Nonvolatile silicon photonic MEMS switch based on centrally clamped stepped bistable mechanical beams

High-performance photonic switches are essential for large-scale optical routing for AI large models and the Internet of Things. Realizing nonvolatility can further reduce power consumption and expand application scenarios. We propose a nonvolatile 2×2 silicon photonic micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch compatible with standard silicon photonic foundry processes. The switch employs an electrostatic comb actuator to change the air gap of the compact horizontal adiabatic coupler and achieves nonvolatility with centrally clamped stepped bistable mechanical beams. The photonic switch features a 10s μs-scale switching speed and a 10s fJ-scale simulated switching energy within a 100 μm ×100 μm footprint, with ≤12 V driving voltages. This 2×2 switch can be used in a variety of topologies for large-scale photonic switches, and its nonvolatility can potentially support future photonic field programmable gate array designs.