In data center interconnects, a voltage-controlled optical switch is a device that can control the routing of optical signals based on an applied voltage. The behavior of such a switch is influenced by the applied voltage in several ways:
Switching Speed: The voltage applied to the switch can affect its switching speed. When a voltage is applied, it can induce changes in the refractive index of the material used in the switch. This change in refractive index can lead to a change in the propagation characteristics of the optical signal, causing it to be routed through a different path. The speed at which this switching occurs can be influenced by the voltage magnitude – higher voltages can potentially lead to faster switching times.
Switching Threshold: The voltage level at which the switch starts to change its state is called the switching threshold. Different switches might have different voltage thresholds for switching. The behavior of the switch can be influenced by how close the applied voltage is to this threshold. Variations in voltage levels might result in partial or unintended switching, affecting the reliability and performance of the switch.
Energy Consumption: The voltage applied to the switch plays a role in