Abstract: The disclosed apparatus may include (1) a plenum that (A) interfaces with a panel of a telecommunications system that facilitates traffic within a network and (B) reduces a gap between the panel of the telecommunications system and a removable telecommunications module that is installed into the telecommunications system and (2) an air channel that is incorporated in the plenum, wherein the air channel directs airflow into a vent hole of the panel of the telecommunications system. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Optical switches are described herein. In one embodiment, an exemplary optical switch includes, but is not limited to, a first waveguide, a second waveguide across with the first waveguide in an angle to form an intersection, and a pair of electrodes placed within a proximity of the intersection to switch a light traveling from the first waveguide to the second waveguide, where at least one of the electrodes includes a non-uniform edge to deflect a light remained after switching from the first waveguide to the second waveguide to a direction other than a direction associated with the first waveguide. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: An electrooptical deflector is presented. The electrooptical deflector includes a material that has a different refractive index for different polarization states and changes its refractive index in response to voltage (e.g., lithium niobate or lithium tantalite). Inside the material is a poled region that includes triangularly-shaped prisms, each of which affects the direction in which an incident light beam propagates. When a light beam of a known polarization state propagates through the material, its direction of propagation (i.e., the amount of deflection) is controlled by a voltage applied to the poled region and the size and number of the prisms in the material.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a polarization splitter/combiner that is made of a material that changes its refractive index in response to voltage. The polarization splitter divides an input beam into a first polarized component and a second polarized component. Each of the first and second polarized components is fed into a first polarization-sensitive deflector and a second polarization-sensitive deflector, each of which deflects a light beam by a predetermined angle. A plurality of polarization combining systems are positioned to receive a deflected first component and a deflected second component and combine the first and the second deflected components into an output beam propagating through an output fiber.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a polarization splitter/combiner that is made of a material that changes its refractive index in response to voltage. The polarization splitter divides an input beam into a first polarized component and a second polarized component. Each of the first and second polarized components is fed into a first polarization-sensitive deflector and a second polarization-sensitive deflector, each of which deflects a light beam by a predetermined angle. A plurality of polarization combining systems are positioned to receive a deflected first component and a deflected second component and combine the first and the second deflected components into an output beam propagating through an output fiber.

Abstract: An electrooptical deflector is presented. The electrooptical deflector includes a material that has a different refractive index for different polarization states and changes its refractive index in response to voltage (e.g., lithium niobate or lithium tantalite). Inside the material is a poled region that includes triangularly-shaped prisms, each of which affects the direction in which an incident light beam propagates. When a light beam of a known polarization state propagates through the material, its direction of propagation (i.e., the amount of deflection) is controlled by a voltage applied to the poled region and the size and number of the prisms in the material.