A fiber-based crosspoint switch using high-refractive index interlay materials

A switch principle is described which relies on the coupling between two polished fiber coupler blocks through a high-index interlay waveguide whose refractive index is higher than the effective mode index of the fibers. Switching is effected by the input radiation coupling through the interlay waveguide into the second fiber (cross-coupled state) or recoupling into the first fiber (straight-through state). The half-coupler blocks were constructed with a nominal radius of curvature of 25 cm and the top surfaces polished close to the edge of the fiber core. Accurate glass and polymer ribbon spacers were used to separate the two blocks by from 5-20 μm and align them in parallel. The interstice was filled with a film of transparent high-index oil to form a slab waveguide