Large-Angle Switching in Planar Optical Waveguides.
Abstract
This program resulted in the production of a laboratory model of a large-angle optical waveguide switch which is the first stage in the development of a switching element to perform the interconnect function in a fiber-optic communication system. The switch is composed of a thick phase grating in a planar waveguide and and electrooptic element which can alter the grating condition or the angle of incidence of the of the signal beam upon the grating. It is thus possible to switch from an arbitrarily large predetermined deflection angle to a condition of no deflection. The gratings are formed by a holographic process at the region of intersection of two guided waves in a LiNbO3:Ti waveguide. Diffraction efficiencies of over 80% have been achieved in unfixed gratings, i.e. gratings which fade with time constant of several hours. Procedures are being developed for fixing gratings, and diffraction efficiencies of over 25% have been achieved with these nondegradable gratings. Electrode structures capable of 92% intensity modulation of the diffracted beam have been developed. Methods for improving both the diffraction efficiency and the modulation depth are suggested. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA022020
Entities
People
- Richard P. Kenan
Organizations
- Battelle Memorial Institute