Abstract: A photonic switch includes an array of waveguides (optical fibers) that are rigidly mounted together and arranged as a matrix. One waveguide acts as an input for the switch, and is used to transmit a light beam into free space. The other waveguides then function individually as outputs for the switch. Operationally, a switch connection is made by moving a steering mirror to direct the light beam from the input waveguide to a selected output waveguide. For one embodiment, the mirror is flat. For this embodiment the switch incorporates a collimating lens positioned between the array and the mirror, with the mirror at the telecentric stop of the lens. In another embodiment, the mirror has a concave surface.

Abstract: An actuator for moving the steering mirror of an optical switch is manipulated during the operation of the switch to route light beams along selected paths through free space. Structurally, the mirror has a reflecting surface area that is characterized by a largest dimension of less than fifteen millimeters, and the actuator defines a footprint within this area. The actuator includes a flexible universal pivot that is used to mount the mirror on a base member. The actuator also includes an electronic device that controls the magnetic interaction between a magnet on the mirror and a magnet on the base to selectively move the mirror on the universal pivot for the operation of the optical switch.