Integrated wavelength-selective optical MEMS switching using ring resonator filters

Abstract

An integrated optical microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch that provides wavelength selectivity is described. The switching mechanism is based on moving a MEMS actuated optically absorbing membrane into the evanescent field of a high-index-contrast optical ring resonator. By controlling the loss, and thus, the cavity quality factor, the resonant wavelength is switched between the drop and through ports.