Abstract: This invention relates to an optical multiple circuit breaker with (N) first optical inputs (E1) (n)), whereby these inputs can be switched optionally to (N) first or (N) second optical outputs (A1(n)) and/or (A2(n)). Light rays (LS1(n)) and LS2(n)) are reflected or transmitted from two surfaces (27, 28), to which end the at most two recesses (25) of a transparent base body (1) that form these surfaces are filled optionally with an optically thinner or denser material (26). In accordance with a first embodiment, both surfaces (27, 28) are so arranged that, in the reflecting switching state, the first inputs (E1(n)) are optically connected to the first outputs (A1(n)), and the second inputs (E2(n)) are connected to the second outputs (A2(n)), and that in the transmission switching state, the first input (E1(n)) are optically connected to the second outputs (A2(n)).

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical switching element for altering the propagation direction of at least one light beam, comprising a transparent base body (21), said base body being provided with a recess (20) for forming at least one boundary surface (19) between an optically denser medium and an optically more translucent medium. The incident light strikes this boundary surface (19). The recess (20) is filled partly with a liquid (26) and contains a moveable body (16). The liquid (26) and the moveable body (16) have approximately the same refractive index as the transparent base body. To switch the switching element (15) to a transmitting switching state, the moveable body is positioned in the recess in such a way that the gap between the boundary surface and the surface of the moveable body is filled completely with the liquid. If the moveable body is positioned in the recess in such a way that the boundary surface is free of the liquid, the incident light is reflected on said boundary surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-centering arrangement of microstructured elements, particularly of microoptical components on a substrate serving as carrier. To provide microoptical components with projections that fit into corresponding recesses is known in the art. The invention provides a way to improve the mutual alignment of components (K1, K2) in that a deformation occurs when projections (Z1, Z2) are inserted into the recesses (A). This deformation may concern the projections or the recesses themselves or a molding material introduced between the projections and the recesses. The deformation improves the self-centering properties; in addition, manufacturing tolerances are more easily compensated. If the element cannot be provided with a suitable projection, an intermediate carrier is used, which is, for example, a plastic element produced by a LIGA process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matrix switch for optical fibers, exhibiting slides (S1(n)) arranged in lines, to each of which an input optical fiber (LWL1(n)) is fixed, and slides (S2(m)) arranged in columns to each of which an output optical fiber (LWL2(m)) is fixed. The slides with the optical fibers are arranged on two planes in such a way that the input optical fibers can be optically coupled to the output optical fibers by displacing the output and input slides. A device (1) with stops (2) arranged in lines and columns is provided to position the slides (S1(n)), (S21(m)) to which the input or output optical fibers (LWL1(n)), (LWL1(n)) are fixed. The positioning device (1) enables the advancement of the output slides (S2(m)) to be limited in such a way that the output slides are secured in an exact position in which the input optical fibers can be coupled to the output optical fibers.