Micro-size optical switch on silicon-on-insulator platform
US8483526B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/0152
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An innovative micro-size photonic switch is presented. The photonic switch is comprised of: a mirror having a reflecting surface; an input waveguide; and an output tapered waveguide structure. The photonic switch further includes a switching mechanism disposed adjacent to the reflecting surface and operable to change the refractive index along the reflective surface and thereby shift the angle at which the optical signal reflects from the mirror. More specifically, the switching mechanism may operate to change concentration of free carrier distribution along the reflective surface and thereby displace the effective reflecting interface of the mirror. In this way, the optical signal can be directed to one of two or more output ports of the output tapered waveguide structure and finally exited by one output waveguide channel that is connected to the selected port of the output tapered waveguide structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.