N-channel optical switch and power divider

In order to accomplish power transfer in an array of N active coupled waveguides, one requires control over 2(N-1) degrees of freedom. In a previous analysis, we have shown that by using an optimization approach, almost any switching and splitting configuration can be accomplished within a high degree of accuracy. In this paper we present for the first time experimental results on a preliminary device which consists of five waveguides fabricated by Ti indiffusion to both Y and Z-cut LiNbO₃ substrates. The device was evaluated using light from a Ti:Sapphire laser tuned in the range 740 nm-890 nm and the wavelength dependence performance of the device was also studied