Elastic stability of the glass fibers in a micromachined fiber-optic switch packaged into a dual-in-line ceramic package

We address the elastic stability of the optical fibers in a micromachined fiber-optic switch, packaged into a dual-inline ceramic package. When the package is subjected to low temperature conditions during temperature cycling tests, the fibers experience compression caused by the thermal contraction mismatch of the glass and the ceramic materials. Such a compression can possibly lead to the buckling of the fibers, thereby having an adverse effect on the reliability of both the fibers and the adhesively bonded joints at the ends of the fibers. Therefore the ability to predict the occurrence of buckling and to design an elastically stable structure is of obvious practical importance. The results of the performed analysis can be used for the prediction and prevention of fiber buckling in a fiber-optic switch design.