Abstract: A laser projection display apparatus includes a laser that emits a light beam. Actuators steer the light beam in horizontal and vertical directions to generate the display images. Each of the actuators includes first and second mirrors, each of which is suspended by a gimbal. Each of the mirrors rotates responsive to current flow through a coil attached to a backside of the mirror in the presence of a magnetic field. A digital signal process provides integrated control of the actuators and laser power based on the content of a display program. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A photonic switch for an optical communication network includes a matrix of actuator-mirror assemblies and a corresponding matrix of optical ports. A first one of the actuator-mirror assemblies directs a beam of light received from an input optical port to a reference mirror, where it is reflected to a second actuator-mirror assembly that redirects the beam to an output optical port. Each of the actuator-mirror assemblies includes a mirror-coil assembly mounted to a gimbal, with stationary magnets being positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a force is generated that causes the mirror-coil assembly to tilt. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A gimbal for supporting a moveable mirror includes an attachment section, first and second pairs of beams extending along the x-axis and connected to the attachment section, and third and fourth pairs of beams extending along the y-axis connected with the first and second pair of beams. The connections are such that the mirror can tilt or rotate about both the x-axis and y-axis. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A photonic switch for an optical communication network includes a matrix of actuator-mirror assemblies and a corresponding matrix of optical ports. A first one of the actuator-mirror assemblies directs a beam of light received from an input optical port to a reference mirror, where it is reflected to a second actuator-mirror assembly that redirects the beam to an output optical port. Each of the actuator-mirror assemblies includes a mirror-coil assembly mounted to a gimbal, with stationary magnets being positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a force is generated that causes the mirror-coil assembly to tilt. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Unwanted dynamics in an optical switch are eliminated by calculating a set of new parameter values that shape an input command signal applied to the switch in accordance with an algorithm that randomly varies initial parameter values within certain constraints. The input command signal is applied to the mirror actuators in order to produce a response by the optical switch. A cost function value indicative of oscillations present in the response is calculated and compared to a previous cost function value. If the cost function value is less than the previous cost function value, the new parameter values are stored and designated as the initial parameter values for a next iteration. Following repeated iterative calculations to shape the input command signal, an optimal set of parameter values are produced. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A method for maximizing light transmission through an optical switch which includes a first mirror to direct a beam of light received from an input optical port to a second mirror that redirects the beam of light to an output optical port, the first and second mirrors each being pivotally actuated in first and second directions. The input and output mirrors are simultaneously moved through a sequence of coordinate positions about an origin, the input and output mirrors moving in both the first and second directions, with a light intensity value being read at each coordinate position to find a maximum light intensity value. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An actuator for tilting a moveable object such as a mirror includes a base and a coil-object assembly that includes first and second pairs of coils each of which is attached to the object, the first pair of coils being arranged along a longitudinal axis, and the second pair of coils being arranged along a transverse axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A gimbal has an attachment section attached to the object, and mounting sections connected via a plurality of beams to the attachment section, the mounting sections being attached to the base. A permanent magnet is positioned adjacent a corresponding one of each of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a rotational force is generated that causes the coil-object assembly to rotate about an axis. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A method for maximizing light transmission through an optical switch which includes a first mirror to direct a beam of light received from an input optical port to a second mirror that redirects the beam of light to an output optical port, the first and second mirrors each being pivotally actuated in first and second directions. The input and output mirrors are simultaneously moved through a sequence of coordinate positions about an origin, the input and output mirrors moving in both the first and second directions, with a light intensity value being read at each coordinate position to find a maximum light intensity value. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).