Apparatus and methods relating to fluorescent optical switches
US6721471B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3845
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber optic switching system which includes an optical switch having a movable actuator and a light fiber coupled to the actuator which terminates at an end target surface thereof for conducting excitation light from a light source to the optical switch mechanism. A flexible film or other surface whose response is conditioned to provide at least two different fluorescent surfaces is positioned such that an end surface of the actuator abuts or is placed in close proximity to the film throughout its movement from one position to another. A detector detects light emitted from the film. The actuator is movable so as to direct excitation light from the light fiber from the one fluorescent surface of the film to another and the detector detects light emitted from the film so as to determine which fluorescent surface of the film from which light has been emitted.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.