High speed low loss optical switch

"This program addresses the development of a solid-state optical switching technology. Current fiberoptic switches do not simultaneously meet the requirements of high speed, low loss, high extinction ratio, and high reliability. Sub-microsecond andmultiple-port fiber switches of low loss and low cost are long sought after performance attributes. This type of high performance optical switches is in great demand for use in modern defense systems and optical communication networks. Based on thesuccessful Phase I demonstration of high-speed and low loss 1x2 fiber optical switch, AGILTRON Inc. proposes to further develop this novel solid-state switching technology, using new crystal materials having large electro-optic effect and excellent thermalstability. This platform technology pushes optic switching to the cutting edge, potentially offers state-of-the-art performance attributes of electro-optic high-speed operation, polarization insensitivity and low optical insertion loss, low cost viamatured production method, as well as crystal ruggedness for high optical power handling and long-term stability. The design eliminates the need for mechanical movement, organic materials, and waveguides, which introduce intrinsic drawbacks. Moreover,the design is simple, compact, and cost effective. It is anticipated that state-of-the-art performance in several key specifications can be achieved through this program. Prototype electro-optic 4x4 fi