High-extinction-ratio, visible-light thermo-optic switch based on two-stage mode management

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Photonics
• Imaging Science

Background:

• Visible-light interference imaging offers super-diffraction-limit resolution for large-aperture systems.
• Traditional systems face limitations due to bulky optics and lack of high extinction ratio optical switches in the visible spectrum for on-chip integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high extinction ratio optical switch for visible-light interference imaging.
• To optimize an interferometric arm for reduced drive power and response time.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a two-stage mode management strategy to enhance optical switch extinction ratio.
• Optimized the thermal transfer model of the interferometric arm.
• Characterized extinction ratio, phase modulation linearity, drive power, and response time at 532 nm.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 39.9 dB extinction ratio at 532 nm.
• Maintained high phase modulation linearity (RMSE < 0.0004 rad for 0-π, RMSE < 0.0021 rad for π-2π).
• Reduced drive power by 28% and rise time by 21% compared to conventional designs.

Conclusions:

• The developed device offers a viable solution for multi-channel parallel interference imaging systems.
• Enables the creation of portable high-resolution imaging devices.