Optical multiple circuit breaker

US6404941B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Antoni Picard · Eltville am Rhein, DE
• Jens Schulze · Giswil, CH
• Michel Neumeier · Mandelbachtal, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 20, 1999
• Grant date: Jun 11, 2002
• Expiry date: Sep 20, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/3576
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

This invention relates to an optical multiple circuit breaker with (N) first optical inputs (E1) (n)), whereby these inputs can be switched optionally to (N) first or (N) second optical outputs (A1(n)) and/or (A2(n)). Light rays (LS1(n)) and LS2(n)) are reflected or transmitted from two surfaces (27, 28), to which end the at most two recesses (25) of a transparent base body (1) that form these surfaces are filled optionally with an optically thinner or denser material (26). In accordance with a first embodiment, both surfaces (27, 28) are so arranged that, in the reflecting switching state, the first inputs (E1(n)) are optically connected to the first outputs (A1(n)), and the second inputs (E2(n)) are connected to the second outputs (A2(n)), and that in the transmission switching state, the first input (E1(n)) are optically connected to the second outputs (A2(n)). Owing to low optical damping and compact structure, the above-described optical multiple circuit breakers can be used advantageously in optical communication engineering, in particular in the realization of optical bus systems.