Ultra-compact, self-holding asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer switch using Ge2Sb2Te5 phase-change material

Takumi Moriyama; Daiki Tanaka; Paridhi Jain; Hitoshi Kawashima; Masashi Kuwahara; Xiaomin Wang; Hiroyuki Tsuda

doi:10.1587/elex.11.20140538

This article has now been updated. Please use the final version.

Ultra-compact, self-holding asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer switch using Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ phase-change material

Takumi Moriyama, Daiki Tanaka, Paridhi Jain, Hitoshi Kawashima, Masashi Kuwahara, Xiaomin Wang, Hiroyuki Tsuda

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Keywords: optical switch, phase change material, optical waveguide

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS Advance online publication

Article ID: 11.20140538

DOI https://doi.org/10.1587/elex.11.20140538

The final version of this article is now available: Vol. 11 (2014), No. 15 pp. 20140538-20140538

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Abstract

An asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer optical switch using phase-change material (PCM) is reported. In this switch, two Ge₂Sb₂Te₅ thin films, each 1 μm in diameter, are deposited on a Si waveguide, and are used as phase shifters. The PCM can be reversibly switched between the amorphous and crystalline states. The difference in refractive index between the two states is very large, typically more than 2. Therefore, an optical switch using the PCM can be very small. The switching operation is successfully demonstrated by laser pulse irradiation. The maximum extinction ratio is 26.7 dB, and 2.2-nm peak wavelength shift is verified.

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