. However, these tend to suffer from high, path-dependent losses and crosstalk issues. The technologies with the best optical properties demonstrated to date in large fabrics (>100 ports) are 3D MEMS beam steering approaches. These have low average insertion losses and, equally important, a narrow loss distribution. However, 3D MEMS fabrics are generally dismissed from serious consideration for this application because of their slow switching speeds (∼few milliseconds) and high costs ($100/port). In this paper we show how novel feedforward open loop controls can solve both problems by improving MEMS switching speeds by two orders of magnitude and costs by a factor of three. With these improvements in hand, we believe 3D MEMS fabrics can become the technology of choice for data centers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 15, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1364/oe.367554
Entities
People
- Corey Pollock
- D. J. Bishop
- F. Pardo
- Matthias Imboden
Organizations
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- National Science Foundation