Compact and high performance opto-mechanical switch
US7298565B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3564
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A 2×2 opto-mechanical switch is disclosed. A first embodiment of the present invention utilizes a transmitting compact parallel prism and four or two pieces of the 45-degree prism to increase the beam separation. The compact parallel prism keeps a much smaller load to the relay arm. This makes the current invention less sensitive to the ambient shock and vibration. A second embodiment of the present invention utilizes a similar transmitting compact parallel prism and two wedge prisms which has similar advantages. The compact prism applies a small loading force to the relay arm. Both of these embodiments also feature superior thermal and mechanical stability.An opto-mechanical switch in accordance with the present invention utilizes a transmitting design and thus is more stable to ambient thermal or mechanical change. The embodiments of the present invention also feature much better repeatability than the conventional 2×2 optical switches.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.