Title :
A 2*2 fiber optic switch using chiral liquid crystals
Author :
Shankar, N.K. ; Morris, J.A. ; Yakymyshyn, C.P. ; Pollock, C.R.
Author_Institution :
Sch. of Electr. Eng., Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY, USA
Abstract :
A nonchemical 2*2 optical switch for fiber optic applications is described. Using a chiral-nematic liquid-crystal cell and switchable nematic liquid-crystal waveplates, the authors measured -26-dB crosstalk between unselected fibers, a fiber-to-fiber insertion losses of 1.4 dB, and switching times under 40 ms with operation at 1318 nm using 62.5/125- mu m multimode fiber. The device features simple construction, low power requirements, and an optical bandwidth suitable for LED or laser sources, and it works equally well with multimode or single-mode fiber.<>
Keywords :
liquid crystal devices; nematic liquid crystals; optical fibres; optical switches; 1.4 dB; 1318 nm; 40 ms; LED; chiral-nematic liquid-crystal cell; construction; crosstalk; fiber optic switch; fiber-to-fiber insertion losses; laser sources; multimode fiber; optical bandwidth; power requirements; switchable nematic liquid-crystal waveplates; switching times; Crosstalk; Insertion loss; Liquid crystals; Loss measurement; Optical devices; Optical fiber devices; Optical fiber losses; Optical fibers; Optical retarders; Optical switches;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
