Alternative structures for two-dimensional MEMS optical switches [Invited]

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2-D) microelectromechanical system (MEMS) optical switches have the merits of easy fabrication and high reliability. Since the optical signal loss is mainly proportional to the length of signaling paths in the switches, current 2-D MEMS optical switches that use a crossbar structure have a rather limited number of ports. For larger 2-D MEMS optical switches, we may use nonrectangular topology switching fabrics to shorten the internal signaling path or to recollimate the optical signal segment by segment inside the switches. We discuss these approaches from the aspect of implementation and routing control complexity.