Abstract: An optical switch includes an input port (21) having an input fiber (211), an output port (22) having a plurality of output fibers (221), a prism assembly (23) having a plurality of prisms, a holder (25), a driving device (27) and a base (26). The input port, the output port and the driving device are mounted on the base. The holder is slidingly engaged with the base and defines a plurality of mounting holes arranged in a line, and each mounting hole accommodates a prism. As the holder is moved by the driving device, each prism moves, one at a time, into an optical path between the input and output fibers, and can deflect the light beams from the input fiber in different directions, thereby, switching the input light beams to different, predetermined output fibers.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a reflective element that may be moved into and out of the path of an input light beam without rotation about a hinge. The switch includes a right angle prism whose hypotenuse is an angularly-fixed reflective surface. The prism is fixed to a base platform that is pivotal about an underlying pivot member. A switchable electromechanical relay is energizable for selectively rotating the platform about the pivot member to move the prism in and out of the path of the input beam. A collimator fixed to the output face of the prism assures proper registration of the output with a beam when reflected.

Abstract: An illuminated display and illuminator for illuminating a planar light conductor with a light source. The illuminator has an injector comprising a wedge-shaped body made of transparent material having a refractive index higher than air, the optical interface between the injector and the light conductor being optically homogeneous. The input side of the injector is shaped such that light entering the injector through the input side is brought into focus at a point inside the planar light conductor or behind it. The illuminator also has a light guide located in an optical path between the light source and the input side of the injector, such that light is guided by the lightguide from the light source to the injector; and into the planar light conductor through the optically homogeneous optical interface, and is distributed through the planar light conductor by internal reflection within the body of the planar light conductor.

Abstract: A single channel M×N optic switch is provided in accordance with the present invention to steer light radiating from any one fiber in an input bundle into any selected fiber in an output bundle. Precision beam-steering optics is implemented using a Risley prism pair controlled by a small computer. In order to efficiently couple light between two single-mode optical fibers a low-aberration lens approximately collimates the light from the source fiber before it is passed through the Risley prisms in order to minimize the aberrations introduced by the prisms as they collectively deflect the beam through some precise angle. A second low-aberration objective lens is used to refocus the light at the core of a selected output fiber. The focusing lens transforms the angular deflection of the beam into a change in the position of the focused spot in the focal plane of the lens.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus for at least one of recording and reproducing information on a recording medium utilizing near-field light has a suspension arm and a near-field light head mounted on the suspension arm. The near-field light head has a minute aperture, an optical waveguide for propagating light from a light source, and a reflection film for reflecting the light propagated by the optical waveguide and for irradiating the reflected light to the minute aperture to generate near-field light at the minute aperture for interaction with a recording medium. A light guiding structure guides light from the light source to the optical waveguide of the near-field light head.

Abstract: An optical switching matrix arrangement for optical communication and information networks based on optical fibers, including M different optical collimated input channels defining light beams and N optical collimated output channels defining light beams, each input channel being connected to a different output channel. A total of N2 transmitting and deflecting prisms introducable into paths of the beams at intersections of the M collimated input beams and the N collimated output beams so as to deflect the input-side light in a controlled manner onto corresponding output channels. A plurality of piezoelectric bimorph actuators are provided so that one of the actuators is assigned to each of the deflecting prisms for moving the prism, M=N or M≠N.

Abstract: An optical deflection element for splitting light rays in accordance with a wavelength of incident light, includes a photonic crystal having an entrance end face and an exit end face, and having a refractive index which periodically changes depending upon positions thereof. The optical deflection element includes a region in which a propagation angle &thgr;C of the incident light within the photonic crystal changes in accordance with the wavelength of the incident light having entered at an incident angle &thgr;IN into the entrance end face, and a relationship among a wavelength &lgr; of the incident light in vacuum, a lattice constant A of the photonic crystal, the incident angle &thgr;IN and the propagation angle &thgr;C satisfies (∂&thgr;C/∂(A/&lgr;))/(∂&thgr;C/∂&thgr;IN)>10.

