Active semiconductor optical switches with blue-shifted channel waveguides

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a theoretical design study of active optical switches constructed from III-V semiconductor multiple-quantum-well waveguides. New designs are given for 4 × 4 matrix switches, 1 × 4 tree switches, and 4-delay optical transversal filters. The designs feature ∼ 0 dB insertion loss and ∼ 30 dB crosstalk isolation. Low injection currents are predicted because pumping is eliminated on ∼ 70 percent of the channel waveguide area by an induced-disorder treatment that blue-shifts the material's absorption edge. The active networks also feature etched facet reflectors that facilitate the dense packing of guides.