Optical switch, optical switch apparatus and node, and communication network
US9746747B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0058
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical switch has four optical ports; a first optical waveguide coupled between a first of said ports and a second of the ports; a first switch element provided between the first waveguide and a second optical waveguide that is coupled to a third of the ports; a second switch element provided between the first waveguide and a third optical waveguide that is coupled to a fourth of the ports. Each switch element has a micro-ring resonator having an active state in which it is coupled to the first waveguide and to a respective one of the second and third waveguides for optical signals at a preselected wavelength, and an inactive state in which no coupling occurs. Each switch element has a control element arranged to receive a respective control signal configured to cause it to switch the micro-ring resonator between said states.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.