Development of prototype micromechanical optical switch

A new mechanical optical switch with a latching function was fabricated on a planar lightwave circuits (PLCs) by combining three technologies: integra ted optics, micromachining on silicon or silica, and surface mounted actuat ors, The switching function is obtained by mechanical deflection of silica cantilevers driven by electromagnetic force. A prototype switch was made an d its performance was measured experimentally. The insertion loss was 4.4 d B, cross-talk was -40 dB, and switching time was 40 ms for a driving voltag e of 7 V and a current of 350 mA.