Optical switch
US6549689B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3572
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical switch comprising a fixed optical-fiber holder for holding either of input/output optical fibers, a movable optical-fiber holder for holding the other of the input/output optical fibers, which faces the fixed optical-fiber holder and is movable with respect to the fixed optical-fiber holder, and a driver for moving the movable optical-fiber holder with respect to the fixed optical-fiber holder immersed in the refractive index matching material, such as silicone oil. Inside the housing provided are a heater for heating the refractive index matching material, a means for sensing temperature inside the housing, and a controller for turning on the power to the heater when the measured value of the temperature sensing means is lower than a first predetermined value, and turning off the power to the heater when the measured value of the temperature sensing means is higher than a second predetermined value. This optical switch is capable of maintaining proper operation even when its service temperature becomes low, and preventing overheat.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.