Patent ID: 8265433

Claim:
An integrated circuit, comprising an optical switch, wherein the optical switch includes: a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide defined in a semiconductor layer, wherein a material underneath a portion of the first optical waveguide is removed so that the portion is free standing; an intermediate component positioned proximate to the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide; a group of first electrodes proximate to the free-standing portion of the first optical waveguide; and a spacing-control circuit, electrically coupled to the group of first electrodes, that is configured to apply an electrical signal to the group of first electrodes, wherein the spacing-control circuit includes a current source and the electrical signal includes a current; and wherein an electrostatic force associated with the electrical signal modifies a spacing between the free-standing portion of the first optical waveguide and the intermediate component, thereby substantially increasing optical coupling of a broadband optical signal, which includes a range of wavelengths greater than a predefined value, between the first optical waveguide and the intermediate component.