Analysis and demonstration of an integrated optical switch based on dynamic free carrier gratings: a blueprint for a 100×100 element switch array

Abstract

We propose, analyze, and demonstrate a new type of integrated optical switch based on dynamic free carrier gratings at the intersection of crossing waveguides. A low efficiency, nonregrowth device was fabricated to demonstrate the dynamic free carrier grating concept. Experimental dynamic diffraction efficiency results measured as a function of wavelength for various polarization cases are analyzed using the models developed here, and are found to be in good agreement with theory. Theoretical calculations for higher efficiency designs with more involved fabrication requirements indicate that high speed 100/spl times/100 element switch arrays, with good polarization independent diffraction efficiency (40%), and thus low insertion loss, can be fabricated on a single substrate.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>