Wavelength- and polarization-independent large angle InP/lnGaAsP digital optical switches with extinction ratios exceeding 20 dB

Record polarization-independent extinction ratios are reported for ridge waveguide digital optical switches in InP/InGaAsP. Wavelength insensitivity is demonstrated for the first time, with extinction ratios that exceed 20 dB at both 1.3 and 1.5 /spl mu/m for the same switch. The switch's total opening angle of 0.5/spl deg/ is more than a factor of two larger than other digital optical switches demonstrated at any wavelength. >