Abstract: A switch with an open state and a closed state suitably includes a cantilever having first and second states corresponding to the open and closed states of the switch, respectively. The switch may also include a magnet configured to provide an electromagnetic field that maintains said cantilever in one of the first and second states. Various embodiments may also include an electrode or electrical conductor configured to provide an electric potential or electromagnetic pulse, as appropriate, to switch the cantilever between the first and second states. Various embodiments may be formulated with micromachining technologies, and may be formed on a substrate.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the invention, a relay is suitably formed to exhibit an open state and a closed state. The relay is operated by providing a cantilever sensitive to magnetic fields such that the cantilever exhibits a first state corresponding to the open state of the relay and a second state corresponding to the closed state of the relay. A first magnetic field may be provided to induce a magnetic torque in the cantilever, and the cantilever may be switched between the first state and the second state with a second magnetic field that may be generated by, for example, a conductor formed on a substrate with the relay.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the invention, a relay is suitably formed to exhibit an open state and a closed state. The relay is operated by providing a cantilever sensitive to magnetic fields such that the cantilever exhibits a first state corresponding to the open state of the relay and a second state corresponding to the closed state of the relay. A first magnetic field may be provided to induce a magnetic torque in the cantilever, and the cantilever may be switched between the first state and the second state with a second magnetic field that may be generated by, for example, a conductor formed on a substrate with the relay.

Abstract: A micro magnetic latching device. The device comprises a substrate having a moveable element supported thereon. The moveable element (cantilever) has a long axis and a magnetic material. The device also has first and second magnets that produce a first magnetic field, which induces a magnetization in the magnetic material. The magnetization is characterized by a magnetization vector pointing in a direction along the long axis of the moveable element, wherein the first magnetic field is approximately perpendicular to a major central portion of the long axis. The device also has a coil that produces a second magnetic field to switch the movable element between two stable states, wherein only temporary application of the second magnetic field is required to change direction of the magnetization vector thereby causing the movable element to switch between the two stable states.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the invention, a relay is suitably formed to exhibit an open state and a closed state. The relay is operated by providing a cantilever sensitive to magnetic fields such that the cantilever exhibits a first state corresponding to the open state of the relay and a second state corresponding to the closed state of the relay. A first magnetic field may be provided to induce a magnetic torque in the cantilever, and the cantilever may be switched between the first state and the second state with a second magnetic field that may be generated by, for example, a conductor formed on a substrate with the relay.

Abstract: A new optical switch device and method of operating such a device overcomes alignment problems through the use of an optical signal-confining channel that may be embedded so as to confine optical signals in a desired propagation path such that the optical signal's alignment with the output is secured. Small-angle mirrors may be used so as to direct the optical signal into the intended optical signal-confining channels so as to achieve the desired optical switching. The mirrors could be latching micro-mirrors or non-latching micro-mirrors. Such mirrors could be controlled by electrostatic actuation, thermal actuation or electromagnetic actuation, or any other technique.