4/spl times/4 space-switch based on clamped-gain semiconductor optical amplifiers in a 16/spl times/10 Gbit/s WDM experiment

Suitability of a lossless 4/spl times/4 space-switch based on clamped-gain-SOA for multichannel applications is validated in a 16/spl times/10 Gbit/s experiment. The factors potentially limiting the input power dynamic range are also discussed. The results confirm the exceptional advantages of CG-SOAs for optical switching applications, including splitting loss compensation, high speed control, high ON/OFF ratio and full compatibility with WDM systems.