Non-blocking micro-optic switch matrix for use in fiber optic systems
US6463192B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3576
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The non-blocking micro-optic switch matrix (NMSM) includes a plurality of optical routing elements (OREs) forming an M×N matrix. Each ORE of the plurality includes a first and second wafer prism having a gap disposed therebetween. A body of transparent solid material disposed in the gap has a contracted state at a first temperature and an expanded state at a second temperature. The contracted state defines an air gap in the path of light traveling along a first axis, causing light to be deflected along a second axis through total internal reflection. The first and second axes are at a non-zero angle with respect to one another. The expanded state of the transparent material removes the air gap disposed in the path of light traveling along the first axis allowing light to pass through the first wafer prism, through the body of transparent material and into the second wafer prism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.