Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1991. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-126). Also available via the Internet.

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This thesis is mainly a survey of optical devices used in optical logic and optical space, time and frequency division switching. These are mainly optical logic devices, optical switches, optical switching matrices, optical memories and optical wavelength multiplexers and demultiplexers and optical wavelength shifters. The devices are based on a variety of operating principles and are implemented with a variety of technologies. The basic principles and technologies are described together with typical performance parameters. The different devices and technologies are compared, and areas of possible improvements indicated. As an application of this survey, the possibility of implementing optical logic circuits and an optical time-division switch for Sonet based transmission systems is discussed. / Master of Science