Optical switches are critical elements for on-chip optical networks. They are essential for high performance interconnects in a multi-core microprocessor system, where large bandwidth densities, low energy consumption and small footprint components are required.

     The invention enables hitless operation of a broadband compact electro-optic switch for on-chip optical networks on a silicon platform. A broadband switch is important for two main reasons: low distortion of high bandwidth signals and robustness from on chip temperature changes. Hitless tuning, i.e. switching data at one wavelength without affecting the other wavelengths on the interconnect, is also an important criterion in on-chip optical networks employing multiple wavelengths.

     Previously, thermo-optic and all-optical approaches have been used to demonstrate broadband hitless switching using coupled resonators, and also proposed to be used in a Mach-Zehnder topology. Electro-optic broadband switching has also been demonstrated, however not in a hitless configuration. This is the first demonstration a broadband, hitless, compact electro-optic switch on a silicon photonics platform, using a compact broadband filter integrated with PIN diodes.

Figure 1. Schematic of electro-optic switch.

Potential Applications

• Optical switching
• Multiplexed optical signals
• Telecommunications

Advantages

• Broadband
• Capable of hitless tuning
• Compact design

File Number: 4931