Optically induced total internal reflection X-junction waveguide optical switch, network and optical switching method
US6847741B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/023
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Optical apparatus and optical switching methods that provide optical high data rate switching at a wavelength or packet level using optical tone addressing. Optical signal routing is a result of optically induced total internal reflection at the intersection of an X-junction waveguide structure. The total internal reflection effect is controlled by a high intensity optical pump beam separate from the optical data signal. Total internal reflection may result from a free-carrier induced change in refractive index, which is a nonlinear effect found in common III-V semiconductors and selected polymers. Optical switching networks may be formed using cascaded pluralities of optical waveguide switches.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.