Abstract: An optical switch comprises an optical input (902) and an optical output (904), the switch further comprising a wavelength selective switch element (912) for directing light of a selected wavelength between the input (902) and the optical output (904), wherein the switch element is tuneable to a plurality of different wavelengths. By having tuneable switch elements, the switch can be made having fewer elements and therefore more compact.

Abstract: A mechanical optical switching device includes an input assembly (21), an output assembly (22), an optical switching assembly (23), and a driving means (27). The input assembly includes a plurality of input optical fibers (211) and a multi-fiber ferrule (212). The output assembly includes a plurality of output optical fibers (221) and a multi-fiber ferrule (222). The optical switching assembly is positioned between the input and output assemblies, and includes two arrays of lenses (231, 232). Each lens has a slanted end face (50), and an opposite aspherically curved end face (70). Two holding boards (251, 252) fixedly retain the lenses of the two arrays of lenses therein. The driving means can drivingly move the holding boards. Accordingly, various of the lenses of the two arrays of lenses can be moved to align with the input assembly and the output assembly, thereby providing switching of optical transmission paths between the input and output optical fibers.

Abstract: A first waveguide holding member has a principal surface which confronts the principal surface of a second waveguide holding member. Each principal surface has a stepped configuration defined by an upper surface region, a lower surface region and a transverse region which separates the upper and lower surface regions. At least guide member guides the first and second waveguide holding members to operatively couple and decouple opposing ends of first and second optical waveguides which terminate at the transverse regions of the first and second waveguide holding members, respectively.

Abstract: A device switching an output of a polarized light beam on the basis of the beam's polarization state is disclosed. Optical “add,” “drop,” and crossbar switch devices for multiplexed optical signals are based on wavelength specific embodiments of the optical switching device.

Abstract: An optical switch for switching multiple beams from a plurality of input optical fibers among a plurality of output optical fibers includes a mounting frame (26), an input optical device (21) for emitting light signals and an output optical device (22) for receiving the emitted light signals out of the optical switch. A parallel first and second prism holders (251), (252) are movably mounted between the input optical device and the output optical device. A first prism array (23) including a plurality of first prisms is attached to the first prism holder and a second prism array (24) is attached to the second prism holder. A driving device assembly (27), which comprises a pair of driving devices (271) and two pairs of connecting poles (272), and drives the first and second prism holders to slidably move relative to the mounting frame and each other.

Abstract: Electro-optical method and device for modulation of light are presented providing a substantially balanced voltage-phase response of the device in two orthogonal polarization directions substantially irrespective of applied voltages. The device comprises a crystal material of a predetermined orientation of the plane of propagation of light therethrough, formed with at least one waveguide channel directed in a predetermined direction, and at least two electrodes accommodated at opposite sides of the waveguide channel. The substantially balanced voltage-phase response is achieved by shifting the electrodes relative to the axis of the waveguide channel a predetermined distance in a certain direction. The device may be designed so as to operate as a phase modulator or an amplitude modulator.

Abstract: A method of generating a single-sideband optical frequency comb uses an optical fiber loop that contains an optical modulator and an optical amplifier. The optical modulator is used to generate a sideband signal on only one side of a reference signal. The signal thus generated is circulated in the fiber loop while using the amplifier to compensate for optical loss in the course of the circulation.

Abstract: A method for ensuring path integrity in an optical switch is provided that essentially eliminates any occurrences of misconnected paths and enables new signal paths to be easily generated and existing paths to be switched. The method is suitable for use in optical switching devices that enable selective connection of optical signals received on a plurality of input fibers to respective output fibers, wherein the optical switching device includes a first array of mirrors disposed in a first mirror plane and a second array of mirrors disposed in a second mirror plane. In accordance with the method, all mirrors are maintained in signal paths so that undesired light is prevented from reaching any of the output fibers.

Abstract: In order to provide a small-sized and compact optical switch of 1×4 type. Two movable optical fibers are fixed on a substrate by a fixing block disposed in a middle portion of the fibers. Two movable blocks made of a soft magnetic body are mounted to the both ends of the movable optical fibers. Two soft magnetic fixing blocks are arranged on the substrate for fixing one optical fiber so as to oppose to one of the movable block, and for fixing four optical fibers so as to oppose to the movable block, respectively. Two movable blocks can be independently moved with respect to the respective fixing blocks by means of actuators. Further, it is possible to detect a position of each movable block with respect to the fixing block by means of detecting electrodes.

