Abstract: An optical switching device that routes an optical data packet using an all optical architecture signal detection and switching system. The packet includes header bits, data bits and a reset bit. The header bits identify the switch state for routing the data packet and the specific routing information for distinct portions of the data packet. The header bits are transmitted at an optical carrier frequency different than the carrier frequency of the data bits. The reset bit resets the switch element processor to enable it to process and route the next data packet. The frequency of a particular header bit affects the index of refraction of a Bragg grating of a detector and the output of the detector is provided to a switch that determines the routing path of the packet. A return command resets the diffraction grating so that it does not affect subsequent header bits.

Abstract: A variable delay line detector (34, 48, 66)includes a power splitter (36, 50, 68), a mixer (44, 62, 72) and a variable delay line (42,52, 70). Various devices are suitable for the variable delay line (42, 52, 70), such as a non-linear transmission line (NLTL). By providing a variable delay line, the variable delay line detector (34, 48, 66) is adapted to be programmed in real time thus making it suitable in applications where the phase and or frequency of the input signal varies. As such, the variable delay line detector (34, 48, 66) may be used in applications heretofore unknown, such &a an inexpensive demodulator in a frequency hopped spread spectrum system.