A cascadable polarization-based 1-to-9 multimode optical fiber switch using a PMMA fiber array holder

Author

Berghmans, Francis ; Nasilowski, Tomasz ; Zdrodowski, Krzysztof ; Radomski, Kornel ; Bekiesza, Artur ; Carnicer, Yolanda ; Kufner, Stefan ; Kufner, Maria ; Decreton, Marc ; Veretennicoff, Irina ; Thienpont, Hugo

Author_Institution

Belgian Nucl. Res. Centre, SCK/CEN, Mol, Belgium

Volume

16

Issue

8

fYear

1998

fDate

8/1/1998 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1464

Lastpage

1472

Abstract

We have constructed an optical fiber switch, which allows to route an information carrying laser beam to nine multimode optical fibers. The fibers are accurately positioned in a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fiber array holder, fabricated with deep proton lithography. To switch light from one fiber to another, we use active control of the polarization of light by means of nematic liquid crystal retarders or ferroelectric polarization rotators. The system shows insertion losses as low as 3 dB and crosstalk ratios below -30 dB. These figures are still susceptible to considerable improvements. The switching speed is on the order of 10 Hz using nematic liquid crystals and was extended to 10 kHz with ferroelectric liquid crystals. Potential applications of the fiber switch are discussed. As an illustration we have demonstrated the multiplexing of optical fiber proximity sensors. We also describe scale reduction and cascadability issues

Keywords

ferroelectric liquid crystals; ion beam lithography; laser beams; liquid crystal devices; optical fabrication; optical fibre polarisation; optical fibres; optical losses; optical polymers; optical rotation; optical switches; 3 dB; PMMA fiber array holder; accurately positioned; active control; cascadability issues; cascadable polarization-based 1-to-9 multimode optical fiber switch; crosstalk ratios; deep proton lithography; ferroelectric liquid crystals; ferroelectric polarization rotators; information carrying laser beam routing; insertion losses; nematic liquid crystal retarders; optical fiber proximity sensors; polarization light; polymethylmethacrylate; switch light; switching speed; Ferroelectric materials; Fiber lasers; Laser beams; Liquid crystals; Lithography; Optical fiber polarization; Optical fiber sensors; Optical fibers; Optical switches; Protons;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Lightwave Technology, Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0733-8724

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/50.704612

Filename

704612