Micro-optic switch with lithographically fabricated polymer alignment features for the positioning of switch components and optical fibers
US6169827A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3572
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to a micro-optic switch used for transmitting optical signals between optical fibers. More particularly, the invention pertains to a micro-optic switch using polymer structures to position a microactuator and optical fibers on a substrate so that the microactuator can move an optical fiber cantilever between two fixed fibers to transmit optical signals between either one of the fixed fibers and the cantilever fiber. Using polymers instead of micromachined structures to position components of the switch reduces cost and simplifies assembly. The invention further provides processes for producing a micro-optic switch and for switching the path of an optical signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.