Abstract: A 4×4 nonblocking switch arrangement includes eight 2×2 switches. The switch is nonblocking in that it is characterized by an algorithm that allows the destination of any two input signals to be interchanged by only changing the setting of one particular 2×2 switch. By removing one signal path a nonblocking 3×3 switch is obtained. Both switches have the minimum number of elements. These arrangements can be used as building blocks to construct larger switches and can be dilated to minimize crosstalk.

Abstract: A fiber optic circuit provides signal access and monitoring. A module housing the circuit and the module is mountable to a chassis. The module housing includes mounting flanges for mounting the module to the chassis; and a plurality of exposed adapters along at least one of the front and rear faces. Each of the plurality of adapters is connectable to a fiber optic connector external to the module. The plurality of adapters define first and second transmit signal ports and first and second receive signal ports. A transmit signal pathway is between the first and second transmit signal port. A receive signal pathway is between the first and second receive signal ports.

Abstract: A system for manipulating optical signals in an optical switch utilizes a piezoelectric membrane. The membrane is selectively enabled to switch among an outward position, an inward position and a relaxed orientation in relation to a sidewall of a trench that is provided as part of the switch. The membrane is in fluidic communication with an intersecting gap of the trench that crosses a first input waveguide and a first output waveguide. Displacing the membrane to a first position causes the gap to be filled with an index-matching liquid such that light from the first input waveguide is transmitted to the first output waveguide. Alternatively, displacing the membrane to a second position causes the gap to be filled with a gaseous bubble, resulting in a refractive index mismatch, such that the light from the first input waveguide is diverted at the gap. In another embodiment, there are two membranes utilized for manipulating optical signals.

Abstract: A planar waveguide integrated optic switch suitable for use in optical cross-connect applications. A narrow trench in the planar waveguide core layer is filled with a liquid crystal material possessing positive birefringence. When held at a temperature a few degrees above the clearing point, the liquids crystal's isotropic refractive index is matched to that of the core layer allowing nearly complete optical transmission through the switch. When held at a temperature a few degrees below the clearing point, the liquid crystal's ordinary refractive index is lower than that of the core layer and both polarizations of the incident optical radiation are totally reflected from the trench. When coupled with planar waveguide beam expanding and refocusing elements, arrays of the switches can be used to form an optical cross-connect capable of fully interconnecting linear arrays of single- or multi-mode optical fibers with very low optical loss.

Abstract: An optical spectrum analyzer includes an integrated beam switch array. As a result, a single spectrum analyzer can be amortized across multiple optical links with pigtails transmitting the optical signals from separate optical links. The switch array providing one of the optical signals as an input signal to the optical spectrum analyzer.

Abstract: An optical switching device routes optical signals, completely within optical media, from an arbitrary number of N input optical fibers to a different set of M output optical fibers. The switching device uses a thermal microcantilever bimorph optical switch to redirect optical radiation emitted by a laser light source, or from the end of an optical fiber, to an input end of another optical fiber. The modulated optical radiation containing signals from the input fiber optic bundle or laser light source is collimated into parallel beams and projected in free space across the tops of an array of the microcantilever bimorph optical switches. When selected, a particular switch is activated, pops up, intercepts, and reflects the optical radiation down into a cavity and then into a short section of parallel waveguide. The radiation is directed into a transverse waveguide and then to an output optical coupler. This radiation is then coupled into the selected output optical fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching one or more optical paths comprises one or more inputs and one or more outputs arranged with one or more free-space optical paths formed therebetween, and one or more prisms movable to the free-space optical paths being inserted into or removed from the free-space optical paths to control the propagation paths of one or more light beams between the inputs and outputs. When the prism is inserted into the free-space optical path, a switched optical path between the inputs and outputs is formed to direct the light beam with two refraction and one total reflection by the prism. When the prism is removed from the free-space optical path, the light beam propagates along the free-space optical path.

