Patent · US Expired

2×2 integrated fiber array optical switch and method of operation

US6516107B1 · kind B1 · utility

3Cited by
36References
44Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 15, 2000
Grant dateFeb 4, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 18, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/3652
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An optical switch includes an input member, a reflective output member coupled to the input member, and a transmissive output member. The input member supports a plurality of input waveguides, each input waveguide having a reflective surface and operable to receive a corresponding optical signal. The reflective output member supports a plurality of first output waveguides, each first output waveguide coupled to a corresponding input waveguide. The transmissive output member supports a plurality of second output waveguides and has a first position spaced apart from the input member such that the reflective surface of each input waveguide totally internally reflects a corresponding optical signal to a corresponding one of the first output waveguides, and a second position in proximal contact with the input member such that each second output waveguide frustrates the total internal reflection of a corresponding input waveguide and receives a corresponding optical signal.

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