Optical switching apparatus and method

摘要

An apparatus and method for switching unpolarized light are provided. The apparatus includes GaInAs/GaAs optical switching devices which can be fabricated using conventional processes on a single wafer in matrix arrangement to provide an nxm cross bar switch. Switching is accomplished by shifting the band gap of the GaInAs material of a device using electrical or optical power to heat the material. Each switching device may comprise two-polarity (n/p) or single polarity (n or p) semiconductor materials.