All-optical switching with a nematic coherent mixer

The Kerr-like (reorientational) response of nematic liquid crystals (NLC) can be exploited in a guided-wave configuration supporting two TM-polarized modes, by which an integrated-optics switch is demonstrated that is able to all-optically route the signal to either of two outputs. Although the switch optimization would require adiabatically tailored input and output Y-junctions to launch the excitation, its geometry is the simplest offering switching/routing with all-optical control at mW powers. Results on the switching speed is presented.