Broadband fiber-optic 1x2 switch using an electrically controlled liquid lens

Abstract

To the best of our knowledge, proposed is the first liquid lens technology-based 1x2 fiber optic switch using a single Electronically Controlled Variable Focus Lens (ECVFL). By controlling the focal length of the liquid ECVFL, the input optical beam is spatially adjusted to couple into the respective output fiber port. The switch demonstrates a 3-dB bandwidth of 175.67 nm, with a center frequency of 1550 nm, and features low power consumption suitable for mobile applications. The proposed switch can be useful in communication and control systems, in roadway sensor systems, vehicle detection systems, and monitoring systems.