Novel 1×<i>N</i> and <i>N</i>×<i>N</i> integrated optical switches using self-imaging multimode GaAs/AlGaAs waveguides

Abstract

We report the demonstration of novel multiway GaAs/AlGaAs electro-optic waveguide switches which incorporate self-imaging planar multimode waveguide splitters and recombiners interconnected by single-mode guides. Each device consists of one or more input guides, a multiway splitter, an array of individually addressed electro-optic waveguide phase shifters, a multiway recombiner, and an array of output guides. By controlling the voltage applied to the electro-optic guides, light from any one input guide can be switched to any one output guide. We present experimental results for 1×10 and 10×10 devices. Typical values for switching uniformity, maximum crosstalk, and insertion loss were ±9%, −10 dB, and −12 dB, respectively.