Multi-channel arrayed polymeric waveguide devices

Multi-channel arrayed waveguide devices are crucial for WDM optical communication systems. Multi-channel arrayed polymer-based waveguide devices have been important for reducing cost and size. This paper introduces two types of multi-channel arrayed polymer-based waveguide devices. We designed and fabricated a four-channel arrayed 2 x 2 thermooptic switch using a low-loss polymer and a four-channel arrayed electro-optic Mach-Zehnder modulator using an electrooptic polymer. The four-channel arrayed 2 x 2 thermo-optic switch has very low power consumption and uniform performance. The switching time of the four-channel arrayed EO Mach-Zehnder modulator operating with just lumped electrodes is less than a few nanoseconds.