Vol. 42, Issue 3, pp. 613-625 (2012)

Abstract

In this work, a detailed performance analysis for a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) optical switch with a channel profile of titanium-indiffused lithium niobate (Ti:LiNbO₃) is presented. The concept of diffusion process controlled modeling has been used to design and optimize its performance. Impacts of Ti-strip thickness on the power imbalance of first 3-dB coupler and crosstalk (CT) levels at the end of the interferometric arms are defined and calculated. Transition losses in the curved waveguides of the structure are maintained at low levels by selecting low less bend structures to increase overall performance of the switch. The best CT levels of – 41.73 dB for cross state and –32.69 dB for bar state at 1.3 μm wavelength have been achieved. While  at 1.55 μm wavelength, a CT of – 41.73 dB for cross state and –33.99 dB for bar state have been observed. The switch designed was found to operate best at 7.25 V and 8.25 V for test wavelengths of 1.3 μm and 1.55 μm, respectively. The computed results for its performance are better as compared to the present published data.