Abstract

Multi-Gbit/s telecommunications, multimedia networks, B-ISDN, and high-data-rate time-domain multiplexing systems demand high-speed, transparent fiber-optic switches with low polarization sensitivity. The existing high-speed electro-optic switches employing LiNbO₃, or III-V semiconductors have shortcomings of high insertion loss and high polarization sensitivity. Acousto-optic, optomechanical, E-O/O-E conversion, and thermally controlled Si on polymer fiber-optic switches suffer from low switching speed. This paper describes a practical fiber-optic 1 × 8 switch module, which provides nanosecond switching speed, low polarization sensitivity, low driving voltage, and insertion gain with capability of reconfígurable broadcasting.

© 1996 Optical Society of America