Integrated optic intensity modulator based on a bent channel waveguide

This paper proposes and evaluates a new type of integrated optic intensity modulator. The device principle is based on influencing the bend loss in a waveguide by changing the lateral refractive index contrast defining the gu ide. The device is expected to be applicable as a shutter in N X M switchin g arrays for decreasing cross-talk. As a proof of principle, a thermo-optic ally actuated device, fabricated in a combined polymer/silicon oxynitride t echnology, is presented. It shows an extinction ratio of 23 dB for an actua tion energy of 1.5 W at a wavelength of 1.55 mu m. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scienc e B.V. All rights reserved.