Optimized Mach Zehnder Optical Switch Leveraging Thermal Crosstalk and Differential Control

Research on MZI (Mach Zehnder Interferometer) TOPS (Thermo-Optic Phase Shifter) often focuses on improving performance in terms of power consumption, switching time, and reducing crosstalk. Differential control methods have been proven useful in lowering the switching time with a tradeoff of higher input power. This work focuses on facilitating differential control of TOPS to reduce both rise and fall time, leveraging thermal crosstalk to optimize switching speed, power dissipation, and device footprint. Simulation results show that further modification in design and control will deliver a competitive solution.