Optical cross-bar switch
US6539141B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3552
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical switching element for use in an optical cross-bar array, includes a magnetically responsive curtain that switches between an extended state and a deflected state in response to an applied switching-field. The switching element includes a curtain that moves in response to a magnetic field. The curtain has a fixed edge attached to a substrate and a free edge opposite the fixed edge. A first magnetic-field source magnetically coupled to the curtain generates a first magnetic field that urges the curtain into an extended position in which the curtain intercepts the optical beam. A second magnetic-field source, also magnetically coupled to the curtain, generates a second magnetic field that urges the curtain into a deflected position in which the curtain avoids intercepting the optical beam.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.