Optofluidic Matrix Switch

Abstract

Generally, an optical switch is only suitable for a narrow and particular field. In this paper, a microfluidic matrix optical switch based on the electrowetting-on-dielectric driving technology is proposed, which can be applied in a wide range of optical communication and optoelectronic systems. It has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, polarization independence and easy integration of large matrix switches. Here the structure and working principle of this matrix optical switch are given, and the matrix driving circuit is designed. The operating voltage of the optical switch is 58V. The results show that the response time is 120 ms from "on" to "off" and is 100 ms from "off" to "on". The insertion loss is 0.26 dB, which is much lower than that of general matrix optical switches, and the extinction ratio is 139.7 dB. Moreover, two application schemes are given, namely, a photoelectricity display and a multi-beam array switch. Our work can provide a new idea for large-scale integrated matrix switches and promote the application of optofluidics in optoelectronic systems.

Keywords

• optofluidics
• electrowetting-on-dielectric
• matrix optical switch