Fast 2 x 2 Mach-Zehnder optical space switches using InGaAsP-InP multiquantum-well structures

Abstract

We report fast 2/spl times/2 Mach-Zehnder optical space switches by using quantum confined Stark effect in InGaAsP-InP multiquantum-well structures that are ultracompact, require low voltages, and employ a simple RF drive with RC time-constant limited lumped electrodes. Cut-off frequencies in excess of 10 GHz are observed suitable for a variety of fast optical switching applications.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>