A High-Speed Digital Y-Branch Switch Modulator with Integrated Passive Tapers for Fiber Pigtailing

We demonstrate a 1X2 digital optional switch in InGaAsP multiple-quantum-wells with an 8-GHz bandwidth which may also be operated as a wavelength-, polarization-, and drive-voltage insensitive modulator. The total length of the switch modulator/device is 3 mm which includes passive fan-outs for fiber interconnection. The on-chip insertion loss is 3 dB out of which the Y-branch excess loss is only 0.7 dB. The measured switch crosstalk is -18 dB for 4V push-pull bias. Further crosstalk reduction is expected from a more optimized design and improved fabrication processes.