Patent · US Expired

Multi-wavelength cross-connect optical switch

US6327398A · kind A · utility

52Cited by
19References
32Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 21, 2000
Grant dateDec 4, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 21, 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.