Liquid crystal 1 x N optical switch.

The design, experimental results, and analysis of a 1 x N ferroelectric liquid-crystal optical switch based on polarization rotation are reported. The switch is broadband and tolerant to errors in the ferroelectric liquid-crystal tilt angle and cell thickness. Moreover, the cross talk in the switch is noncumulative and independent of the switch size N. The results of an experimental 1 x 4 switch are presented. The switch has a signal-to-cross-talk ratio ranging from 21.6 to 37.1 dB, a switching time of 50 microsec, and a worst-case insertion loss of 3.5 dB.