Optical switches and routers operated by phase-changing materials controlled by heaters

US10509244B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• GlobalFoundries Inc. · KY

Inventors

• Steven M. Shank · Jericho, US
• Anthony K. Stamper · Williston, US
• John J. Ellis-Monaghan · Grand Isle, US
• Vibhor Jain · Williston, US
• John J. Pekarik · Underhill, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 11, 2018
• Grant date: Dec 17, 2019
• Expiry date: Dec 11, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F1/0147
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Structures for an optical switch, structures for an optical router, and methods of fabricating a structure for an optical switch. A phase change layer is arranged proximate to a waveguide core, and a heater is formed proximate to the phase change layer. The phase change layer is composed of a phase change material having a first state with a first refractive index at a first temperature and a second state with a second refractive index at a second temperature. The heater is configured to selectively transfer heat to the phase change layer for transitioning between the first state and the second state.