Abstract: A method for pivoting an optical device about one or more axes thereof is disclosed. Springs couple the optical device to the micro-electro-mechanical structure. A portion of the springs are fastened on the micro-electro-mechanical structure. Fastening the portion of each spring on the electromechanical structure prevents the springs from moving the optical device in a translational direction when such optical device pivots about the one or more axes.

Abstract: A device having electrical contacts formed from an alloy having improved wear resistance is provided, the alloy being particularly useful in microrelay devices formed by MEMS technology. In one embodiment, the alloys are chosen to allow sufficient precipitation hardening to improve wear resistance, but keep precipitation below a level that would unacceptably reduce electrical conductivity. This is achieved by using alloying materials that have very limited or no solid solubility in the noble metal matrix, e.g., less than 4 wt. % solid solubility. In a second embodiment, an alloy contains a noble metal matrix and insoluble, dispersoid particles having no solubility in the matrix, these dispersoid particles offering a similar strengthening mechanism.

Abstract: A micro-machined transducer having a structure in which an acoustic enclosure is formed on a substrate above the plane of the substrate surface is disclosed. Forming the acoustic enclosure on the substrate above the plane of the substrate surface, rather than an acoustic cavity in a surface of the substrate, provides an acoustic cavity whose size is not limited by the thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: An electronically variable optical attenuator includes focusing optics that enable the use of a micro-mechanical actuation device with minute movement properties. The actuation device controls the position of a light blocking member relative to the path of a focused light beam to thereby control the attenuation of the light beam.

Abstract: An actuation device employing square-loop latchable magnetic material having a magnetization direction (polarization) capable of being changed in response to exposure to an external magnetic field is disclosed. The magnetic field is created by a conductor assembly with non-solenoid configuration. Once the magnetization direction of the material is so changed, the external magnetic field is no longer required to maintain the new magnetization direction. The latchable magnetic material is disposed on the mobile electrode of a switching device, and another magnetic material is disposed in spaced relation to the latchable magnetic material on a stationary electrode or surface. By applying an electrical current to a conductor assembly arranged proximate the latchable material, a magnetic field is created about the latchable magnetic material, to change the magnetization direction and thereby enable the attraction or repulsion of another magnetic material located on the stationary electrode.

Abstract: A moving mirror switch includes a focusing element adapted to focus an incoming light beam transmitted from an input optical port, a movable mirror, and an actuator. The actuator moves the mirror between first and second mirror positions corresponding to reflective and pass-through states, respectively. In the reflective state, the mirror at least partially reflects the focused beam back upon the input port. In the pass-through state, the focused beam is at least partially transmitted towards an optical output port of the switch. The first and second positions may correspond to complete reflective and complete transmission states, respectively. The mirror may further be positioned in intermediate positions to achieve partial transmission states (and/or partial reflective states), such that the mirror switch operates as a variable attenuator. Embodiments are presented in which the input and output ports are disposed on the same side of the switch, or on opposite sides of switch.

Abstract: A switching element according to this invention comprises a photostrictive member. Exposing the member to control light results in a dimensional change in the material. This change is utilized for changing the relative position between an optical fiber and another element, exemplarily a further fiber, a corrugated member, or a mirror, such that signal radiation is directed to a predetermined output port. A variety of exemplary switching elements are disclosed, including interferometric, beam-steering, evanescent field and mode conversion switching elements. Disclosed are also optical communication systems that utilize such switching elements, including passive optical networks.

Abstract: The specification describes a refractive lens for focusing cold neutrons. It comprises a plurality of concave lens elements made from materials with low neutron absorption.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a combined optical modulator/photodetector are disclosed. A modulator chip is attached to a photodetector chip using a non-conductive epoxy or solder. The combined modulator/photodetector can be configured in at least two ways. In one configuration, the modulator is located on the upper surface of a chip that is attached, at its lower surface, to a photodetector containing chip. In another configuration, the modulator is located on the lower surface of the modulator chip, which is again attached at its lower surface to the pbotodetector chip. By combining the modulator and photodetector in the manner described above, they can be placed in a single package, resulting in reduced packaging costs versus a separately packaged modulator and a separately packaged photodetector. Moreover, feedback from the photodetector can used to optimize the operation of micromechanical optical modulators.