Abstract: A symmetric optical switch for selectively switching wavelength channels between four optical inputs. The symmetric optical switch includes two dispersive elements receiving optical inputs from respective optical fibers where the optical inputs are dispersed into a plurality of wavelength-separated input channels. The symmetric optical switch also includes a plurality of circulators disposed on each optical fiber and a switching array mechanism that receives the plurality of wavelength-separated input channels from each of the dispersive elements. The shutter array simultaneously switches one or more pairs of the wavelength-separated input channels between four optical inputs. Each circulator that is disposed on the associated optical fiber operates with the shutter array to form an eight port device so as to independently switch wavelength channels.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an optical switch (11) and a control circuit (12). The optical switch includes a member (16) which supports optical fibers (67, 68). A sliding piece (14) is movably supported on the member and also supports optical fibers (66). Movement of the sliding piece is effected by two magnetic field generators (19,49) respectively supported by the member and sliding piece, the direction of movement being controlled by varying the direction of a current flow to one of the generators, while maintaining an unchanging current flow to the other. Each generator includes a plurality of ferromagnetic poles (21, 55), and a serpentine electrical conductor (20, 50). In one operational position of the sliding piece, optical radiation follows a first optical path (87,88) through one pair of the fibers. In a different operational position, optical radiation follows a different optical path (87,89) through a different pair of the fibers (82, 83).

Abstract: An optical switch for processing an optical signal includes an input waveguide having a reflective surface, a first output waveguide coupled to the input waveguide, and a second output waveguide. The second output waveguide has a first position spaced apart from the reflective surface of the input waveguide such that the reflective surface totally internally reflects an optical signal toward the first output waveguide. The second output waveguide has a second position in proximal contact with the reflective surface to frustrate the total internal reflection of the optical signal such that the second output waveguide receives the optical signal.

Abstract: An optical switch is disclosed which includes hollow waveguide structures having cantilevered beam deflectors to couple light out of the waveguide plane. An array of such waveguides with deflector combinations may be fabricated on a substrate. By combining substrates, devices such as all-optical cross bar switches, image display and scanning devices may be created.

Abstract: An optical fiber switch having two coupled fiber arrays which move in a transverse direction to provide switching action. Each array has a front face and the front faces are nearly in contact. Optical fiber ends are located at the front faces. The front faces of the fiber arrays have transverse grooves in which rolling spheres are disposed. The fiber arrays move by rolling on the spheres. The spheres provide for smooth transverse motion and a fixed distance between optical fiber arrays. The spheres and front face grooves also provide for alignment between the optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical transmission device which reduces optical noise in an optical transmission system. The optical transmission device includes a core light amplifying unit, and a first buffer light amplifying unit for amplifying a first signal light from a first transmission path and an amplified second signal light from the core light amplifying unit. The first buffer light amplifying unit supplies the core light amplifying unit with the first signal light, and supplies the first transmission path with the amplified second signal light. Also provided is a second buffer light amplifying unit for amplifying a second signal light from a second transmission path and an amplified first signal light from the core light amplifying unit. The second buffer light amplifying unit supplies the core light amplifying unit with the second signal light, and supplies the second transmission path with the amplified first signal light.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a comb generator and multiple modulators is described. In one embodiment, the comb generator generates a multi-wavelength comb of optical frequencies. Each of the modulators receives the comb on one input as well as an input data signal on another input. Each of the modulators modulates the comb with its input data signal, thereby creating a modulated comb signal having duplicate signal sidebands on each spectral line of the comb. Each modulator outputs the modulated comb signal on the output.

Abstract: A network healing smart fiber optic switch for fast, automatic switching between multiple paths of an optical transmission line with minimal disruption. The network healing smart fiber optic switch feeds each of multiple fiber optic inputs to a splitter. One of the outputs of the splitters go to an optical switch, which selects the optical signal to send to the output based on a control signal from a controller or analog selection circuit. The other outputs of the splitters go to the analog selection circuit, which outputs a control signal to the optical switch. The analog selection circuit compares the primary optical signal to a selected setpoint to determine the signal's validity. The analog selection circuit routes an alternate, or secondary, optical signal upon failure of the primary optical signal. After the primary signal is restored and valid for a specified period, the analog selection circuit deselects the secondary optical signal and routes the primary optical signal.

Abstract: An optical signal switch has improved port isolation and extinction ratio by utilizing cascaded or tandem Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) with thermo-optical or electro-optical refractive index-modulating electrodes on the MZI arms.

Abstract: An imaging arrangement technique is used to align a first waveguide on a first wafer to a second waveguide on a second wafer. The adaptive imaging arrangement is used on both the first and second waveguides when the first and second wafers are orthogonal to each other. In one embodiment, my imaging arrangement is used in an N×N optical cross-connect constructed using orthogonal abutting input and output planar arrays of N switches. If N is not too large, the optimum construction involves only two stages of trees, each incorporating an adaptive imaging arrangement allowing the input and output trees to be directly joined together without need for precise alignment.

