Tunable photonic crystal based on phase change materials for real-time optical path control

Abstract

A real-time all-optical switch with a wide tunable band gap is presented in this study, using photonic crystals and phase change materials to improve the performance of optical communication networks. The decisive factors of photonic band gaps are explored, and 2D photonic crystal straight waveguides are realized with an extinction ratio of 20dB. Furthermore, several types of all-optical switches with superior light manipulation capabilities are designed, and an all-optical information processing system is realized, providing a feasible solution for high-speed all-optical networks with large capacity.