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Low power consumption thermo-optic switch formed by an integrated processing method
Applied Optics
|November 2, 2019
Summary
This study presents a novel polymer-based thermo-optic (TO) switch fabricated using an integrated method. The device achieves low power consumption and fast response times due to its unique air trench and hybrid waveguide design.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Thermo-optic (TO) switches are crucial components in optical communication systems.
- Reducing power consumption and improving response time are key challenges in TO switch development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an integrated processing method for fabricating low-power polymer-based TO switches.
- To enhance the performance of TO switches through innovative structural designs.
Main Methods:
- Integrated processing method for simultaneous fabrication of air trench and waveguide.
- Design and simulation of switch characteristic parameters.
- Fabrication of polymer/silica hybrid waveguide structure.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low switching power of 5.2 mW.
- Demonstrated fast switching times with rise and fall times of 192.2 μs and 201.1 μs, respectively.
- Air trench structure effectively reduced power consumption.
Conclusions:
- The integrated processing method is effective for fabricating high-performance TO switches.
- The proposed design, incorporating air trenches and hybrid waveguides, significantly enhances switch efficiency and speed.
- This work offers a promising solution for low-power, high-speed optical switching applications.