Abstract: An optical switch (99) includes a base (10), two input ports (20, 40), two output ports (30, 50), a movable reflector assembly (60), a driving means (70) and a cover (80). The movable reflector assembly has a first reflector (61) with two outer reflecting surfaces (611, 612) and a second reflector (62) with two inner reflecting surfaces (621, 622). The light beams from the input ports propagate to the output ports by moving the movable reflector assembly up and down between a first position and a second position and switching the first reflector and the second reflector into the path of the light beams in turn.

Abstract: An optical circulator for transmitting light along a first optical path from a first optical port to a second optical port and along a second optical path from the second optical port to a third optical port, an optical interface in the first and second optical paths that passes the first beam but deflects the second beam to a highly reflective surface, wherein the plane of the highly reflective surface is at an angle to the optical interface such that the second beam is deflected from the highly reflective surface to the third port, and wherein the first port and the third port can be configured to utilize the same GRIN lens.

Abstract: An optical fiber amplifier employing a prism to optimally couple pump energy into the pump core of a dual clad fiber. The optical fiber amplifier consists of a dual clad fiber having an inner (e.g., signal) core, an outer (e.g., pump) core surrounding the inner core, and a cladding layer at least partially surrounding the outer core. Pump energy can be injected into the outer core through the prism located adjacent to the outer core in order to amplify signals propagating through the inner core.

Abstract: An optical fibre bend sensor (10) measures the degree and orientation of bending present in a sensor length (30) portion of a fibre assembly (26). Within a multicored fibre (30, 32,34), cores (62, 66) are grouped in non-coplanar pairs. An arrangement of optical elements (28, 36, 38) define within each core pair (62, 66) two optical paths (122, 124) which differ along the sensor length (30): one core (62) of a pair (62, 66) is included in the first path (122), and the other core (66) in the second path (124). A general bending of the sensor region (30) will lengthen one core (62, 66) with respect to the other. Interrogation of this length differential by means of interferometry generates interferograms from which the degree of bending in the plane of the core pair is extracted. Bend orientation can be deduced from data extracted from multiple core pairs.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer (WDM) for use in an optical network has a structure for holding at least one optical component. A diffraction grating assembly having a substrate is held in relation to the at least one optical component by the structure. A lens assembly having a focal length is held in relation to the at least one optical component. The grating assembly has an angular dispersion that changes with temperature and the product of the focal length and angular dispersion remains constant over temperature.

Abstract: A method for optically determining the position of a movement element optically includes introducing the light emitted by a light source into an optical conductor which causes attenuation of the light. A light output coupler that moves in accordance with the position of the movement element couples out the light from the optical conductor and feeds the attenuated light to a light detector. Using the ratio of the light intensity emitted by the light source and that registered by the light detector, the attenuation of the light is determined and the position of the movement element inferred therefrom. The sensor is usable in an aggressive environment or one susceptible to interference because of the light source and the light detector may be arranged remote from the movement element.

Abstract: An optical switch for switching the light path between collimate lenses (35) optically coupled to the ends of corresponding optical fibers (4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d) by the advancing and retracting movements of a prism (31) is provided com-prising an electromagnetic driver (2) having an armature (21) arranged to hold the prism (31) and a coil block (2a) for driving the movement of the armature (21) by means of magnetic actions and a leaf spring (27) consisting mainly of four parallelly extending spring strips (27aa, 27ab, 27ac, and 27ad) and fixedly joined at one end to a body (1) and at the other end to the armature (21) thus to spatially hold the armature (21) and the prism (31) for linear movement. The electromagnetic driver (2) and the prism (31) are disposed next to each other along the moving direction of the armature (21). The armature (21) and the prism (31) can linearly be moved at a right angle to the light path between the lenses (35) when the optical switch is in action.

Abstract: The invention discloses a comb wavelength division multiplexer, comprising: an input device at input side, a polarization splitter, a &lgr;/2 phase delay wave plate; a birefringent crystal filter; and a reflective parallel light polarization splitter for reflecting an incident light beam from the birefringent crystal filter into the birefringent crystal filter again, and passing the reflected light beam through the &lgr;/2 phase delay wave plate and the polarization splitter to an output side, so that the input side and the output side are a same side. The invention uses only one-stage filter to obtain a two-stage filtering effect. The channel isolation factor is improved and the size of the apparatus is reduced (FIG. 2).

