Abstract: An optical switch includes a substrate with a waveguide-coupling area and a fluid channel with an anti-wetting layer on a first surface. First and second fluids are on the anti-wetting layer in the fluid channel and at least one fluid is selectively movable relative to the waveguide-fluid coupling area. A fluidic driving mechanism has at least one electrode positioned to apply an electric field to at least one of the fluids in the fluid channel and is capable of moving at least one of the fluids in the fluid channel. The anti-wetting layer has an alkyl silane coating, which includes alkyl silane molecules covalently bonded to the first surface of the fluid channel.

Abstract: An electro-wetting optical device includes an optical switch that uses a coupling region proximate a waveguide in a substrate. The device uses two optical liquids, providing first and second refractive indices respectively. At least one of the optical liquids is deuterated. Under a first switching configuration the first optical liquid is positioned at the coupling region so as to provide a first effective refractive index for light propagating along the first waveguide and under a second switching configuration the second optical liquid is positioned at the coupling region so as to provide a second effective refractive index for light propagating along the first waveguide.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a substrate with a waveguide-coupling area and a fluid channel with an anti-wetting layer on a first surface. First and second fluids are on the anti-wetting layer in the fluid channel and at least one fluid is selectively movable relative to the waveguide-fluid coupling area. A fluidic driving mechanism has at least one electrode positioned to apply an electric field to at least one of the fluids in the fluid channel and is capable of moving at least one of the fluids in the fluid channel. The anti-wetting layer has an alkyl silane coating, which includes alkyl silane molecules covalently bonded to the first surface of the fluid channel.

Abstract: An electro-wetting optical device includes an optical switch that uses a coupling region proximate a waveguide in a substrate. The device uses two optical liquids, providing first and second refractive indices respectively. At least one of the optical liquids is deuterated. Under a first switching configuration the first optical liquid is positioned at the coupling region so as to provide a first effective refractive index for light propagating along the first waveguide and under a second switching configuration the second optical liquid is positioned at the coupling region so as to provide a second effective refractive index for light propagating along the first waveguide.

Abstract: A tapered core structure is written on the end of an optical fiber using a 3D-printing process. The tapered core may expand the mode diameter for improved coupling between fibers or may reduce the mode diameter to enhance coupling to a waveguide smaller than the fiber core. The written core is surrounded by a cladding. The diameter of the core is varied while it is being written, allowing a wide range of taper profiles to be implemented. The 3D-printing process is readily adapted to permit multiple fibers to have tapered cores written on their ends during the same process cycle.