Linear crosstalk in 4/spl times/4 semiconductor optical amplifier gate switch matrix

We report a comprehensive crosstalk investigation of a packaged InGaAsP/InP 4/spl times/4 semiconductor optical amplifier gate switch matrix, experimentally as well as theoretically. For a fully loaded switch with the same wavelength on all four inputs, all possible switching combinations are analyzed, thus yielding realistic crosstalk figures. Coherent and incoherent crosstalk phenomena are identified, and a switch crosstalk less than -40 dB has been measured.