Integrated optic intensity modulator based on a bent channel waveguide

This paper proposes and evaluates a new type of integrated optic intensity modulator. The device principle is based on influencing the bend loss in a waveguide by changing the lateral refractive index contrast defining the guide. The device is expected to be applicable as a shutter in N×M switching arrays for decreasing cross-talk. As a proof of principle, a thermo-optically actuated device, fabricated in a combined polymer/silicon oxynitride technology, is presented. It shows an extinction ratio of 23 dB for an actuation energy of 1.5 W at a wavelength of 1.55 μm.