Robust 2 x 2 multimode interference optical switch

    Authors

    D. A. May-Arrioja; N. Bickel;P. Likamwa

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Opt. Quantum Electron.

    Keywords

    electrooptic; integrated optics; multimode interference; photonic; switch; polarization independent; semiconductor; INDEX-MODULATION REGIONS; REFRACTIVE-INDEX; PHOTONIC SWITCHES; ZINC; DIFFUSION; WAVE-GUIDES; FABRICATION; INGAASP; GAAS; INJECTION; COUPLERS; Engineering, Electrical & Electronic; Optics

    Abstract

    A robust 2 x 2 photonic switch based on multimode interference (MMI) effects is proposed. We demonstrate that the device is very tolerant to material modifications and typical fabrication errors. This is a result of the MMI design and the high symmetry of the switch. The key parameter for the operation of the device is that the input light forms a pair of well defined self-images exactly in the middle of the switch. The index modulated regions precisely overlap the positions where these two self-images are formed. By creating identical contact features at these locations, any refractive index change induced in the material as a result of electrical isolation will be replicated in both self-images, and therefore the off-state output will not be altered. In the same way, offset and dimension errors are reflected symmetrically on both self-images and do not seriously affect the imaging. The characteristics of the switch under different scenarios are investigated using the finite difference beam propagation method. By employing this configuration, crosstalk levels better than -20 dB are achievable over a wavelength range of 100 nm while maintaining polarization independence.

    Journal Title

    Optical and Quantum Electronics

    Volume

    38

    Issue/Number

    7

    Publication Date

    1-1-2006

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    557

    Last Page

    566

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000237468000002

    ISSN

    0306-8919

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