Frustrated total internal reflection switch using waveguides and method of operation
US6519382B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3578
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical switch for processing an optical signal includes an input waveguide having a reflective surface, a first output waveguide coupled to the input waveguide, and a second output waveguide. The second output waveguide has a first position spaced apart from the reflective surface of the input waveguide such that the reflective surface totally internally reflects an optical signal toward the first output waveguide. The second output waveguide has a second position in proximal contact with the reflective surface to frustrate the total internal reflection of the optical signal such that the second output waveguide receives the optical signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.