Compact evanescent optical switch and attenuator withelectromechanical actuation

摘要

We report the design and the realization of an out-of-planenbending structure supporting a waveguide that is used as an opticalnattenuator and an optical switch. Both devices are based on evanescentnfield interaction induced by spatial confinement either between twonwaveguides or between one waveguide and an absorbing medium. Thenattenuator exhibits typical attenuation of 65 dB/cm. Even if the badnquality of the waveguide has prevented the correct operation of thenswitch, we show that the attenuation figure establishes the feasibilitynof a compact evanescent optical coupler with mechanical drive featuringna total length below 1 mm