Open AccessNano-opto-electro-mechanical switch based on a four-waveguide directional coupler
Author(s) -
Tianran Liu,
Francesco Pagliano,
Andrea Fiore
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.25.010166
Subject(s) - optical switch , power dividers and directional couplers , photonics , photonic integrated circuit , electronic circuit , waveguide , optics , voltage , optoelectronics , cantilever , optical power , crossover switch , materials science , physics , electrical engineering , engineering , laser , composite material
Optical switches connect optical circuits, and route optical signals in networks. Nano-electromechanical systems can in principle enable compact and power-effective switches that can be integrated in photonic circuits. We proposed an optical switch based on four coupled waveguides arranged in three-dimensional configuration. The switching operation is controlled by a cantilever displacement of only 55 nm. Simulations show that our proposed device requires a low switching voltage down to 3V and can operate at frequencies in the MHz range. Our results also pave the way towards novel optical components that electromechanically manipulate light in both the horizontal and the vertical direction in photonic circuits.