Inventors:
Rashmi Bahuguna - Kokomo IN, US
Mani Mina - Ames IA, US
Robert J. Weber - Boone IA, US
Assignee:
Iowa State University Research Foundation - Ames IA
International Classification:
G02B 6/12
G02F 1/095
US Classification:
385 1, 385 14, 385 16, 385 39
Abstract:
An integrated fiber optic switch based on the magneto-optic effect of magnetic materials suitable for optical fiber networks is presented. The switch is based on the Faraday Effect exhibited by magneto-optic materials. The all-fiber magneto-optic switch has a beam splitter at the input that splits an incoming signal into orthogonal polarized paths. Each path has at least one magneto-optic Faraday rotator (MOFR) controlled by a field. When the field is present, the polarization of the optical beam changes, thereby turning the switch on or off. A beam coupler couples the orthogonal polarized paths at the output of the all-fiber magneto-optic switch. The switch is constructed in the Mach-Zehnder configuration, utilizing two 3 dB couplers, isolators and MOFRs fabricated on silicon-on-insulator.