Abstract: A light emitted from the supervisory light source is supplied to the input port of any one of a plurality of switching sections provided in the optical switching device. A light emitted from the output port of the switching section is converted into electric signals and then compared with the threshold value by a supervisory receiver. The supervisory control circuit discriminates the state of connection at each switching section in the optical switching device according to the compared result obtained by the supervisory receiver, whereby each switching section in the optical switching device is supervised.

Abstract: A number of micromachined optomechanical switching cells and matrix switches including such switching cells are disclosed herein. One optomechanical switching cell of the present invention includes a parallel plate actuator positioned on a substrate. A mirror coupled to the actuator is disposed to selectively redirect an incident optical beam. The present invention also contemplates an optomechanical matrix switch including a substrate and a plurality of optomechanical switching cells coupled thereto. The matrix switch further includes an arrangement for monitoring the optical power incident upon, and output by, the matrix switch.

Abstract: A piezoelectric optical switch includes a planar Mach-Zehnder optical device having a piezoelectric rib disposed on one or both of the waveguide structures. The piezoelectric rib deforms the waveguide structure creating a strain vector that alters the optical path of the waveguide. The piezoelectric rib is offset from the propagation path in the waveguide. This yields several important advantages. By positioning the piezoelectric rib away from the waveguide, the strain components in the propagation path of the waveguide in the directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation, e.g., in the x-direction and the y-direction, are negligible. Since strains in these directions create birefringence, elimination of these strains will minimize the birefringence. The elimination or reduction of birefringence is greatly desired because birefringence degrades the extinction ratio at the outputs of the Mach-Zehnder device.

Abstract: An optical switch device redirects a beam of light traveling along a first direction to a second direction and includes a base member, a reflective panel and an actuator. The reflective panel is pivotally connected to the base member and moves between a reflective state and a non-reflective state. In the reflective state, the reflective panel is disposed to redirect the beam of light from the first direction to the second direction. In the non-reflective state, the reflective panel is disposed to permit the light beam to travel along the first direction. The actuator is connected to the base member and the reflective panel and is operative to cause the reflective panel to move to and between the reflective state and the non-reflective state. An array of optical switch devices can be arranged to form a free-space optical matrix crossconnect apparatus.

Abstract: A network healing smart fiber optic switch for fast, automatic switching between multiple paths of an optical transmission line with minimal disruption. The network healing smart fiber optic switch accepts multiple fiber optic inputs and splits each optical signal into primary and secondary signals. The primary optical signals go to an optical switch, which selects the primary optical signal to send to the output based on a control signal from a controller. The secondary optical signals go to the controller, and based on the relative signal strength of the secondary optical signals, the controller outputs a control signal to the optical switch. The controller is in communication with a remote computer or another controller and the controller's output signal to the optical switch can be overridden by the remote computer or other controller. The network healing smart fiber optic switch automatically senses the condition, including faults, on fiber optic cables and switches between fiber optic cables.

Abstract: An optical switch array in which at least three input waveguides are coupled to at least three output waveguides. Each of the input waveguides is coupled in the same order to each of the output waveguides by a coupling element such as a y-junction combiner, via an intermediate waveguide and a switching mechanism that includes a coupling element such as a 1×2 switch. For compactness, the coupling elements that couple to the same input waveguide are mutually displaced along the output waveguides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical switch including: a dielectric substrate having a pair of main surfaces opposed to each other; and a pair of electrodes formed on the main surfaces of the dielectric substrate; wherein a direction of emergence of a light beam propagating in the dielectric substrate is controlled according to an electric field applied from the electrodes to the dielectric substrate; the dielectric substrate being formed with a periodic structure of polarization inverted domains each having a given shape; the light beam being incident on domain walls of the polarization inverted domains; the electrode formed on at least one of the main surfaces being separated into at least first and second electrodes in a direction of propagation of the light beam.

Abstract: An optical switch comprising a fixed optical-fiber holder for holding either of input/output optical fibers, a movable optical-fiber holder for holding the other of the input/output optical fibers, which faces the fixed optical-fiber holder and is movable with respect to the fixed optical-fiber holder, and a driver for moving the movable optical-fiber holder with respect to the fixed optical-fiber holder immersed in the refractive index matching material, such as silicone oil. Inside the housing provided are a heater for heating the refractive index matching material, a means for sensing temperature inside the housing, and a controller for turning on the power to the heater when the measured value of the temperature sensing means is lower than a first predetermined value, and turning off the power to the heater when the measured value of the temperature sensing means is higher than a second predetermined value.

