Heating of trenches in an optical bubble switch

#1. Field of Invention

#The present invention pertains to the field of optical bubble switches. More particularly, this invention relates to heating of trenches in optical bubble switches.

#2. Art Background

#The present invention is described with respect to particular exemplary embodiments thereof and reference is accordingly made to the drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 shows the basic elements of an optical bubble switch;

#FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of an optical bubble switch according to the present teachings;

#FIG. 1 shows the basic elements of an optical bubble switch. The optical bubble switch shown includes a PLC formed on a substrate 10, a lower cladding 12, a waveguide 14, an upper cladding 16. The optical bubble switch further includes an MCC 24. A trench 20 is formed through the waveguide 14. A resistor 22 which is switched on and off by circuitry in the MCC 24 causes the formation of a bubble 26 in the trench 20.

#FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of an optical bubble switch according to the present teachings. The optical bubble switch in this embodiment includes a heating element 30 which is formed in a closed end of the trench 20. The heating element 30 is formed such that electromagnetic waves of a predetermined frequency are absorbed by the heating element 30. The heating element 30 is formed so that it absorbs the electromagnetic waves and converts the electromagnetic waves into heat. The heat from the heating element 30 facilitates drying of the walls of the trench 20.

#The electromagnetic waves that are applied to the optical bubble switch and absorbed by the heating element 30 may be microwaves or RF waves.