Optomechanical design of a robust free-space optical switching system

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Abstract
To be competitive with electronic switching technologies, photonic switching systems must have stability that rivals that of electronic systems, requiring little or no intervention over time scales of years. This paper describes progress towards the goal of stable optical interconnects. We have built an extraordinarily stable free-space optical interconnect mounted in a standard electronics frame; the system operated successfully over a wide temperature range for three days and required no realignment after shipping. Robust optomechanical design played an important role in the successful operation of the system. The role of kinematic mounting principles, self-centering lens mounts, materials selection, and long-lever arm adjustments are described. Vigorous shaking of the system did not affect its bit-error rate -- measured to be less than 10E-12 on a single channel.

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