Abstract: A spatial light modulator (SLM) has electrically controllable microelectromechanical reflectors arranged in a chain-like manner along an axis such that an optical beam propagates by reflection from an input down the chain to an output. Each reflector can be moved to a selected one of a number of discrete switching positions. The position determines the angle at which the beam is reflected toward the next reflector in the chain. The combination of positions in which the reflectors are oriented is determinative of the angle at which the signal exits the output. The SLM can be included in a switch. An SLM in the input section of the switch can be adjusted to direct the beam such that it impinges upon a selected switch output. Multiple SLMs can be included in an array to provide a cross-connect or crossbar switch.

Abstract: The system can include one or more optical switching devices. Each optical switching device can achieve relatively high switching speeds such as between thirty (30) nano-seconds to fifty (50) nano-seconds with precise angular movement. The switching speed can be defined as the movement of an optical element from a first switching position to a second switching position. The relatively high switching speeds and precise angular movement of the optical element can be attributed to utilizing a combination of electrodes and membrane supports made from predefined materials that react to the electrodes. The optical switching device can be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device that can be fabricated by the adding or etching layers of materials such as in photolithography manufacturing techniques. The optical element can include a mirror made from reflective materials such as a layer of gold.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator (SLM) has electrically controllable microelectromechanical reflectors arranged in a chain-like manner along an axis such that an optical beam propagates by reflection from an input down the chain to an output. Each reflector can be moved to a selected one of a number of discrete switching positions. The position determines the angle at which the beam is reflected toward the next reflector in the chain. The combination of positions in which the reflectors are oriented is determinative of the angle at which the signal exits the output. The SLM can be included in a switch. An SLM in the input section of the switch can be adjusted to direct the beam such that it impinges upon a selected switch output. Multiple SLMs can be included in an array to provide a cross-connect or crossbar switch.

Abstract: The system can include one or more optical switching devices. Each optical switching device can achieve relatively high switching speeds such as between thirty (30) nano-seconds to fifty (50) nano-seconds with precise angular movement. The switching speed can be defined as the movement of an optical element from a first switching position to a second switching position. The relatively high switching speeds and precise angular movement of the optical element can be attributed to utilizing a combination of electrodes and membrane supports made from predefined materials that react to the electrodes. The optical switching device can be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device that can be fabricated by the adding or etching layers of materials such as in photolithography manufacturing techniques. The optical element can include a mirror made from reflective materials such as a layer of gold.