Monolithic Multistage Optoelectronic Switch Circuit Routing 160 Gb/s Line-Rate Data

We propose, characterise and demonstrate a photonic multistage switching circuit operating at 160 Gb/s serial line rates. The circuit is realised on a re-grown active-passive wafer exploiting multiple stages of loss-compensating semiconductor optical amplifier crossbar switch elements. Excellent 40 dB crosstalk extinction is achieved, with signal to noise ratios of up to 39 dB/0.06 nm. Low loss circuit operation is presented, with the prospect of gain if antireflection coatings are applied at the input and output facet.