Low crosstalk and low loss polymeric 1 x 8 digital optical switch

We have demonstrated a high-performance 1 x 8 digital thermo-optic (TO) swi tch that uses silicone resin waveguides. The compact 40 mm long switch empl oys short Y-branching switches with a large branching angle. It has a low i nsertion loss of less than 3 dB and a low crosstalk of less than -40 dB at 1550 nm. The switch characteristics are maintained over wide wavelength reg ions around 1.3 and 1.55 mu m. They are also stable over a wide temperature range of -10 to 75 degrees C and a humidity range of 30 to 90%RH.