Digital optical switch

US6233377A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Heinrich-Hertz-Institut fur Nachrichtentechnik Berlin Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung · DE

Inventors

• Norbert Keil · Berlin, DE
• Huihai Yao · Berlin, DE
• Crispin Zawadzki · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 7, 1998
• Grant date: May 15, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 7, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F1/3137
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A digital optical switch with two input terminals and two output terminals to satisfy the extensive uses of optical switches. The conditions for adiabatic mode evolution can be flexibly adjusted depending on the planned use for said switch, the technological production thereof still being simple. In the digital optical switch according to the invention, the first incoming waveguide, with regard to the second incoming waveguide in the input section and the third outgoing waveguide with regard to the fourth outgoing waveguide in the output section are symmetrical with each other in cross-section, index of refraction and arrangement in relation to the direction in which the light spreads. Structural electrodes have a tapering effect on the wave guides and are adjusted thereto, and an electrode arranged in the output section is electrically driven.