All-optical switch based on liquid-crystal infiltrated photonic bandgap fiber in transverse configuration

Abstract

We demonstrate optically controlled switching in a photonic bandgap fiber filled with liquid crystal using transverse coupling geometry. Fiber samples made from silica and lead silicate are studied. For the latter one, a continuous and fairly flat operating range from 600 to 1700 nm was achieved. The insertion loss was 3 dB and the extinction ratio better than 20 dB.