Optimization of 2x2 Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Electro-Optic Switch

Abstract

This paper presents enhanced performance of a 2x2 optoelectronic switch based on Mach-Zehnder Interferometer made by titanium diffusion in lithium niobate substrate. The electro-optic switches have wide application in next generation optical networks due to their high speed operation. The optimization of switching characteristics is performed for low switching losses such as insertion loss, excess loss, high extinction ratio and low switching voltage by varying the gap of 3dB couplers, gap of interferometric arms and wave guide width. The present structure has been optimized in order to reduce the overall switch losses (= 0.1 dB) and to achieve the best possible extinction ratio (≥ 20 dB). Further by changing wave guide width the switching voltage is reduced from 7.8 V to 7.4 V.