Polymer-Based Thermo-Optic Switchable Mode Converter for Reconfigurable Optical Networks

IEEE Photonics Technology Letters 2026

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Authors: Areez Khalil Memon, Faisal Ahmed Khan, Muhammad Talha Khan
DOI: 10.1109/lpt.2026.3666247
Cited by: 1
References: 30

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate a compact thermooptic (TO) switchable mode converter (MC) based on a planar light-wave circuit (PLC) platform using polymer materials for rotation of theLP11atoLP11bmode. The fabricated device consists of a three-mode straight waveguide with a heater integrated atop a waveguide. The experimental results show switchable mode conversion for the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations in a wavelength range of 1540–1560 nm. The power applied for the complete mode rotation was 80.1 mW (LP11atoLP11b) and 83.8 mW (LP11atoLP11b). The output near-field patterns verify the conversion mechanism and effectiveness. This device is a promising component for reconfigurable mode-division multiplexed systems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Photonic and Optical Devices Magneto-Optical Properties and Applications Photorefractive and Nonlinear Optics

Publication details

Journal / source
IEEE Photonics Technology Letters
Publisher
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Volume
38
Issue
11
Pages
707–710
Publication date
19 February 2026