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: An optical switch using Risley prisms and rotary microactuators to independently rotate the wedge prisms of each Risley prism pair is disclosed. The optical switch comprises an array of input Risley prism pairs that selectively redirect light beams from a plurality of input ports to an array of output Risley prism pairs that similarly direct the light beams to a plurality of output ports. Each wedge prism of each Risley prism pair can be independently rotated by a variable-reluctance stepping rotary microactuator that is fabricated by a multi-layer LIGA process. Each wedge prism can be formed integral to the annular rotor of the rotary microactuator by a DXRL process.

Abstract: An all-optical switch includes an array of input optical fibers and an array of output optical fibers. A rhomboidal prism beam splitter is positioned in operative relationship with the array of input fibers such that when an array of optical beams is propagated from the array of input optical fibers, the beam splitter splits the array of optical beams into a signal path and a tap path. The rhomboidal prism beam splitter includes a partial internal reflection (PIR) surface and a total internal reflection (TIR) surface. The PIR surface and the TIR surface cooperate to split the array of optical beams into the signal path and the tap path such that the signal path is substantially parallel to the tap path upon exiting the beam splitter.

Abstract: A multi-fiber ribbon-coupled multi-channel, optical amplifier architecture has a very compact form factor that facilitates one-for-one alignment with and coupling to each optical fiber of a multi-fiber ribbon. A physically compact, focusing and coupling structure couples into respective light amplifying waveguide channels of a substrate, to which the fibers of the multi-fiber ribbon are coupled, the optical pumping energy emitted by multiple pumping energy sources that are arranged generally transverse to the optical waveguide amplifying channels. The pumping energy coupling structure may include a prism, GRIN lens array or a spherical lenslet array. The number of GRIN lenses or lenslets corresponds to the number of pumping source elements, to provide one-for-one collimation or focusing of the light beams generated by the pumping energy emitters into the optical waveguide channels.

Abstract: A wavelength multiplexing bidirectional optical transmission module includes a transparent plate having first and second reflection surfaces opposing each other, a diffraction grating formed on a part of one of the first and second reflection surfaces and photoelectric transfer elements. The diffraction grating receives a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal composed of at least two light beams of proximate wavelength bands and produces diffracted light beams one for each wavelength at different angles. The photoelectric transfer elements receive the diffracted light beams, respectively, that have been reflected and propagated between the first and second reflection surfaces.

Abstract: A novel method and device for separating light of differing wavelengths (wavelength demultiplexing) uses a very simple and compact multilayer dielectric structure having high angular dispersion at certain wavelengths and angles of incidence. The structure is composed of alternating layers of dielectric materials of different refractive indices, and is designed to operate just outside the main reflection region rather than within the main reflection region. In this region just outside the main reflection region there is strong group velocity dispersion, causing different wavelengths of light to travel at different angles through the dielectric stack. As a consequence, different wavelength components of a polychromatic beam are separated as they pass through the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical switching element causing less loss of light and permitting high response, thinning of an optical system for illumination, and the realization of an image display device exhibiting precise grayscale properties. In the optical switching element, an extraction surface of a light extraction unit mounted to a thin film is brought into contact with the total reflection surface of a light guide serving as a light guide unit comprising a glass plate or the like for transmitting light by total reflection, or near at a distance from the total reflection, surface for allowing extraction of evanescent waves, to extract the incident light transmitted through the light guide and emit the extracted light to the outside through an emission member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical switch enabling to be advantageous in cost, performance, size, weight, and fabricating process as well as carry out a switching function with a low driving voltage. The present invention includes a substrate, an input optical fiber over the substrate for incidence of an optical signal, at least one output optical fiber over the substrate for projection of the optical signal, and a micro-prism over the substrate for switching a projection path of the optical signal incident on the input optical fiber.

Abstract: A first optical probe is used to test a planar lightwave circuit. In one embodiment, a second probe is used in combination with the first probe to test the planar lightwave circuit by sending and receiving a light beam through the planar lightwave circuit.

