Abstract: The invention provides an optical switch comprising a housing, an input optical fiber, a mirror substrate, an input pivoting mirror, an output optical fiber, a first optical splitter, and a first optical detector. The input optical fiber propagates a light beam and is secured to the housing. The mirror substrate is secured to the housing. The input pivoting mirror is located in a path of the light beam after leaving the input optical fiber. The input pivoting mirror is pivotally secured to the mirror substrate. Pivoting of the mirror relative to the mirror substrate alters an angle with which the light beam is reflected therefrom. The output optical fiber is secured to the housing and has an end through which the light beam enters after being reflected by the input pivoting mirror. The first optical splitter is located in a path of the light beam after leaving the input optical fiber. The first optical splitter splits the light beam into a first propagated portion and a first monitoring portion.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical switch comprising a housing, an input optical fiber, a mirror substrate, an input pivoting mirror, an output optical fiber, a first optical splitter, and a first optical detector. The input optical fiber propagates a light beam and is secured to the housing. The mirror substrate is secured to the housing. The input pivoting mirror is located in a path of the light beam after leaving the input optical fiber. The input pivoting mirror is pivotally secured to the mirror substrate. Pivoting of the mirror relative to the mirror substrate alters an angle with which the light beam is reflected therefrom. The output optical fiber is secured to the housing and has an end through which the light beam enters after being reflected by the input pivoting mirror. The first optical splitter is located in a path of the light beam after leaving the input optical fiber. The first optical splitter splits the light beam into a first propagated portion and a first monitoring portion.

Abstract: A connector system that includes a pair of connectors (12, 14, FIG. 4) with optical fiber termini (32, 42), is of relatively low cost while assuring sufficiently precise alignment of corresponding termini to transmit a high proportion of light signals between them. A first of the connectors (12) includes an insert (30) with passages that hold termini comprising ball lenses (74) lying in front of optical fiber tips lying in ferrules (82). The plurality of termini are fixed in position and orientation in the insert, but the insert is moveable forwardly and rearwardly (F1, R1) and is biased forwardly by a spring device (160, 162). As a result, the mating faces (70, 72) of the inserts of the two connectors are resiliently pressed against one another in a connector wherein each termini is fixed in position in its insert.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package socket of a "low profile" construction having a built-in anti-wicking feature and arranged to accept leads of varying widths without overstressing.