Abstract: A photonic switch according to the present invention may be formed using one of a selected group of non-linear optical materials. Each of the materials within this group has a refractive index that demonstrates a substantial peak as a function of wavelength, where the peak occurs at a wavelength distinct from the wavelength of the input signal. A method of producing a photonic switch according to the present invention includes fabricating source and drain waveguides using micro-molding or micro-contact printing processes, or MIMIC (micro-molding in capillaries) of a UV-curable polymer. If desired, a gate waveguide may also be formed in part by these processes. The photonic switch also includes a photonic crystal formed from non-linear optical material, which may be formed, for example, using a block copolymer and nanoparticle composite in a MIMIC or ?fluidics process. Such a process may employ a functionalized mold material to align the blocks.

Abstract: A photonic switch may be formed using one of a selected group of non-linear optical materials. Each of the materials within this group has a refractive index that demonstrates a substantial peak as a function of wavelength. The photonic switch includes a positive gain, and thus acts as a photonic transistor. In addition, a photonic switch is formed so that a gate signal is applied in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the input signal so that there is no effective contamination of the input signal by the gate signal affecting the output signal.

Abstract: A photonic switch according to the present invention may be formed using one of a selected group of non-linear optical materials. Each of the materials within this group has a refractive index that demonstrates a substantial peak as a function of wavelength, where the peak occurs at a wavelength distinct from the wavelength of the input signal. A method of producing a photonic switch according to the present invention includes fabricating source and drain waveguides using micro-molding or micro-contact printing processes, or MIMIC (micro-molding in capillaries) of a UV-curable polymer. If desired, a gate waveguide may also be formed in part by these processes. The photonic switch also includes a photonic crystal formed from non-linear optical material, which may be formed, for example, using a block copolymer and nanoparticle composite in a MIMIC or &mgr;fluidics process. Such a process may employ a functionalized mold material to align the blocks.

Abstract: A photonic switch may be formed using one of a selected group of non-linear optical materials. Each of the materials within this group has a refractive index that demonstrates a substantial peak as a function of wavelength. The photonic switch includes a positive gain, and thus acts as a photonic transistor. In addition, a photonic switch is formed so that a gate signal is applied in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the input signal so that there is no effective contamination of the input signal by the gate signal affecting the output signal.