Non-perpendicular optical paths for a crosstalk-inhibiting switching arrangement
US6208778A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3588
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The crosstalk-inhibiting arrangement is used on a switching cell in which an optical signal from an input waveguide is alternatingly directed to first and second output waveguides, depending upon whether there is fluid in a region between the input waveguide and the first output waveguide. The fluid has a refractive index selected to promote propagation of light energy through the fluid. However, in the absence of fluid, the light is reflected toward a second switching mechanism via an intermediate waveguide. The intermediate waveguide is at an angle greater than 90.degree. relative to the input waveguide. The second switching mechanism is also fluid-manipulable and is used to inhibit leakage reflection from passing to the second output waveguide. Preferably, the angle between the intermediate waveguide and the input waveguide is in the range of 95.degree. to 150.degree..
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.