Reconfigurable 16-channel WDM DROP Module Using Silicon MEMS Optical Switches

A reconfigurable 16-channel 100 GHz spacing WDM DROP module for use at 1550nm was demonstrated using silicon MEMS (Micro ElectroMechanical Systems) optical switches and arrayed waveguide grating routers. Thru-channel extinction was greater than 40 dB and average insertion loss was 21 dB. Both drop-and-transmit of multiple channels (11-18 dB contrast, 14-19dB insertion loss) and drop-and-detect of single channels (>20db adjacent channel rejection, 10-14 dB insertion loss) were implemented.