Abstract

The optical switch is one of the fundamental devices for signal routing and modulation in all optical communications systems. High-speed optical switches may be used for time-division multiplexing to utilize the high bandwidth of common single mode fibers, and as external modulators for signal encoding. Most current optical switches are passive, suffering from long coupling length(typically 0.5-1.0 cm), and losses. Active optical switches, however, can overcome these problems. They can be zero loss or they even provide gain at lengths of only a few hundred micrometers. From a practical standpoint the high frequency response and simple structure of an active optical switch are its most attractive features.

© 1994 Optical Society of America