Reconfigurable 16-channel WDM drop module using silicon MEMS optical switches

A reconfigurable 16-channel 100-GHz spacing wavelength-division-multiplexed drop module for use at 1550 nm was demonstrated using silicon microelectromechanical system (MEMS) optical switches and arrayed waveguide grating routers. Through-channel extinction was greater than 40 dB and average insertion loss was 21 dB, Both drop-and-retransmit of multiple channels (11-18 dB contrast, 14-19-dB insertion loss) and drop-and-detect of single channels (>20-dB adjacent channel rejection, 10-14-dB insertion loss) were implemented.