Abstract: Techniques are presented for illuminating an optically activated switch. The switch is illuminated from one side with a high reflector on the opposing side. An anti-reflective coating can also be formed on the side from which the illumination is incident. For more uniform illumination, a homogenizer, such as a micro-lens array, can be used. Illumination can be provided from an array of micro-fibers, which can be set back by a few millimeters from the switch. In another set of example, a light pipe arrangement can be used to provide the illumination. The light pipe structure can also act as a beam splitter.

Abstract: Improvements for optically activated electric switches are considered. Techniques are presented for reducing the peaking of the electric field at edge of the contacts. For the body of the opto-switch, methods are described to increase the number of traps. Improvements in illumination are also discussed.