Low power consumption thermo-optic switch based on DR1/PMMA

A new kind of thermo-optic switch based on DR1/PMMA is proposed. This material has good cost-performance, large thermo-optic coefficient, and other advantages for electro-optic devices because of the nonlinear chromophore DR1. Based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer, this switch adopts the square waveguide structure and polymer silica hybrid configuration to adjust the optical field distribution for more thermo-optic operation efficiency. A coplanar waveguide heater ensures the high frequency response of electrode and the ground electrode as a heat sink can prevent the thermo power accumulated. The total length of the device is 3.5 cm including the 1.5-cm heater. The test results show that the extinction ratio is 21 dB, and the power consumption is less than 13 mW. The measured switching time is less than 0.9 ms. This work provides foundation for design and fabrication of electro-optic and thermo-optic hybrid integrated devices. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2163-2165, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26996