Abstract: An article for directing optical signals among optical waveguides is disclosed. The article comprises a plurality of mirror elements that are mechanically and electrically interconnected to form a reflective surface. The reflective surface is deformable upon application of a voltage. Optical signals delivered from a source waveguide may be directed to different destination waveguides as the reflective surface is deformed. The plurality of mirror elements is actuated by a single actuator.

Abstract: One-by-three and two-by-two optical switches comprising optical waveguides or fibers with tapered ends that utilize electrostatically-driven actuators are disclosed. Tapering of the fiber ends allow the ends to be positioned in close proximity to one another to yield an optical switch with low insertion loss.

Abstract: An article comprising a light-actuated photonic switch is disclosed. The light-actuated photonic switch advantageously includes a photogenerator that powers a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) switch having very low voltage requirements. The MEMS switch is operable to move a reflector into or out of a path of an optical signal travelling between two waveguides. Since the MEMS switch has such low voltage requirements, a long wave photogenerator, which generates relatively low voltages, can be used. As long wavelength light experiences relatively little attenuation in optical fiber, active lightwave circuits incorporating the present light-actuated photonic switch can have very long fiber runs to remote nodes.

Abstract: A micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS) device comprises a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device and a silicon optical-bench (SiOB) device or system. The MEMS device interacts with the SiOB mechanically or electromagnetically. In one embodiment, the MEMS device is operable to provide a switching function for the SiOB device. The MEMS device comprises an actuator that is mechanically linked to an optical interruptor that prevents at least a portion of an optical signal incident thereon from propagating therethrough. In an actuated state, the actuator causes the optical interrupter to move into an optical path of an optical signal traveling through an SiOB device. The signal is at least partially reflected or absorbed such that only a portion of the signal propagates beyond the point of contact with the optical interrupter.