Abstract: An arrangement and a method for monitoring and controlling an optical mechanical switch, which may include one or more microelectromechanical switches. In communication using the arrangement or the method, independently of any customer signal, a modulated optical signal is generated at wavelengths, both modulation and optical, that are out-of-band with respect the wavelengths of any transmission signals that may appear. The modulated optical signal is directed toward the optical mechanical switch, and system control parameters are changed to maximize a detected signal after passage through the optical mechanical switch. Any remnants of the modulated optical signal may be removed before arriving at any customer-related terminal. Optical cross-connect switching circuits are exemplary circuits in which the invention may be applied. The modulated optical signal is inserted before or during the transmission of any transmission signal.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system in which, operationally independent of the movable element and the component for moving it, a microelectromechanical sensor senses the position of the movable element. The microelectromechanical sensor adjoins the movable element, at least in part, and may be a strain gage, or a gage of a capacitive, piezoelectric, piezoresistive, or pressure type, among others. The resulting signal is fed back to control the component for moving the movable element. In an array of movable elements and sensors, the signal of each sensor is specific to one movable element.