Micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) technology has shown its bright future in many fields, especially in optical communication fields. Because of its inherent advantages such as batch fabrication technique and small size, MEMS is becoming the dominant technology in optical crossconnect switches. This thesis demonstrated the in-plane electro-thermally actuated uni-directional and novel bi-directional micro-switch prototypes. The novel bi-directional switches, which take the advantage of the features of CMOS technology, with the ability to bend in two opposite directions and to integrate with control circuits, have been fabricated by commercial CMOS technology. These uni-directional micro-switches have been realized by both MUMPS ® technology and CMOS technology to characterize the devices performances. Analytical models based on the specific technologies and finite element model (FEM) analysis were carried out to predict performances of switches with geometry design variations and compared with experimental results. Some interesting polysilicon material properties related phenomena, such as back bending and polysilicon resistance variation during heating and cooling cycles, have been found during experiments. This fundamental study about polysilicon material properties at high temperature in this work provides a reference and guidance for design and operation of these thermally actuated polysilicon devices.

OPTICAL SWITCHING Comprehensive coverage of optical switching technologies and their applications in optical networks Optical Switching: Device Technology and Applications in Networks delivers an accessible exploration of the evolution of optical networks with clear explanations of the current state-of-the-art in the field and modern challenges in the development of Internet-of-Things devices. A variety of optical switches—including MEMS-based, magneto, photonic, and SOA-based—are discussed, as is the application of optical switches in networks. The book is written in a tutorial style, easily understood by both undergraduate and graduate students. It describes the fundamentals and recent developments in optical switch networks and examines the architectural and design challenges faced by those who design and construct emerging optical switch networks, as well as how to overcome those challenges. The book offers ways to assess and analyze systems and applications, comparing a variety of approaches available to the reader. It also provides: A thorough introduction to switch characterization, including optical, electro optical, thermo optical, magneto optical, and acoustic-optic switches Comprehensive explorations of MEMS-based, SOA-based, liquid crystal, photonic crystal, and optical electrical optical (OEO) switches Practical discussions of quantum optical switches, as well as nonlinear optical switches In-depth examinations of the application of optical switches in networks, including switch fabric control and optical switching for high-performance computing Perfect for researchers and professionals in the fields of telecommunications, Internet of Things, and optoelectronics, Optical Switching: Device Technology and Applications in Networks will also earn a place in the libraries of advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying optical networks, optical communications, and sensor applications.

Photonic MEMS devices represent the next major breakthrough in the silicon revolution. While many quality resources exist on the optic and photonic aspect of device physics, today’s researchers are in need of a reference that goes beyond to include all aspects of engineering innovation. An extension on traditional design and analysis, Photonic MEMS Devices: Design, Fabrication, and Control describes a broad range of optical and photonic devices, from MEMS optical switches and bandgap crystal switches to optical variable attenuators (VOA) and injection locked tunable lasers. It deals rigorously with all these technologies at a fundamental level, systematically introducing critical nomenclature. Each chapter also provides analysis techniques, equations, and experimental results. The book focuses not only on traditional design analysis, but also provides extensive background on realistic simulation and fabrication processes. With a clear attention to experimental relevance, this book provides the fundamental knowledge needed to take the next-step in integrating photonic MEMS devices into commercial products and technology.

Optical communication using optical fibres as the transmission medium is essential to handling the massive growth of both telecom and datacom traffic. To fully realize the potential bandwidth available on these optical fibres, other components of the optical network system have to be developed, ranging from detectors and multiplexers to buffers and switches. This book addresses the different technologies which can be applied to switching optical signals.An optical switch functions by selectively switching an optical signal delivered through an optical fibre or in an integrated optical circuit to another. Several methods are available and each relies on a different physical mechanism for its operation. The various physical mechanisms used are discussed in the main chapters in the book which cover electro-optical, thermo-optical, micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS)-based and semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA)-based optical switches. The book also covers switching based on optical nonlinear effects, liquid and photonic crystal optical switches as well as fibre, holographic, quantum optical and other types of optical switches. Each chapter discusses the choice of materials, fabrication techniques and key issues in switch design.With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Optical switches: materials and design is a standard reference for the telecommunications industry and those researching this important topic. Reviews this commercially significant area of research and addresses the different technologies which can be applied to switching optical signals Provides a balanced look at the developments which can be defined as key trends in optical switches Major optical switches including electro-optical, thermo optical and magneto-optical switches are discussed and the respective theory and principles of each explored

This textbook and comprehensive reference source and serves as a timely, practical introduction to the principles of nanotribology and nanomechanics. This 4th edition has been completely revised and updated, concentrating on the key measurement techniques, their applications, and theoretical modeling of interfaces. It provides condensed knowledge of the field from the mechanics and materials science perspectives to graduate students, research workers, and practicing engineers.