Abstract
Wavelength-selective optical processing using collinear acoustooptic (AO) switches will be useful in photonic routing systems. We have studied the applications of this processing to optical label recognition in label routers. We propose the recognition of hierarchical routing labels encoded in the binary-phase-shift-keying (BPSK) format using an AO processor consisting of optical delay waveguides and parallel double-stage AO switches. Using wavelength-multiplexed hierarchical labels, simple processing using the AO processor can be realized. The recognition characteristics are analyzed and numerically confirmed by computer simulation.