Optical switch having mirrors arranged to accommodate freedom of movement
US6560384B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3556
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical switch is described having mirrors that are located over an area having an approximate oval shape. Each mirror is pivotable about a first axis and about a second axis transverse to the first axis. Because of the construction and assembly of each mirror, pivoting about the first axis is more limited than pivoting about the second axis. The area over which the mirrors are located is designed to accommodate pivoting about the first axis and about the second axis such that the area has a length and a width wherein the length is much more than the width. In addition, pivoting about the first axis limits pivoting about the second axis and pivoting about the second axis limits pivoting about the first axis. Because pivoting about one axis limits pivoting about another axis, the area over which the mirrors are located has an oval shape as opposed to a rectangular shape.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.