Abstract

We propose and analyze a new 2X2 electrooptic switch structure that exhibits a step-like response to the switching voltage. This response eliminates the need for precise voltage control for switching, and it therefore enables the operation of many such elements by a single voltage source, as required for switching arrays. Moreover, because this characteristic applies to both polarizations in a lithium niobate device, it can be made polarization independent, and it should be insensitive to the wavelength of light.

© 1987 Optical Society of America