A polarization independent guided-wave LiNbO/sub 3/ electrooptic switch employing polarization diversity

A 2*2 lithium niobate optical switch is demonstrated which uses polarization diversity to obtain polarization-independent operations with good crosstalk, a simple electrical drive configuration, and low drive voltage. The switch, on Z-cut LiNbO/sub 3/, is suitable for operation at 1.3 mu m with standard single-mode fibers. Resonant metal-loaded directional coupler mode-splitters enable the processing of each polarization component to be separately optimized. Switching voltages of 7 V for transverse magnetic and 24 V for transverse electric components have been achieved using a single substrate.<>