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Nanosecond monolithic Mach-Zehnder fiber switch
Patrik Rugeland1, Oleksandr Tarasenko, Walter Margulis
1Department of Fiber Photonics, Acreo AB, Electrum 236, 16440, Kista, Sweden. patrik.rugeland@acreo.se
Optics Express
|February 8, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a high-speed all-fiber switch using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with internal electrodes. It achieves a 20 ns switching speed, enabling rapid optical signal control.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- High-speed optical switching is crucial for modern telecommunications and data processing.
- Existing technologies often face limitations in speed, wavelength range, or integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an electrically controlled, high-speed all-fiber switch.
- To demonstrate the performance of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer based on Gemini fiber for optical switching applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a monolithic Mach-Zehnder interferometer fabricated with Gemini fiber.
- Integrated internal electrodes for active phase control via high-voltage electrical pulses.
- Characterized switching speed and performance across a broad wavelength range.
Main Results:
- Achieved a switching speed of 20 nanoseconds (ns).
- Demonstrated simultaneous attainment of off- and on-states across a 50 nm wavelength range due to the monolithic design.
- Showcased a 15 ns optical pulse generation capability by switching off the interferometer with a second electrode.
Conclusions:
- The developed all-fiber switch offers high-speed performance and broadband operation.
- The monolithic design and electrical control provide a robust solution for advanced optical systems.
- This technology holds potential for next-generation optical networks and signal processing.
