Abstract: A planar optical switch comprises a first planar optical waveguide and a second planar optical waveguide that is arranged in the plane of and inclined to the first optical waveguide. A coupling element, preferably a prism, is provided that is made of a refractive material. The coupling element is movably arranged between a coupling position and a non-coupling position. The coupling element has a first and a second surface that, if the coupling element is in the coupling position, face a lateral surface the first optical waveguide and a lateral surface of the second optical waveguide, respectively, in such a way that a substantial fraction of radiation guided in the first optical waveguide is coupled via the coupling element into the second optical waveguide.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical switch unit comprising at least one mirror device with individually movable mirrors for switching a plurality of incoming optical signals from first optical ports onto a plurality of second optical ports, wherein an optical collimator is comprised, that is realised such, that incoming light beams after reflection by corresponding movable mirrors of said at least one array are collimated towards a central region on an opposite mirror device, if the corresponding micro mirrors of said at least one array are moved to be parallel to one plane, and a method therefore.