InP digital optical switch: key element for guided-wave photonic switching

The InP digital optical switch presented is compared with other types of switch. In addition to reverse- and forward-bias operation, its push-pull mode of operation is demonstrated for the first time, as well as its high-speed behaviour. The high potential of the digital optical switch and switching matrix fabrication are described. The results show that the InP-based digital optical switch has to be considered as a key element for guided-wave photonic switching.