New configuration of 2 x 2 switching elements using Mach-Zehnder electro-optic modulators

In this paper, we present the design of a 4 × 4 complete interconnection network, including a new switching element configuration which allows us to reduce the overall dimensions. It is based on the asymmetric passive 3-branch power divider, which allows the beam to be split with half power in the central waveguide and 1/4 power in either lateral waveguide. This structure, which can be inserted in various switching network architectures, has been analyzed using the beam propagation method in order to determine how the various design parameters affect system performances. The total area of the switching element is about 0.6 mm2 for the control voltage of 9.7 V. The total insertion losses are 2.1 dB in the cross state and 1.2 dB in the bar state.