Optical Switch Utilizing Total Reflection of (Pb, La)(Zr, Ti)O3 Ceramics

Abstract

We have previously proposed an optical deflector which consists of a (Pb, La)(Zr, Ti)O3 (PLZT) rectangular solid and triangular electrodes on its top and bottom surfaces. Applying DC voltage to both electrodes, the refractive index of the material covered by the electrodes increases and becomes different from that of the remaining part of the plate. Therefore, the part covered by the electrodes works as a prism. By increasing the applied voltage, total reflection takes place at the boundary between the part covered by electrodes and the remainder of the plate. We propose here an optical switch utilizing this total reflection, the electrodes of which are divided into three parts. By applying voltage to two of the three electrodes, the shape of the equivalent prism can be changed. Thus, the output optical beam can be deflected and switched either to the left or right. Since the beam travels straight without voltage application, it is found that this device works as a 1×3 optical switch.