On-chip optical switch based on an echelle grating
US11714240B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2022 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3548
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An on-chip optical switch based on an echelle grating and a phase tuning element is described herein. The phase tuning element may change a refractive index of the material through which an optical signal propagates, thereby causing a change in the angle of propagation of the optical signal. By dynamically tuning the phase change element, the refractive index change may be controlled such that the deviation of the optical signal causes the optical signal to be focused on a particular coupling waveguide out of an array of coupling waveguides. The echelle grating with the active phase change element form a configurable optical switch capable of switching an optical signal between two or more coupling waveguides, that may be respectively connected to different optical signal processing pathways.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.