Micromechanical optical switch using planar lightwave circuits

Optical switches are indispensable for improving the reliability of optical communication systems and for enhancing the functionality of various measu rement devices. As the optical communication technology has advanced, switc hes have come to occupy an extremely important position. With a view to dev eloping a miniature, low-loss mechanical optical switch, an optical switch is trial fabricated in which the planar optical waveguide is moved mechanic ally. In this paper, the operating principle and the fabrication process of the newly conceived optical switch are described. In addition, from the me asurement of the losses in each section of the optical switch with planar o ptical waveguide elements and from the simulation of the optical coupling l oss, the effectiveness of the optical switch structure is studied. It is fo und that most of the insertion loss is the propagation loss of the planar w aveguide itself and that the increase of loss due to the gap in the optical switch section and to the deformation of the planar optical waveguide at t he time of switching is much smaller than the propagation loss of the plana r waveguide. Further, an optical switch loaded with an electromagnetic actu ator is fabricated for trial. It is demonstrated that self-sustaining switc hing is possible. From the results of simulation and test, it becomes clear that the loss of the optical switch can be kept below 1 dB if the error of the optical switching stroke is reduced. (C) 2000 Scripta Technica.