A New Structure of Mmi Polymer Thermo-Optic Switch With a High Refractive Index Contrast

Abstract

Abstract-The 2 × 2 MMI polymer thermo-optic switch in a high refractive index contrast (0.102) with a new structure design is realized. This device was fabricated using standard fabrication techniques such as coating, photolithography, and dry etching. A crosstalk level of −36.2 dB has been achieved. Meanwhile the extinction ratio of 36.1 dB has been achieved in this device. The polarization dependent loss (PDL) of 0.3 dB and Insertion loss of 1.4 dB were measured at 1550 nm wavelength. In terms of wavelength dependency, the device shows a good performance within C-band wavelength with vacillation of the insertion loss value around 0.88 dB. The power consumption of 1.85 mW was measured to change the state of the switch from the cross to bar state. The measured switching time was 0.7 ms.

Thermal performance analysis of polymer optical waveguides for thermo-optic applications

“…When current flows through heater then it produces joule heat. This heat flows through upper cladding and heats up both core and lower cladding layer following the laws of heat conduction as [2]:…”

“…The thermo-optic (TO) devices, which uses the TO property of waveguide materials, are widely used for the switching of guided light in this optical communication system [1]. The TO devices are very attractive due to their simple structural design and flexibility to use [2]. The design of TO devices usually involves the tailoring of waveguide geometry considering optical performances (i.e., optical power, crosstalk, etc.).…”

“…The temperature responses have been analyzed and the optimization of device geometry has been proposed by structural modification, for example, using a ridge of substrate in the lower cladding or adding some high conductive material inside [1] [2]. The thermal performances between ridge and buried waveguide has been presented and compared for allpolymer material in [5].…”

“…Polymer materials have been receiving increasing attention due to their low cost, simple fabrication process, easy integration onto desired surfaces, and energy savings property (e.g., large thermo-optic coefficient) [2]. The works are accomplished using finite element (FE) method in COMSOL.…”

Determination of Optical Transmission Loss in Poly (3-Methyl Thiophene) Thin Film Planar Waveguide: Effect of Vapour Chopping

“…Series of waveguide transitions where the cross section of a waveguide structure changes in the direction of optical propagation are widely used in the design of integrated optical circuits, for example, junctions, tapers, and branches [11,12], also in thermo-optic switches [13]. It consists of two layers with slightly different refractive indices the optical signal guides along the higher refractive index layer by means of total internal reflection.…”