Encapsulated multi-directional light beam steering device
US6337760B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3584
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A light beam steering device includes a mirror plate that is mechanically coupled directly (or indirectly) to an optically transmissive substrate by flexures that permit the mirror plate to tilt around a plurality of axes when electrodes are controlled to cause the mirror plate tilting. The optically transmissive substrate is spaced apart from a device substrate so that the mirror plate is between the optically transmissive and device substrates. Electrically conductive electrodes are formed on the device substrate opposite the mirror plate. The direction towards a target of the reflected portion of a light beam that is incident on the mirror plate can be monitored and adjusted using a photodetector array. A plurality of optical (e.g. fiber optic) inputs can direct light to an array of such light beam steering devices, which in turn target a plurality of optical (e.g. fiber optic) outputs. The optical inputs and outputs can be part of the same array, or can be provided in separate arrays, and can be part of an optical switch within an optical network.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.