A polarization-independent 1 x 16 guided-wave optical switch integrated on lithium niobate.

We report the fabrication and testing of several models of a complex integrated Ti:LiNbO3 switch array, a one-input-to- sixteen-output switch that is polarization independent for use with standard single-mode fibers. The switch involves 15 directional-coupler switches in a binary-tree configuration with four ranks of switches. The device is fitted with connectorized single-mode fiber pigtails and housed in a package that permits convenient transport and use. The best measured losses (fiber- waveguide-fiber) are 3.0 dB for the TE polarization and 3.6 dB for the TM. Permanent attachment of the pigtails adds 0. 65 dB loss. Crosstalk suppression averages 10 dB below the transmitted signal for the brightest unwanted path.