Potential Route To Photonic FPCA Using NV Low-Loss Phase Change Material (Oxford)

Researchers at the University of Oxford have published a technical paper on a new approach to photonic networks using a nonvolatile low-loss phase-change material. The paper introduces a programmable recirculating mesh unit cell based on the material Sb2Se3, showcasing ultrashort active length, high-extinction switching, broadband operation, and low insertion loss. This work lays the foundation for nonvolatile field-programmable coupler arrays (nv-FPCAs) and zero-static power reconfigurable optical interconnects. The technology aims to significantly reduce footprint and power consumption compared to existing techniques.