Optically controlled two channel integrated-optical switch

An integrated optical bistable device based on a waveguide directional coupler switch is demonstrated. The device has four optical ports, and the power incident on the two input ports exists from two distinct output ports so that all-optical data processing or remote optical switching can be performed. On/off ratios as high as 12 dB have been observed. A switching time of
\sim300 \mu
s and switching energy of ∼3 pJ have been achieved.