Optomechanical matrix switches including collimator arrays
US6445841B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0049
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Various configurations of optomechanical matrix and broadcast switches are disclosed herein. One such optomechanical matrix switch includes a substrate and a plurality of optomechanical switching cells coupled thereto. Each of the optomechanical switching cells includes a mirror and an actuator. The matrix switch further includes an array of collimator elements, each of the collimator elements being in optical alignment with one of the optomechanical switching cells. Also disclosed herein is a distributed matrix switch including first and second optomechanical matrix switches. The first and second optomechanical matrix switches respectively include first and second pluralities of optomechanical switching cells mounted upon first and second substrates. A collimator array is interposed between the first and second matrix switches in optical alignment with the first and second pluralities of optomechanical switching cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.