High performance demonstration in optical-IP merged network

Abstract

We propose the novel popup-type 4 channels 2x2 MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) optical switch suitable for OADM /OXC. The switch is fabricated by using micromachine technology. The optical switch consists of four 2x2 MEMS optical switch elements including a switching device, four V-grooves and four lensed fibers. The switching device has a movable plate and micro-mirrors. The size of the 2x2 switching device is 2.0x2.0x0.7mm3 and the size of the 4 channels optical switch module is only 34.0x25.4x4.8mm3, remarkably small size compare to other optical switches. The switching principle is to move micro-mirrors into and out of optical paths by an electrostatic actuator. Since the mirror operation is digital, complex control systems are not required. The switching voltage is less than 1OOV. This switch has a unique micro-mirror structure like wings that gives the large coupling tolerance to both angular misalignment and axial misalignment. Even if these misalignments occur, the direction of optical propagation is not changed. Moreover, the small coupling loss is realized by the use of (1 10) sidewall micro-mirrors and (1 1 1) sidewall V-grooves in a (100) silicon wafer.The ubiquitous network is, in a sense, the ultimate goal of communication services. As the desire for ubiquitous network becomes increasingly clear, network service providers are anticipated to develop high performance network infrastructure for providing larger capacity and more flexible communication services. If such a communication infrastructure can be constructed inexpensively while retaining scalability, it should present a new business opportunity for network service providers. This demonstration presents high performance in a new network infrastructure using the network devices that comprise an Optical-IP merged network.-346-