Numerical Analysis of a MEMS-Actuated Photonic Crystal Switch

Abstract

Photonic crystals (PC's) could act as the basic building block for photonic devices. All-optical integrated circuits could be possible to fabricate using photonic crystals. Several tunable PC's have been reported. One of the best methods which may cause a stronger effect and a larger tuning range is using MEMS structure. Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) actuators can physically insert defect in the channel and change the output power. In this paper, we present numerical analysis for a MEMS actuated photonic crystal switch by finite difference time domain (FDTD) method at telecommunications wavelength (~1550 nm). The ON-OFF switching is achieved by inserting MEMS actuators and changing the defect. We have determined the ratio of the E-field amplitude at the end to the input of the channel which is desirable in switch applications. The effect of changing the radius of air holes and actuator rods on switching performance has also been investigated. Using a dielectric plate instead of rods as a new structure has been introduced and simulated.