Abstract: An optical switch comprises a two-dimensional array of optical inputs, a Fourier transform lens, and a two-dimensional array of optical outputs. Each of the optical inputs emits an optical beam that is transmitted through the Fourier transform lens to one of the optical outputs. A first deflection means gives each of the optical beams a respective direction of incidence upon the Fourier transform lens. The optical output to which a given beam travels depends on the beam's respective direction of incidence. A second deflection means deflects the optical beams after they have been transmitted through the Fourier transform lens and renders the beams parallel, thereby enabling the beams to couple efficiently to the optical outputs. Each of the deflection means preferably comprises at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, or MEMS, deflector array. The optical inputs and outputs preferably comprise optical fibers.

Abstract: An M×N mechanically actuated optical switch matrix includes a plurality of optical reflectors arranged in an array comprising a plurality of columns and rows, at least some of which are movable between their on and off positions, a plurality of primary optical ports and a plurality of secondary optical ports. More than one optical reflector may be switched on simultaneously to establish optical signal channels between respective primary and secondary optical ports.

Abstract: An M×N optical switch in which the focal lengths of the collimating lenses are adjusted so that the waists of the Gaussian beams exiting the collimating lenses are focused on reflecting elements, which are positioned along a diagonal of the array of reflecting elements. This arrangement increases the number of beams that are symmetrical about the waist position, which increases the coupling efficiency. The best possible arrangement occurs when all of the waists are equal in diameter, thereby ensuring that for every output port the distances from the waists to the focusing lens are identical.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical multiple circuit breaker with (N) first optical inputs (E1) (n)), whereby these inputs can be switched optionally to (N) first or (N) second optical outputs (A1(n)) and/or (A2(n)). Light rays (LS1(n)) and LS2(n)) are reflected or transmitted from two surfaces (27, 28), to which end the at most two recesses (25) of a transparent base body (1) that form these surfaces are filled optionally with an optically thinner or denser material (26). In accordance with a first embodiment, both surfaces (27, 28) are so arranged that, in the reflecting switching state, the first inputs (E1(n)) are optically connected to the first outputs (A1(n)), and the second inputs (E2(n)) are connected to the second outputs (A2(n)), and that in the transmission switching state, the first input (E1(n)) are optically connected to the second outputs (A2(n)).

Abstract: An optical switch comprising at least two segments, each segment having a respective input and a respective output, arranged such that in use if a first segment is removed, a second segment can operate as a pass-through device.

Abstract: A method and a system for generating optical waveforms from electrical signals is disclosed. An input electrical signal is sampled to obtain a single channel data which is converted to multi-channel data. The multi-channel data is converted to multi-channel electrical pulses which are input along with a light source output into a switch array containing optical switches to obtain a multi-channel optical waveform made up of a plurality of optical waveforms. These waveforms are superpositioned to generate a stacked optical pulse. Alternatively, the multi-channel data may be converted to a multi-channel optical pulses. The stacked optical pulse may be used to write data to a storage medium.

Abstract: An array of micromachined mirrors are arranged on a first substrate at the intersections of input and output optical paths and oriented at approximately forty-five degrees to the paths. An array of split-electrodes are arranged on a second substrate above the respective mirrors. Each split electrode includes a first electrode configured to apply an electrostatic force that rotates the mirror approximately ninety degrees into one of the input optical paths to deflect the optical signal along one of the output optical paths, and a second electrode configured to apply an electrostatic force that maintains the mirror position. Stability may be improved by using the first and second electrodes in combination to first actuate the mirror and then balance the forces on the mirror to maintain its position. Reproducibly accurate positioning of the mirrors requires either the use of active positioning control or of mechanical stops.

Abstract: An optical switch includes an input member, a reflective output member coupled to the input member, and a transmissive output member. The input member supports a plurality of input waveguides, each input waveguide having a reflective surface and operable to receive a corresponding optical signal. The reflective output member supports a plurality of first output waveguides, each first output waveguide coupled to a corresponding input waveguide. The transmissive output member supports a plurality of second output waveguides and has a first position spaced apart from the input member such that the reflective surface of each input waveguide totally internally reflects a corresponding optical signal to a corresponding one of the first output waveguides, and a second position in proximal contact with the input member such that each second output waveguide frustrates the total internal reflection of a corresponding input waveguide and receives a corresponding optical signal.

