3×3 Multimode interference optical switches using electro-optic effects as phase Shifters

Optical switches are key elements in many applications of optical communication networks. Multimode interference in optical waveguide is interesting in optical switches now. In this paper, a 3×3 all-optical switch based on 3×3 multimode interference (MMI) structures is proposed. This device use electro-optic effects as phase shifters. The switching states of the device can be controlled by adjusting the control voltages at the phase shifters in two arms. The transfer matrix method and numerical simulations are used for designing and optimizing the device structure.