Patent · US Expired

Multi-wavelength cross-connect optical switch

US6097859A · kind A · utility

281Cited by
11References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 12, 1998
Grant dateAug 1, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 12, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04Q2011/0083
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A cross-connect switch for fiber-optic communication networks employing a wavelength dispersive element, such as a grating, and a stack of regular (non-wavelength selective) cross bar switches using two-dimensional arrays of micromachined, electrically actuated, individually-tiltable, controlled deflection micro-mirrors for providing multiport switching capability for a plurality of wavelengths. Using a one-dimensional micromirror array, a fiber-optic based MEMS switched spectrometer that does not require mechanical motion of bulk components or large diode arrays can be constructed with readout capability for WDM network diagnosis or for general purpose spectroscopic applications.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.