Abstract: An optical device is provided. The optical crossbar switch includes a waveguide body for directing a plurality of optical signals between an input block and an output block. The waveguide body includes a plurality of intersecting signal waveguides, and at least one pair of intersecting alignment waveguides. A reflective alignment trench is formed at the intersection of the at least one pair of alignment waveguides for reflecting light prior to filling the reflective alignment trench with an optical matching fluid.

Abstract: A MEMS-based selectable laser output optical device (10) includes a laser source (12) having a laser output 14. A MEMS switch (16) is optically coupled to the laser source (12) for selectively coupling the laser output (14) from the laser source (12) in one of two directions (141) or (142). The MEMS switch (16) has a mirror (160) that is slidable or otherwise movable from a first position (161), where the mirror (160) is laying flat or in another non-obstructing position to provide a non-obstructing linear exit optical path (141). A second position (162) where the mirror (160) is in its upright vertically aligned direction, obstructs the linear optical path to re-direct the optical path in a non-linear direction.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a first chip having a plurality of solder bumps and recesses formed therein at preselected locations. A second chip is provided with a plurality of solder pads and projections. A plurality of solder bonds are coupled between the first and second chips. At least one of the recesses and projections includes angled walls for capturing and directing the other during reflow of the solder bonds such that the first chip aligns relative to the second chip under the surface tension of the solder bonds. If desired, vibrating waves may be applied to the first and second chips during reflow to assist movement of the projections relative to the recesses.

Abstract: A multilayer structure (S,1-3) is surmounted by parallel primary lines (4-1, 4-2) which define, in the regions situated below them, waveguides operating according to a first propagation mode. At least one electro-optical control means (E-1) is placed at a selected location between each pair of primary lines and, under certain conditions, enables the local existence of a second propagation mode affecting the two regions together, so that the transfer of the first mode between the two guides which enclose it can be controlled by acting on the second mode. This makes it possible to produce an energy distributor based on a so-called “cascade” architecture.