Low-loss polarization-insensitive InP-InGaAsP optical space switches for fiber optical communication

High-performance InP-InGaAsP optical space switches are reported, which in monolithic four switch arrangements reach fiber-to-fiber losses as low as 5 dB. Polarization insensitivity is within /spl plusmn/0.5 dB. On-off ratios throughout the 1.53-1.56 μm wavelength range exceed 15 dB. Switch rearrangement times are below 200 ps.