Low loss optical switch with inducible refractive index boundary and spaced output target

US5911018A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• GEMFIRE CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• William K. Bischel · Menlo Park, US
• Michael J. Brinkman · Redwood City, US
• David A. G. Deacon · Sunnyvale, US
• Edward J. DeWath · Cupertino, US
• Mark J. Dyer · San Jose, US
• Simon J. Field · Menlo Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 18, 1997
• Grant date: Jun 8, 1999
• Expiry date: Nov 18, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F2201/307
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An extremely low-loss optical switch element includes a first waveguide segment having first and second regions longitudinally-adjacent with each other and having an index of refraction difference which is greater when the switch element is in an "on" state than when it is in an "off" state. The two regions have a common boundary which is oriented at an angle in the first waveguide so as to redirect optical energy through total internal reflection when the switch element is in the "on" state. The switch element further includes a second waveguide segment spaced from the first waveguide segment and disposed and oriented to guide optical energy redirected from the first waveguide segment when the switch element is in the "on" state.