Switch and variable optical attenuator for single or arrayed optical channels
US6618519B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3594
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An assembly that could be used either as a switch or an attenuator includes two or more optical channels defined by lithography within a substrate. The two or more optical channels are positioned so that the ends of the optical channels are at or near an edge of the substrate. A moveable MEMS mirror is positioned near the edge of the substrate and the openings, with the face of the mirror positioned to receive an optical signal from one of the optical channels. The mirror can direct an optical signal from one of the optical channels into another of the optical channels. Mirror position can be changed to alter the path of the optical signal and to change the coupling between the optical channels. In this way, the assembly of optical channels within the substrate and the MEMS mirror can act as a switch or as an attenuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.