1/spl times/8 micro-mechanical switches based on moving waveguides for optical fiber network switching

Abstract

The feasibility of 1/spl times/N switches based on moving waveguides has been demonstrated. Solutions have been developed to overcome the technological hurdles encountered. The elementary 1/spl times/2 switch performances have been strongly improved: very low crosstalk (<-42 dB), low optical losses (1.5 dB), insensitivity to wavelength (<0.2 dB, 1250-1650 nm wavelength range) and polarisation (<0.3 dB), low driving voltage (<70 V), low switching time (<5 ms). Due to the results associated with a size reduction and a very accurate and reproducible control of residual deflection, we have demonstrated that the fabrication of larger 1/spl times/N switches is possible by cascading 1/spl times/2 switches. 1/spl times/8 switches have been fabricated. Moreover an 8/spl times/8 switching matrix has been demonstrated using arrays of 1/spl times/8 switches. These demonstrations show that this technology can address the different switching applications.