Optical switch having combined input/output fiber array
US6975788B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3558
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical switch has an array of fibers, an optional lens, and a mirror with two-dimensional tilt adjustment. Light from the array passes through the lens, is reflected by the mirror, and passes again through the lens back towards the array. The input/output fibers are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern designed to avoid undesirable crosstalk between fibers. The pattern may include a plurality of fibers positioned around a central fiber in a circular arrangement. For a 1×8 or 8×1 switch, nine fibers are preferably positioned in a circle around the central fiber, thereby providing geometry that substantially avoids undesirable crosstalk between fibers in the array. In another implementation, the fiber array is implemented using a tapered ferrule housing a central fiber, surrounded by an intermediate layer of six fibers, surrounded by an outer layer of twelve fibers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.