256x256 Port Optical Crossconnect Subsystem

This paper describes the subsystem design and performance of a 256x256 port micromechanical beam-steering optical crossconnect with 1.33dB average loss. We describe the design chosen and analyze the tolerance ranges required to produce low loss, and simulate the expected loss distribution of the fabric. We describe the method of establishing and testing the connections. We compare the simulation to the measured system. The expected and measured static and dynamic cross talk are compared.