Fiber optic switch process and optical design
US6760508B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3582
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for optical switching is described wherein a first optical input/output port and plurality of second optical input/output ports are coupled using an optical guiding assembly. An optical signal may thereby be movably directed between the first input/output port and a selected one of the second optical input/output ports. The optical guiding assembly includes a optical micro-element assembly and an actuator assembly which moveably directs the microlens assembly to a predetermined position corresponding to the selected one of the input/output ports. The actuator assembly includes a comb drive and the optical micro-element assembly includes an etched lens, a ball lens, a mirror, or the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.