Abstract: An optical package (40) suitable for use in a moist environment, the assembly comprising: (a) an optical component (41); (b) a housing (42) defining at least a main compartment containing the optic al component (41) and at least one access route along which ambient moisture must travel to reach the optical component (41); and (c) a desiccant material (50) disposed along the access route such that moisture entering the housing (42) contacts the desiccant material (50) before reaching the optical component (41).

Abstract: A design is presented for an NxN crossbar switch. A crossbar switch is one of the basic components of Optical Switching Networks. An optical NxN switch has the capability of connecting any light beam from the input of the switch to any output port of the switch without interfering with other light beams. That is each single input is connected to one and only one of the output ports without interfering with any other beam or beams. The design presented is based on the use of precision meso-sale mechanics of the size typically found in miniature disc drives and meso-scale optical components. This meso-scale mechanics is then controlled or driven by precision servo-electronics and software to achieve the correct switching. The precision servomechanisms, meso-scale mechanics, electronics and software control are designed to work together to self-compensate for assembly or manufacturing defects and deleterious environmental, including temperature, effects.

Abstract: An optical package (40) suitable for use in a moist environment, the assembly comprising: (a) an optical component (41); (b) a housing (42) defining at least a main compartment containing the optic al component (41) and at least one access route along which ambient moisture must travel to reach the optical component (41); and (c) a desiccant material (50) disposed along the access route such that moisture entering the housing (42) contacts the desiccant material (50) before reaching the optical component (41).