Reconfigurable optical switch and method
US6542654B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2202/32
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for reconfiguring an optical switch includes selecting a first path through a photonic crystal. The crystal includes the first path having a plurality of first regions and a second path having a plurality of second regions. The crystal also includes a third path that provides an optical signal for propagation through one of the first and second paths. The method also includes heating at least one of the first regions and at least one of the second regions. The method further includes cooling the first region at a first rate to place the first region in a first state. The first state allows propagation of the optical signal through at least a portion of the crystal. In addition, the method includes cooling the second region at a second rate to place the second region in a second state. The second state reduces the propagation of the optical signal through at least a portion of the crystal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.