The theoretical and experimental behavior of a thermooptic bulk deflector fiber-optic circuit switch

The temperature-dependent refractive index change of the dielectric, glass, has been utilized in the fabrication of a one-dimensional 1 × 2 thermooptic bulk deflector. A two-dimensional 1 × 4 thermooptic device utilizing the optical isotropy of glass, achieving enhanced switching capabilities, has also been successfully fabricated and tested. The theoretical analysis of the physical property
dT/dx
of the glass is confirmed to correspond closely with the optical behavior of the switch in terms of its deflection angle and transient response.