Abstract: A method for forming a hybrid active electronic and optical circuit using a lithography mask. The hybrid active electronic and optical circuit comprising an active electronic device and at least one optical device on a Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) wafer. The SOI wafer including an insulator layer and an upper silicon layer. The upper silicon layer including at least one component of the active electronic device and at least one component of the optical device. The method comprising projecting the lithography mask onto the SOI waver in order to simultaneously pattern the component of the active electronic device and the component of the optical device on the SOI wafer.

Abstract: A mechanically-adjustable variable optical attenuator includes a beam attenuator shaped as a concave quasi-cone. The beam attenuator has a sharp tip and a base, and can be rotationally symmetric with respect to a central axis extending between the tip and the base. The beam attenuator is positioned with its central axis perpendicular to the direction of the light beam to be attenuated. The extent of the beam attenuator obstructing the light beam is varied by moving the beam attenuator into and out of the light beam. The inwardly-curving, quasi-cone shape of the beam attenuator allows achieving a high resolution while limiting the beam attenuator size.

Abstract: An optical switch (10) includes two input optical fibers (21, 22) for inputting light beams, two output optical fibers (41, 42) for receiving the light beams, a path-switching assembly (30) having a prism (321) for switching paths of the light beams, a relay (33) having a controlling circuit for controlling the path-switching assembly, two input indicators (71, 72), and two output indicators (73, 74). The path-switching assembly has a first operative state in which the prism is moved out of a path of the light beams, and a second operative state in which the prism is moved into the path. The input indicators are single color LEDs that can respectively display orange and green. The output indicators both are double color LEDs, and each can display orange and green. The output indicators instantly change color upon a change in the status of light routing of the optical switch.

Abstract: In a triangular-sectioned prism 11 having a first plane 11a opposite an end face of an optical fiber 12, a second plane 11b opposite a light receiving element 13 and a third plane 11c which reflects received light 21 incident thereon from the optical fiber 12 toward the second plane 11b and transmits transmission light 22 emitted from a light emitting element toward the first plane 11a, a cylindrical member 32 of a refractive index larger than that of the prism 11 is embedded in that area of the prism 11 which is opposite the end face of the optical fiber 12. The cylindrical member 32 effectively suppresses the leakage therefrom of light, providing increased optical coupling efficiency as compared with that achievable by use of a mere prism structure.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator includes a base (12), an attenuating means (11), a first collimator (13) retaining an input fiber (18), a second collimator (14) retaining an output fiber (20) and an optical baffle (116). The attenuating means has four anamorphic prisms (111,112,113,114). The optical baffle is driven to move into light path of the first collimator and is expanded by two anamorphic prisms to block a part of the light beam. Thereafter, the retaining part of the light path passes through other two anamorphic prisms and shrinks to form a parallel light beam received by the second collimator.

Abstract: Optic switches manipulate an optical signal that has been expanded by a collimating lens. Switching is effected by introducing a prism between collimating lenses to redirect the optical signal to an alternative lens. The prism preferably has a cross-section defining a parallelogram, so that the optical signal is reflected twice within the prism to minimize cross-sectional distortion and avoid spectral effects. A circuit provides feedback on the actual position of the relay and prism for fault detection and diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical signal device having transceiver elements and interference filters held in a transparent mounting structure. The interference filters are deposited onto prisms, and may be individually held in the mounting structure, or assembled together as a subassembly. The present invention is especially useful as a transceiver for local area network and fiber to the home applications.

Abstract: A coupler which couples a light signal from an input port to two more output ports. The coupler includes a multifaceted prism which separates an incoming light signal into selective portions and deflects these portions in different directions to the respective output ports. A lens is positioned between the output ports and the prism to focus the light signal from the prism to the output ports.

Abstract: An optical switch (1) for switching light beams between one input optical fiber (21) and a plurality of output optical fibers (31) has a first port (2), a second port (3) and a switching element (4) between the first and second ports. The input port aligns with the input optical fiber and collimates input light beams. The output port aligns with the output fibers and decollimates output light beams. The switching element includes at least one rotatable optical element (41) for deflecting the light beams and a holder (42) for containing the rotatable optical elements. The rotatable optical element is rotatable among a plurality of positions, whereby, when the optical element is in different positions, the light beams from the input optical fiber are switched to different output fibers, respectively.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.