Abstract: An optical switch includes an input member, a reflective output member coupled to the input member, and a transmissive output member. The input member supports a plurality of input waveguides, each input waveguide having a reflective surface and operable to receive a corresponding optical signal. The reflective output member supports a plurality of first output waveguides, each first output waveguide coupled to a corresponding input waveguide. The transmissive output member supports a plurality of second output waveguides and has a first position spaced apart from the input member such that the reflective surface of each input waveguide totally internally reflects a corresponding optical signal to a corresponding one of the first output waveguides, and a second position in proximal contact with the input member such that each second output waveguide frustrates the total internal reflection of a corresponding input waveguide and receives a corresponding optical signal.

Abstract: An optical switch guides data transmitting light beams along free space switching paths from one or more input optical fibers to one or more output optical fibers. The optical switch includes a microchip base member, diffractive, refractive or reflective optical elements positioned on carrier panels, and actuators for moving the carrier panels. The optical elements are positionable by the actuators to guide light beams emitted by the input optical fibers in free space to the receiving output optical fibers. The actuators may be linear and/or rotary. Switching of light beams can be from one input port to one or many output ports, and vice versa, to form a free space optical cross-connect switch and router.

Abstract: A fiber optic circuit provides signal access and monitoring. A module housing the circuit and the module is mountable to a chassis. The module housing includes mounting flanges for mounting the module to the chassis; and a plurality of exposed adapters along at least one of the front and rear faces. Each of the plurality of adapters is connectable to a fiber optic connector external to the module. The plurality of adapters define first and second transmit signal ports and first and second receive signal ports. A transmit signal pathway is between the first and second transmit signal port. A receive signal pathway is between the first and second receive signal ports.

Abstract: An optical switch and attenuator in which any waveguide in an input waveguide bundle may be selectively optically aligned or misaligned with any waveguide in an output waveguide bundle. The waveguide bundles are attached to beams that translate the bundles through non-parallel arcs. The device provides high-performance switching and attenuation of any number of input and output waveguides.

Abstract: Multiple N×M and M×N optical switchers that may be combined within a single package to produce an N×N optical switch, where M is greater than N. The use of multiple optical switchers within an optical switch package allows for a higher degree of isolation than may be achieved than with a single stage optical switch. The optical switchers may be reflection type devices having no moving parts. The optical switchers may include a magneto-optic Faraday rotator having a thin crystal that is easy to grow and consumes less space, thereby enabling a smaller, less expensive, and less complex optical switch.

Abstract: A first waveguide holding member has a first transverse surface region and a first optical waveguide having an end terminating at the first transverse surface region. A second waveguide holding member has a second transverse surface region which confronts the first transverse surface region of the first waveguide holding member and a second optical waveguide having an end terminating at the second transverse surface region. A guide member is operatively coupled to the first and second waveguide holding members and guides the first waveguide holding member in a transverse direction relative to the second waveguide holding member so as to selectively optically couple and decouple the ends of the first and second optical waveguides.

Abstract: An assembly and a method for accurately aligning optical fibers in an optical switch are described. An optical switch assembly is described having a pair of optical arrays mounted on a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus may include a base structure with either integral rails or affixed fibers. Alternatively, the mounting apparatus may include a base structure with grooves and a plurality of spheres in the grooves. An alternative arrangement includes a base structure with some grooves extending transverse to other grooves and mounting structures in each groove. One of the optical arrays is rendered immobile while the other array is freely movable on the mounting apparatus. Switching is provided by moving the movable fiber array relative to the fixed fiber array.

Abstract: It is provided an automatic MDF control system comprising: a plurality of matrix boards provided with openings in locations where a plurality of first wires and second wires cross without electrical connections; a robot which inserts electrically conductive connecting pins into the openings and connects the first wires with the second wires where the pins are inserted; a path data conversion unit converting connection requests from an operating terminal into path data having a plurality of addresses of the openings; a robot command conversion unit receiving the path data and converting the path data into robot commands for controlling activity of the robot as a distance moved by the robot moving between the plurality of addresses being reduced by a selected sequence of the converted path data; and a robot control unit controlling the activity of the robot based on the robot commands.