ULTRAFAST ALL-OPTICAL SWITCH USING CARBON NANOTUBE POLYMER COMPOSITES

The continued development of optical communications requires fast information processing. Therefore, ultrafast, all-optical systems and switches for basic processing at both ends of an optical transmission line are replacing electronic systems. However, there are speed and fabrication limits on present all-optical switches imposed by the properties of the materials presently used. This technology provides an improved ultrafast high sensitivity all-optical switch made from a single-walled carbon nanotube.