Abstract: Optical devices employing a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (“MZI”) device having a phase shifter provided in one arm that enables the construction of significantly smaller optical devices than typical photonic devices, and significantly reduces the amount of on-chip real estate occupied by such devices, while not affecting the ability of such devices to introduce a predetermined phase shift in an optical signal. The present invention takes advantage of the extremely small mechanical actuators which can be fabricated using small-scale fabrication techniques, and so significantly reduces the room needed on a chip for optical switches. These more compact switches require less chip space and so provide for denser integration of a plurality of optical devices in an optical component.

Abstract: Between a lens of a collimator and a retro-reflector as a total reflecting element, a prism, a polarizer, a Faraday rotator and a linear retarder are arranged in the order. The core/clad section serving as an input optical fiber of the collimator has its optical axis coincident with an optical axis of the lens. When the light exited the collimator reaches the retro-reflector, the outgoing light reflects deviated by a spacing Y, the returning light of which is refracted by the prism and incident on the core/clad serving as an output optical fiber of the collimator.

Abstract: An optical coupler comprises a fiber optic prism (FOP) comprising first, second, and third side surfaces, the FOP being adapted to receive light through the first side surface, reflect the received light from the third side surface, and transmit the reflected light through the second side surface. The FOP may be used in an optical coupling arrangement comprising a substrate including a light element and a wave guide overlying the substrate, with the optical being situated such that one of the first and second side surfaces is adjacent the light element and the other of the first and second side surfaces is adjacent the wave guide.

Abstract: An optical switch (99) according to the present invention comprises a housing (30), a first I/O port (10), a second I/O port (50), a driver (23) and a switching element (20). The housing holds the first I/O port and the second I/O port in alignment with a prism (22) having reflective surfaces (221, 222) and supports the driver on a substrate (31) of the housing. A mirror (21) of the switching element is rotationally attached to the driver, and is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, light beams from the first and second I/O ports transmit through the prism back to the second and first I/O ports, respectively; in the second position, light beams from the first and second I/O ports are reflected back to the first and second I/O ports by the mirror. Thus light signals from input fibers are switched between two output fibers of the I/O ports.

Abstract: An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer module including a first ferrule assembly having a first sleeve and a first ferrule inserted and fixed in the first sleeve, the first ferrule having first and second optical fibers; a first element fixed to the first ferrule assembly, the first element having a first lens and a bandpass filter; and a second element fixed to the first element, the second element having a wedge plate for optical path correction, the wedge plate being formed of glass. The optical multiplexer/demultiplexer module further includes a third element fixed to the second element, the third element having a second lens; and a, second ferrule assembly fixed to the third element, the second ferrule assembly having a second sleeve and a second ferrule inserted and fixed in the second sleeve, the second ferrule having a third optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical resonator having a non-continuous waveguide having first and second confrontingly opposite end faces between which is defined a region and having a continuous optical path defined through the waveguide. The optical resonator can be tuned to a particular resonant wavelength by providing a phase shifter in the region between the first and second end faces and positioning the phase shifter so as to introduce a phase shift in an optical signal propagating through the waveguide and along the optical path. A method for effecting such a phase shift.

Abstract: An optical switch using Risley prisms and rotary microactuators to independently rotate the wedge prisms of each Risley prism pair is disclosed. The optical switch comprises an array of input Risley prism pairs that selectively redirect light beams from a plurality of input ports to an array of output Risley prism pairs that similarly direct the light beams to a plurality of output ports. Each wedge prism of each Risley prism pair can be independently rotated by a variable-reluctance stepping rotary microactuator that is fabricated by a multi-layer LIGA process. Each wedge prism can be formed integral to the annular rotor of the rotary microactuator by a DXRL process.

