Optical switch based on rotating vertical micro-mirror
US6711318B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/358
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A MEMS-based device to steer and manipulate beams of light traveling in free-space in an optical switch. The optical switch is based on a rotating vertical micro-mirror constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one input optical fiber is arranged to direct at least one optical signal through free-space along a first optical path parallel to the surface of the substrate. A plurality of output optical fibers are arranged to receive the optical signal traveling through free-space along other optical paths not co-linear with the first optical path. At least one substantially vertical, rotating micro-mirror assembly is constructed on the substrate. The assembly includes a rotating micro-mirror with a vertical centerline and an axis of rotation both perpendicular to the surface, but not co-linear. The rotating micro-mirror is rotatable between a first position not in the first optical path and at least a second position redirecting the optical signal to one of the output optical fibers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.