All-Optical Integrated Switch Utilizing Faraday Rotation

Achieving network transparency via the use of all-optical devices is vital for next generation DWDM networks to realize fundamental functions such as switching, routing and wavelength conversion. With the abundance of capacity created by the Internet boom of the ´90s, emphasis is placed on both device performance and cost. A 1 × 1 integrated switch based on the polarization plane rotation of light in Bi-substituted iron garnets is reported here using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to achieve amplitude modulation by use of suitable material dimensions and field strengths. The working principle, design and fabrication of the switch are detailed.