2 × 2 optical waveguide matrix switch using nematic liquid crystal

A 2 × 2 nonblocking optical matrix switch, composed of four elemental switches formed in a slab waveguide, is described. Switching action is based on total internal reflection caused by an electrically controlled change in refractive index of the liquid crystal. Propagation loss was remarkably reduced to 2.3 dB/cm, both by using liquid crystal as a cladding layer and by operating at the 1.31 μm wavelength. The experimental matrix switch exhibited 7.3-7.7 dB insertion loss, -17.3 to -18.2 dB crosstalk, and a 14° switching angle.