Optical switch mechanism
US6154586A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/357
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical switch mechanism for reflecting an input light beam from an input port to a reflection output port in a first state and for transmitting an input light beam to a transmission output port in a second state is disclosed. The switch mechanism comprises a block made of a light transmissive substrate. The block contains a cavity, which is divided by a light transmissive diaphragm into a reflective portion and a transmissive portion. At the input port a light beam is coupled into the block such that the light beam encounters a reflective surface at an angle greater than a critical angle determined by the refractive indices of the substrate and a reflective fluid retained in the reflective portion of the cavity. When the reflective fluid is in contact with the reflective surface the light beam is totally reflected to a reflection output port. Changing hydrostatic pressure moves the transmissive diaphragm into a position where it is in a touching relationship with the reflective surface and the light beam is then transmitted to a transmission output port. The switch mechanism is simple, reliable, fast and easy to manufacture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.