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We describe an optical system developed to form the basis of a 64 x 64 free-space optical matrix-matrix crossbar switch. The design and performance of each of the main optical components is discussed: lenses, diffractive optical elements, and polarizing beamsplitters, together with the optomechanical hardware design. For these components, throughput levels of -6.9 dB have been achieved, which is compatible with full system operation at [10.sup.-12] bit error rates at [greater than or equal to]270 Mbits [s.sup.-1].

We describe the limitations on the use of conventional lenses in optical computing that arise from manufacturing tolerances. The consequences on maximum array size, minimum device size, and propagation delay of systems are discussed. Two experimental optical computing systems are then compared with these results. We show that there are maximum and minimum bounds on the focal length and the f-number of lenses imposed when manufacturing tolerances are considered. We also show that there are maximum bounds on image sizes and space-bandwidth products and trade-offs between spot size and system latency.