Virtually image phased array based on Bragg reflector waveguide for large-port optical switching

We review a new type of dispersion elements based on a Bragg reflector waveguide, which provides a large angular dispersion of 1~2°/nm. The device functions as sub-wavelength virtually imaged phased array grating. We obtain a number of resolution-points (possible channel-count in demultiplexing) over 1,000. We demonstrate a large-scale wavelength switch based on a Bragg reflector waveguides array. The waveguides array has a small footprint of 2×4 mm2, but provides both ultra-large numbers (>100) of output-ports and wavelength-channels at the same time. Prospects for further increase in the wavelength channel count and output ports will be discussed.