Low loss 1 × 8 silica-based phased array switch with low power consumption

We demonstrated a low loss 1 × 8 silica-based phased array switch with low power consumption by optimizing the number of arrayed waveguides. To reduce the single-mode fiber coupling loss and to obtain a large coupling tolerance, we introduced triple-branched spot-size converters designed with the wavefront matching method. In addition, heat insulating grooves and a 2π shift-controlled procedure were adopted to reduce the switching power. As a result, we obtained a low insertion loss of 3.6–6.8 dB and a low power consumption of 1.6 W. The polarization dependence, extinction ratio and switching time were 0.1 dB, 17.4–38.6 dB, and 1.2 ms, respectively.