Patent · US Expired

Frustrated total internal reflection switch using double pass reflection and method of operation

US6438283B1 · kind B1 · utility

18Cited by
22References
40Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 8, 1999
Grant dateAug 20, 2002
Priority date—
Expiry dateOct 8, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/3548
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An optical switch for processing an optical signal includes a refractive material having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface. A first embodiment of the optical switch includes a lens having a planar surface that is coupled to the third surface of the refractive material, and a convex surface. A second embodiment of the optical switch includes a collimating lens, a first decollimating lens, and a second decollimating lens. The optical switch further includes a switchplate coupled to the second surface of the refractive material. The switchplate has a first position spaced apart from the second surface and a second position in proximal contact with the second surface.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.