Total reflection optical waveguide switching through dielectric chip motion

An optical waveguide switch has been realized utilizing the total reflection critical angle controlled by the motion of a dielectric chip set on a waveguide surface. By the contact-noncontact of a GGG chip with the SiO(2)-Ta(2)O(5) waveguide film having a built-in low refractive-index channel, a switching angle of 22.5x and extincion ratio of 12-16 dB were obtained for the TE(0) mode at 0.633-microm wavelength. A 1 x 3 switch that includes two switching positions driven by 6-V electromagnets is demonstrated.