Optical cross-connect switch using a pin grid actuator
US5841917A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0049
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical cross-connect switch incorporates a pin grid actuator to selectively position optical elements relative to optical beams in the switch. A high density array of aligned, optically reflective elements is attached to the ends of independently selectable and moveable pins in the pin grid actuator. The pin grid actuator is the type extensively used in dot matrix printers. Linear motion of the pins causes the reflective element attached to the pin to intercept optical beams provided by input fibers coupled to the switch. Intercepted optical beams are redirected to designated output fibers, also coupled to the switch. A staggered arrangement of the input and output fibers equalizes all of the signal pathlengths through the switch, regardless of which pin in the pin grid actuator is selected. According to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, multiple optical cross-connect switches are cascaded using a staggered arrangement of interconnecting fibers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.