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High extinction ratio, low insertion loss, optical switch based on an electrowetting prism.

Mo Zohrabi, Wei Yang Lim, Victor M Bright

    Optics Express
    |April 1, 2020
    PubMed
    Summary

    A novel electrowetting prism optical switch offers a compact, low-power solution. This device achieves a high 47 dB extinction ratio at speeds up to 300 Hz, surpassing traditional switches.

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    Area of Science:

    • Photonics and Optical Engineering
    • Microfluidics and MEMS

    Background:

    • Conventional free-space optical switches often involve moving parts, leading to limitations in speed, power consumption, and size.
    • Electrowetting technology presents a promising alternative for optical switching applications due to its unique properties.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To demonstrate and characterize an optical switch utilizing an electrowetting prism coupled to a multimode fiber.
    • To evaluate the performance metrics of the electrowetting prism switch, including extinction ratio and switching speed.

    Main Methods:

    • An optical switch was constructed using an electrowetting prism integrated with a multimode fiber.
    • Optical performance was experimentally measured, focusing on beam steering, extinction ratio, and operational frequencies.

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  • Optical design was simulated using Zemax to analyze ray tracing and predict performance.

    • Main Results:

    • The electrowetting prism switch achieved a significant extinction ratio of 47 dB between ON and OFF states.
    • Experimental demonstration confirmed operational scanning frequencies ranging from 100 Hz to 300 Hz.
    • Zemax simulations predicted an extinction ratio of 50 dB, showing good agreement with experimental findings.

    Conclusions:

    • Electrowetting prisms offer a transmissive, low-power, and compact alternative for optical switching with no moving parts.
    • The demonstrated device exhibits high extinction ratios and fast switching speeds, making it suitable for various optical communication applications.
    • The results validate the potential of electrowetting technology for next-generation optical switching solutions.