Micro-mechanical single-mode fiber switches and their applications

This paper describes the design, characteristics, and potential applications of compact latching-type single-mode fiber switches. To reduce the insertion loss and reflected light, index-matching oil is injected into the switches. The fabricated 1×2 switches exhibit a low insertion loss of 0.31 dB, a high return loss of 51 dB, a relatively fast switching time of <2 ms, and a low driving power of 9 mw. A practical 1×N single-mode switch was constructed using (N-1) 1×2 switches. The developed 1×2 and 1×8 switches are applicable to practical fiber-optic transmission systems and optical measurement systems; they will enhance the functionality and reliability of these systems