Polarization- and wavelength-insensitive guided-wave optical switch with semiconductor Y junction

A polarization- and wavelength-insensitive semiconductor guided-wave optical switch with a Y junction is proposed. The switch exhibits a digital response with respect to current, allowing its use as a wavelength-insensitive 1*2 optical switch. The switching characteristics are analyzed by using the beam propagation method, and a design example is given. The polarization- and wavelength-insensitive switching operation has been confirmed with a fabricated GaAs/GaAlAs switch at wavelengths of 1.3 and 1.55 mu m, and the on/off ratio exceeded 20 dB at an injection current of 250 mA at these wavelengths.>