Analysis and demonstration of an integrated optical switch based on dynamic free carrier gratings: a blueprint for a 100×100 element switch array

Author

Aronson, Lewis B. ; Hesselink, Lambertus

Author_Institution

Hewlett-Packard Co., Palo Alto, CA, USA

Volume

30

Issue

10

fYear

1994

fDate

10/1/1994 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

2332

Lastpage

2349

Abstract

We propose, analyze, and demonstrate a new type of integrated optical switch based on dynamic free carrier gratings at the intersection of crossing waveguides. A low efficiency, nonregrowth device was fabricated to demonstrate the dynamic free carrier grating concept. Experimental dynamic diffraction efficiency results measured as a function of wavelength for various polarization cases are analyzed using the models developed here, and are found to be in good agreement with theory. Theoretical calculations for higher efficiency designs with more involved fabrication requirements indicate that high speed 100×100 element switch arrays, with good polarization independent diffraction efficiency (40%), and thus low insertion loss, can be fabricated on a single substrate

Keywords

diffraction gratings; electro-optical devices; integrated optics; light polarisation; optical switches; optical waveguides; crossing waveguides; dynamic diffraction efficiency; dynamic free carrier gratings; element switch array; fabrication requirements; insertion loss; integrated optical switch; intersection; nonregrowth device; polarization cases; polarization independent diffraction efficiency; theoretical calculations; wavelength; Arrayed waveguide gratings; Communication switching; Optical arrays; Optical computing; Optical diffraction; Optical interconnections; Optical switches; Optical waveguide theory; Optical waveguides; Telecommunication switching;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9197

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/3.328591

Filename

328591