The WDM performance of compact X-junction switches in polymer

We report here in detail the WDM performance of a wide-angle novel X-juncti on switch (TSXB) that we developed earlier. At a full branching angle of 1. 5 degrees our new design achieves a bandwidth of 145 nm (1470-1615 nm) at 1 .5 dB over which the crosstalk is kept below -18.0 dB. Maintaining the same order of bandwidth in normal X-junctions (NXB),requires a branching angle as narrow as 0.2 degrees A TSXB is thus suitable for WDM systems, yet comes in a size significantly more wide angle (and hence more compact) than an N XB. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.