Optical energy switching device and method

US7162114B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kilolambda Technologies Ltd · IL

Inventors

• Ariela Donval · Ramat Gan, IL
• Doron Nevo · Raanana, IL
• Moshe Oron · Rehovot, IL
• Ram Oron · Rehovot, IL

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 2003
• Grant date: Jan 9, 2007
• Expiry date: Dec 5, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F2203/52
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An optical power or energy-switching device, comprising an optical waveguide having an input section and an output section, the two sections forming a pair of opposed surfaces extending transversely through the axes of said waveguide sections, and a thin, substantially transparent layer of electrically conductive material disposed between said opposed surfaces, said layer of conductive material forming a plasma when exposed to optical signals propagating within said optical waveguide with an optical power level above a predetermined threshold, said plasma damaging said opposed surfaces sufficiently to render said surfaces substantially opaque to light propagating within said optical waveguide so as to prevent the transmission of such light.