A novel BOA type polarization independent optical switch

The authors propose a new model of BOA type polarization independent 2×2 optical waveguide switch, based on z-cut LiNbO₃ substrate. It possesses a novel three-piece electrode system, which is easy to fabricate and has never been used before. The device still keeps the advantage of low loss on z-cut LiNbO₃, but has a higher switching voltage compared with that of the x-cut. Taking into consideration the fabrication conditions, they conclude that this type of BOA switch can be a polarization independent optical switch with low crosstalk, comparatively low switching voltage, and low insertion loss