Abstract

Multimode optical switching is a key component of mode division multiplexing in modern high-speed optical signal processing. In this chapter, we introduce for the first time a novel 2 × 2 multimode switch design and demonstrate four controllable phase shifters in a proof-of-concept. The shifters operate using thermo-optic effects utilizing Ti heaters. The conceptual principle of the proposed multimode switch can be reconfigurable and scalable in multifunctional on‑chip mode‑division multiplexing optical interconnects.