Reflection-type 2x2 optical waveguide switch using the Goos-Hanchen shift effect

We have designed a structure for a 2x2 silica-based optical waveguide switc h that is based on a thermocapillarity effect. This switch can use the refl ection walls on both sides of the slit, because the Goos-Hanchen shift effe ct was taken into account when the structure of the waveguides and the slit was designed. This switch can provide a cross/bar function through a singl e element, and the measured reflection losses in the reflection walls on bo th sides of the slit were consistent. The loss was comparable to the insert ion loss of a Mach-Zender-interferometer-type thermo-optic switch. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003- 6951(00)04020-1].