Abstract: An optical multiplexing/demultiplexing module for inputting a first linearly polarized beam after exiting a first optical waveguide, and the first beam is collimated by a first lens. A second linearly polarized beam exits a second optical waveguide and is collimated by a second lens. Both beams enter an entrance surface of a uniaxial birefringent crystal. The second beam enters the crystal along an optical path which is changed by a prism. This reduces the distance between the respective points of entrance of the beams. The beams which have entered the crystal are multiplexed at an exit surface of the crystal. A resultant multiplexed beam is converged by a third lens to enter and exit a third optical waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical signal device having transceiver elements and interference filters held in a transparent mounting structure. The interference filters are deposited onto prisms, and may be individually held in the mounting structure, or assembled together as a subassembly. The present invention is especially useful as a transceiver for local area network and fiber to the home applications.

Abstract: Switch devices for hitless tuning or reconfiguring an add or drop WDM filter. The input light is switched from the filter (where the desired channel is passed and the express channels are reflected) to a mirror where all channels are reflected. The switching is done in a continuous manner such that there is never an interruption in the channels reflected from the filter or mirror. While all channels are being reflected from the mirror, the filter is tuned to a different channel; or alternatively, is replaced by a filter which would drop a different channel. After the filter is tuned to the new channel, the input light is switched from the mirror back to the filter The switch may include a parallelogram prism or two sequential mirrors. The switch and the input beam are translated with respect to each other to switch the light between the filter and the mirror.

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 position measuring system that includes a graduation support having a measuring graduation, a planar waveguide and a light source that generates light that is conducted to the measuring graduation, wherein the light is reflected at surfaces of the planar waveguide. A scanning unit for scanning the measuring graduation that includes a light-sensitive scanning area to which light modulated by the measuring graduation is conducted. The modulated light conducted to the light-sensitive scanning area has at least two different light portions, which differ in a number of reflections at the surfaces of the planar waveguide, and wherein the reflecting of the at least two different light portions occurs prior to reaching the measuring graduation.

Abstract: A pump source for a fiber Raman amplifier uses multiple lasers to generate high pump power or to generate a pump beam having a tailored spectrum for producing a desired Raman gain spectral profile. Light from two lasers, in mutually orthogonal polarization states directed to a polarization combiner that produces an output having light mixed at the two orthogonal polarization states. A depolarizer depolarizes the output. The depolarizer defines first and second orthogonal polarization modes oriented so that the light output from the polarization combiner in one polarization state excites the first and second polarization modes of the depolarizer equally and the light output from the polarization combiner in the other polarization state also excites the first and second polarization modes of the depolarizer equally.

Abstract: In an optical transmission and reception module, a partitioning member separating a light emitting device and a light receiving device from each other includes a partitioning plate having a concave surface, an engaging portion to which the partitioning plate is fixed, a holding portion holding the engaging portion movably, and a leaf spring for pressing the engaging portion against an optical plug. An end surface of an optical fiber is convex and projects from a front end of the optical plug. When the end surface of the optical plug is in contact with an engaging surface of the engaging portion, a gap is generated between the end surface of the optical fiber and a surface opposed thereto.

Abstract: The optic coupling system links a fiber-optics waveguide with two optoelectronic components. The components are disposed on a substrate with an interposed beam-splitting layer. The light incidence or light emission surface of the first optoelectronic element is disposed perpendicular to the substrate. The coupling system is either a bi-directional transmitter and receiver module or a mono-directional transmitter or receiver module. To this end, the light incidence or light emersion surface of the second optoelectronic element is disposed in parallel to the substrate and the beam-splitting layer is disposed on a surface that is arranged above the second optoelectronic element at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: A microstructure switch (10, 50) having a main body (13), a moveable switching element (17), one or more membranes (26, 52) which connect the moveable switching element (17) to the main body (13) and an actuator (30) which moves the moveable switching element (17) from a first position (72) to at least one activated position (74). The membranes may be either or both of a primary membrane (26) or a secondary membrane (52). A primary membrane (26) may be used as a temporary membrane (32) which serves to position the moveable switching element (17) until it is permanently positioned by a secondary membrane (52), or by an actuator (30). At this point the temporary membrane (32) is removed.