Multi-stage optical switching device
US6567206B1 · kind B1 · utility
6Cited by
22References
7Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/026
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical switching device contains an active stage coupled to a passive stage. The index of refraction in the active stage is variable to change the entry direction of a light beam into the passive stage, which has a fixed index of refraction. Because the light beam can enter the passive stage at different angles, the exit direction of the light beam from the passive stage can be changed. The resulting optical switch allows switching without any mechanical components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.