On analysis of the basic structure of Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI)

two switch units were defined. A new type optical matrix switch based on Banyan network was proposed

and the multiport interconnection 1:k (k＞1) can be realized with two types of Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) units. Taking the 2×2 and 4×4 optical matrix switches for example

the constructions and characteristics of this new type optical matrix switch were provided. With the optimization and the design of the MZI construction

the influences of the intersection angles among the waveguide links and the excess loss of the MZI units on the total optical loss of system are studied

and the insertion loss of systems is discussed. Based on planar lightwave circuit (PLC) technology

SiO2-based MZI units

2×2 and 4×4 optical matrix switch were fabricated. A basic agreement between experimental results and theoretical calculation was obtained and the response time of less than 1 ms was obtained

then the multiport switch function fulfilled.