Integrated-Optical Interferometric 2 X 2 Switches

An integrated-optical 2 x 2 switch consisting of an electrooptic interferometric modulator and asymmetric Y-branch mode splitters/combiners has been demonstrated. This device design offers the important advantages of low crosstalk, fast switching speed, low switching voltage, and ease of fabrication. In this initial device we have demonstrated switching at a wavelength of 1.15 pm with crosstalk of less than -15 dB.