One x 4 InP SOI optical switch replaces passive splitters

Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) passive optical network (PON) architectures typically use passive splitters to increase the number of subscribers in a fiberoptic communications system. But unfortunately, users at the same wavelength still need to compete for time-division multiplexing (TDM) time slots, limiting the overall bandwidth of the system. While active optical switches can allow for dynamic bandwidth allocation, PON enclosures are typically located in cabinets where electrical power is not available, ruling out the use of electrically actuated switches. A solution from Eindhoven University of Technology (Eindhoven, The Netherlands) and Ghent University (Ghent, Belgium) is the development of the first bias-free and optically controlled 1 × 4 switch.