Novel 1×N and N×N integrated optical switches using self‐imaging multimode GaAs/AlGaAs waveguides

We report the demonstration of novel multiway GaAs/AlGaAs electro‐optic waveguide switches which incorporate self‐imaging planar multimode waveguide splitters and recombiners interconnected by single‐mode guides. Each device consists of one or more input guides, a multiway splitter, an array of individually addressed electro‐optic waveguide phase shifters, a multiway recombiner, and an array of output guides. By controlling the voltage applied to the electro‐optic guides, light from any one input guide can be switched to any one output guide. We present experimental results for 1×10 and 10×10 devices. Typical values for switching uniformity, maximum crosstalk, and insertion loss were ±9%, −10 dB, and −12 dB, respectively.