Implementation of wavelength selector based on electro-optic effect in Mach–Zehnder interferometers for high speed communications

•The design of 4x1 and 8x1 wavelength selectors have been presented.•The proposed optical logic unit is based on electro-optic effect in MZI.•The paper constitutes the mathematical description of the proposed device.•The wavelength switching behavior is analyzed using BPM and MATLAB simulations.•It can be used as DWDM component in optical networks.

The design of 4×1 and 8×1 wavelength selectors have been presented with complete functionality and configuration, which can be used as DWDM components in optical networks. The proposed optical logic unit is based on electro-optic effect in Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI). The Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structures collectively show the powerful capability in switching an input optical signal to a desired output port from a collection of output ports. A strategy for optical wavelength switching has been shown by constructing a design of wavelength selector using MZIs. The paper constitutes the mathematical description of proposed device and thereafter the wavelength switching behavior is analyzed using beam propagation method (BPM). The results are also verified with the help of MATLAB simulations and truth table.