Characterization of an 2x2 SCB Optical Switch Integrated with VOA

• Main Authors: Hen-Wei Huang, Yao-Joe Yang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chinese Institute of Automation Engineers (CIAE) & Taiwan Smart Living Space Association (SMART LISA) 2012-06-01
• Series: International Journal of Automation and Smart Technology
• Subjects: split cross bar; optical switch; converter; variable optical attenuators; analytical; automation
• Online Access: http://www.ausmt.org/index.php/AUSMT/article/view/107

This work presents the modeling, simulation and characterization of an innovative micromachined 2x2 optical switch monolithically integrated with variable optical attenuators. The device uses bi-stable mechanisms for optical switching, and can be easily realized by a standard micromachining process. The split-cross-bar design (SCB) is employed as the optical path configuration. A one-dimensional (1-D) heat transfer model is developed for estimating temperature elevation. An analytical solution is also proposed for the thermo-elastic bending and buckling problem of thermal V-beam and curved beam (pre-shaped buckled beam) actuators. The resulting governing equations with external y-directed force and thermal strain force are solved analytically. Results of the analytical solutions and the finite element (FEM) calculations are compared, with prediction accuracy within 10% of the nonlinear FEM solution, which agrees well with the experimental data.