Patent · US Expired

Multi-wavelength cross-connect optical switch

US6289145A · kind A · utility

82Cited by
13References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 18, 2000
Grant dateSep 11, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 18, 2020

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.