Self-latching waveguide optical switch based on thermo-capillarity

We propose an optical matrix switch based on the thermal capillary effect integrated in a waveguide substrate. We fabricated a prototype 1×3 switch and demonstrated excellent optical switching and self-latching performance. In this paper we propose a novel bistable optical switch with a closed structure which guarantees basic reliability. Our switching is based on liquid movement driven by thermo-capillarity. We fabricated a 1 × 3 switch matrix in a waveguide substrate and successfully demonstrated the switching operation