Electrically-controlled fiber-optic switching system
US11187858B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2020 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4403
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber-optic switching system is provided which includes an optical fiber switch having first and second optical fiber portions and an electrically-controlled actuator. The first and second optical fiber portions are spaced apart with a gap between the portions that is sized to allow for light signal coupling between the optical fiber portions in a signal-passing state of the switch. The electrically-controlled actuator is coupled to transition the switch between the signal-passing state, where the light signal is allowed to pass between the optical fiber portions, and a signal-non-passing state, where the light signal is prevented from passing between the optical fiber portions. The electrically-controlled actuator includes an electroactive material exhibiting a physical change with change in an applied electrical field, where the physical change facilitates transitioning the optical fiber switch between the signal-passing and the signal-non-passing states.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.