Low insertion loss non-blocking optical switch
US6516109B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3582
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical switch is provided, in which input light from a fiber is directed across a free-space region to a corresponding one of a first set of beam steering elements, such as moveable mirrors, which then re-directs the light beam back through the free-space region to a desired one of a second set of beam steering elements. This beam steering element sends the light back again through the free-space region to a corresponding output fiber. The interfaces to both the input and output fibers include a collimating element, such as a lens. In other embodiments, an optical switch has fibers and moveable mirrors only on one substrate of the switch. The other substrate has at least a stationary mirror. The moveable mirrors and the stationary mirror direct light to the fibers such that the fibers can be used as either inputs or outputs of the switch, thereby allowing switch re-configurability.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.