Compact and low power consumption 16 /spl times/ 16 optical matrix switch with silica-based PLC technology

We successfully reduced the chip size of a 16/spl times/16 optical matrix switch with silica-based planar lightwave circuit technology to 36 %, and the power consumption to 37 % by employing 1.5 % /spl Delta/ waveguides, heat insulating grooves, and a new circuit layout.