Optical microswitch
US6836584B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B11/1058
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical microswitch for use with a laser beam that extends along a path comprising a body having an inlet port adapted to receive the laser beam and a plurality of outlet ports. A plurality of mirrors coupled to a plurality of micromotors carried by the body. The micromotors selectively move the mirrors from a first position out of the path of the laser beam to a second position into the path of the laser beam to direct the laser beam to one of the outlet ports. Each of the micromotors has at least one electrostatically-driven comb drive assembly therein for moving the respective mirror to one of the first and second positions. A controller is electrically coupled to the micromotors for providing control signals to the micromotors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.