Intelligent integration of optical power splitter with optically switchable cross-connect based on multimode interference principle in SiGe/Si

An intelligent and monolithic integration of optical power splitter with optically switchable cross-connect has been proposed. It is fabricated on the multimode interference principle in Si-based SiGe material system and configured for a 3x2 symmetrical structure of the three input waveguides and the two output waveguides. The central waveguide section is based on a multimode interference and incorporated with an activated carrier injection element. The operating wavelengths of the device are specially designed for 1545, 1550, and 1555 nm conventional-band wavelengths. The measured crosstalk is at around -17 dB and the average insertion loss is about 5.25 dB. At switch-ON state, the measured injection current is 370 mA corresponding to an injection current density of 950 A/cm(2). (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.