US Patent 11681104 Photonic switch with a cantilever coupler

In some embodiments, a photonic switch includes a first layer, a cantilever coupler, and a set of electrodes. The first layer includes a first waveguide that directs light in a first direction and a second waveguide that directs light in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The cantilever coupler is formed from a lithium niobate material and disposed over the first layer. The cantilever coupler includes a first end that is positioned over the first waveguide and a second end that is bonded to the second waveguide. The set of electrodes apply an electric potential across the first end, which deforms the first waveguide to couple to the second waveguide and propagates light between the first waveguide and the second waveguide.