Abstract

A circuit design approach using cascaded structures for integrated optic modulators and switches with high extinction ratios is described and analyzed. The extinction ratios are improved by a multiplication effect and can be exceeding 30 dB for polarization independent devices with no individual voltage tuning. The trade-offs are more chip area consumption, more optical insertion loss, and a slower device response speed. These trade-offs can be minor for nonhigh speed applications, such as photonic cross-connect systems, where the switch control and crosstalk are more important issues.

© 1989 Optical Society of America