Apparatus for redirecting optical signals in free space
US7245798B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3586
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for redirecting a plurality of optical beams emanating from a respective plurality of optical transmitters arranged in a pattern along a first dimension and a second dimension. The apparatus comprises a plurality of refractive regions. Each refractive region intercepts the optical beams emanating from an associated group of optical transmitters occupying a common position in the first dimension. In addition, each particular refractive region imparts to the intercepted optical beams an angular deflection in the first dimension, the angular deflection in the first dimension being a function of the common position in the first dimension occupied by the optical transmitters from which emanate the optical beams intercepted by the particular refractive region. Use of the refractive regions reduces the amount of available deflection area left unused when a parallel set of port cards is employed for switching optical signals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.