Microelectromechanical intersecting waveguide optical switch based on thermo-capillarity

Space-division optical switches are essential for realizing the optical cross-connects and protection switches needed in future fiber-optic communication networks. Optical switches fabricated with MEMS technology are strongly anticipated; their excellent optical characteristics are due to their use of micromirrors to redirect optical signals. MEMS optical switches are roughly divided into two types: free-space and waveguide. This paper describes an intersecting waveguide optical switch based on thermo-capillarity.