Optical switch using polarization beam splitters
US7263250B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/1326
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A polarization based optical switch capable of redirecting light signals to a plurality of different output locations. The optical switch utilizes polarization beam splitters to separate each optical channel into multiple polarization portions. Reflection members are used to redirect some of the polarization portions. Polarization rotators are capable of manipulating the plane of polarization of the polarization portions which will determine which of the output locations each optical channel transmits through. Another polarization beam splitter is used to recombine the polarization portions and direct them to one of the output locations depending on their respective planes of polarization.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.