Digital optical switch

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate a novel polarization- and wavelength-independent digital electro-optic switch in Ti:LiNbO3. This four-port integrated optics switch is characterized by a steplike response to the applied voltage. Switching is achieved through adiabatic eigenmode transformation in an asymmetric waveguide junction. We demonstrate switching of both polarization components at two wavelengths (1.32 and 1.52 μm) with a crosstalk of −20 dB.