4$,times,$4 Nonblocking Polymeric Thermo-Optic Switch Matrix Using the Total Internal Reflection Effect

A polymeric 4$,times,$4 nonblocking thermo-optic switch matrix that uses the total internal reflection effect, is designed and fabricated. The switch matrix has a total device length of 39.3 mm, a fiber-to-fiber insertion loss ranging from 8.7 to 4.5 dB, and a worst case cross talk of$-23.3$dB. The device also achieves a low power consumption of 96 mW and a switch response time of 2.1 ms.