Optical add/drop switch utilizing a minimal number of switching crosspoints
US6768830B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3596
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical switch, preferably an add/drop switch, includes a minimal number of two-state switching arrangements, thereby facilitating a reduction of switch complexity. Light pulses entering the switch via a given input port may be directed to either a corresponding output port or a corresponding drop port by the operation of the switching arrangements. Light pulses entering the switch via a given add port may be directed to a corresponding output port or may be disbursed by the operation of the switching arrangements. The switching arrangements are toggled between reflective and transmissive states. In the preferred embodiment, the two-state switching arrangements are controlled by the manipulation of index matching fluid within trenches. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the switching arrangements are configured such that a given light pulse interacts with only one trench, thereby minimizing the overall signal loss and loss non-uniformities within the switch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.