Reflector assemblies for optical cross-connect switches and switches fabricated therefrom
US6775043B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3584
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical cross-connect switch employing pallets of mirror assemblies configured as an array, wherein each mirror assembly includes a mirror that is rotatable in a two-axis system to steer a beam in 2-dimensional space. Each mirror assembly includes a mirror module that can be rotated in relation to a first axis as well as in relation to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The mirror modules are suspended by wires in a manner that allows the pitch and roll of the mirror module to be controlled. Coils and magnets are employed to generate magnetic fields which create a rotating torque in each of the two rotational axes. By controlling the magnetic fields that are generated, the degree of rotation can in turn be controlled. The configuration provides for a practical, area efficient, bidirectional, randomly addressable optical cross-connect switch design that can employ conventional materials and processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.