CDZNTE ELEKTROOPTISCHER SCHALTER

摘要

A crystal made of CdxZn1-xTe provides an electro-optical switch that performs consistently at high and low switching frequencies for signals of the 1000-1650 nm wavelength window. Preferably, a crystal of Cd0.9Zn0.1Te is driven with an electrical voltage to cause polarization rotation and switching action for a passing optical signal. Despite having a higher light absorption coefficient than CdTe:In, Cd0.9Zn0.1Te surprisingly exhibits a weak auto-inhibition effect, giving it better electro-optic performance when used in conjunction with optical wavelengths and optical powers characteristic of optical communication systems. Optical switch matrices and optical cross-connect switches in optical communication systems may effectively use Cd0.9Zn0.1Te crystals.