.Optimization of silicon-on-insulator based optical switch using tapered waveguides[J].Optoelectronics Letters,2007,3(5):326-328 Optimization of silicon-on-insulator based optical switch using tapered waveguides LI Zhi-yong CHEN Shao-wu YU Jin-zhong State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100083, China Abstract:       Optimiz ed 2×2 switches based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) were demonstrated. In the design, single mode rib waveguides and multimode interferences (MMIs) are connected by tapered waveguides to reduce the mode coupling loss between the two types of waveguides. The average insertion loss of the switches is about -16.9 dB and the excess loss of one is measured of -1.3 dB. The worst crosstalk is larger than 25 dB. Experimental results indicate that some of the main characteristics of optical switches are improved in the modified design, which is according with theoretic analysis. The novel design can be used to improve the characteristics of optical switch matrixes based on 2×2 switch units. Hits: 3526 Download times: 199 View Full Text    Download reader