Optical switch matrix based on a liquid-actuated mirror reflector

Chao Liu; Qiong-Hua Wang; Ming-Huan Wang; Li-Xiao Yao

doi:10.1117/1.OE.53.11.117107

13 November 2014 Optical switch matrix based on a liquid-actuated mirror reflector

Chao Liu, Qiong-Hua Wang, Ming-Huan Wang, Li-Xiao Yao

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 53, Issue 11, 117107 (November 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.53.11.117107

Abstract

We demonstrate a 1×2 optical switch matrix based on a liquid-actuated mirror reflector. Three indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes are fabricated on the bottom substrate. One droplet is placed in the middle of the liquid channel and surrounded by density-matched silicone oil. A mirror reflector is placed on the droplet. In its initial state, the light beam can pass through the device from the light hole. When we apply voltage to one side of the ITO electrode, the droplet carries the mirror reflector, stretching and moving toward this side of the substrate. Therefore, the light beam is reflected by the mirror reflector. The light beam can pass through the device again when the mirror reflector is carried away by the droplet. Out-1 and Out-2 alternately change the switch-on and off states. Therefore, the device can achieve the function of a 1×2 optical switch matrix. Because it uses a mirror reflector to block the light beam, the device can attain 100% intensity attenuation. Our experiments show that the switch time from Out-1 (Out-2) to Out-2 (Out-1) are 129 and 123 ms, respectively. The proposed optical switch has potential applications in variable optical attenuators, electronic displays, and light shutters.

Citation Download Citation

Chao Liu, Qiong-Hua Wang, Ming-Huan Wang, and Li-Xiao Yao "Optical switch matrix based on a liquid-actuated mirror reflector," Optical Engineering 53(11), 117107 (13 November 2014). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.53.11.117107

Published: 13 November 2014

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available