Polymeric thermo-optic space switches for optical communications

Solid state optical space switches based on the thermo-optic (t.o.) effect in polymeric optical waveguides have now reached the commercial stage. The application of these switches is in network protection and network reconfiguration functions for fiber optic communications systems. The requirements for these applications include polarization and wavelength independence, low insertion loss, low cross talk, low drive power with step-like (digital) response, millisecond switching times and small size. In addition the reliability of the component must meet the demanding requirements of telecom applications. It will be shown that polymeric t.o. space switches can meet all functional requirements due to the exceptional thermal and t.o. effects of polymers combined with their tunability and processing versatility. Furthermore, it will be shown that polymer optical chips components can withstand extreme lifetime tests with success.