N x M optical switch
US6415067B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0024
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical switch is disclosed having 4-ports. The switch consists of a first GRIN lens having 2 ports adjacent its outwardly facing end face. A second GRIN lens is disposed to receive light from the first GRIN lens and has two ports adjacent its outer end face. In a first state, a first port from the first GRIN lens couples light with a first output port of the second GRIN lens. In a second state, a movable optical element in the form of a light transmissive wedge having a reflective surface, is disposed in the path between first and second GRIN lens, providing a connection between a port of the first GRIN lens and a second port of the second GRIN lens. In a third connect state, the reflective surface of the wedge connects a port of the first GRIN lens and an output port in the same first GRIN lens. Hence an N×M optical switch is disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.