Abstract: An optical switch includes a plurality of first optical fibers, a plurality of second optical fibers, a first MEMS array, and a second MEMS array. The first MEMS array is optically coupled with the first optical fibers to receive optical signals from the first optical fibers and to direct the optical signals, wherein the first MEMS array defines a first array incidence angle between a normal direction to the first MEMS array and a direction of the received optical signals. The second MEMS array is optically coupled with the first MEMS array to receive the directed optical signals and to re-direct the directed optical signals with the second optical fibers wherein the second MEMS array defines a second array incidence angle between a normal direction to second MEMS array and a direction of the re-directed optical signals. The configuration of the components is provided to provide reduced optical losses.

Abstract: An optical network element uses steerable mirrors in an optical switch to couple optical inputs and optical outputs. An optical switch has at least one array of the steerable mirrors, which can be oriented so as to reflect an optical signal between an input and an output. A shorter optical path between the input and the output reduces optical losses because optical losses in an optical switch using mirrors are directly proportional to the total length of the optical path. Reducing the optical path depends upon the switching tilt angle used in steering the mirrors. But tilting the micro-mirrors near their critical tilt angle or repeatedly across large tilt angles will degrade reliability or control. However, the total optical path can be shortened and the reliability of steerable mirrors can be maintained or increased if at least some of the micro-mirrors in an array are offset angled.

Abstract: An optical switch having a fiber/lens array and a switching substrate may be properly aligned using one or more grating(s) provided on the switching substrate. The grating(s) may be designed to have a predetermined response when the fiber/lens array and switching substrate are properly aligned. For example, the grating(s) may reflect incident light back into an input fiber, where the back-reflected light may be detected. Accordingly, the position of the switching substrate and/or fiber/lens array may be adjusted until back reflected light having predetermined power is detected.

Abstract: The position of a micro-mirror, for example, in an optical switch, may be monitored using an optical position control signals that are detected by a detector arrangement. The position of the micro-mirror may be adjusted by detecting the position of the beam spot and comparing the detected position to a desired position.

Abstract: A structure and method for an optical switch is provided that includes providing sidewall electrodes with steerable micro-mirrors to position and control micro-mirror movement. The structure and method includes using the sidewall electrodes in conjunction with electrodes underlying a micro-mirror to sense capacitance present between a micro-mirror and underlying electrodes and/or sidewall electrodes, and driving the electrodes underlying the micro-mirror and the sidewall electrodes to move the micro-mirror into an angular position. The electrode structures and methods of driving them may be used in systems with closed loop feedback control to reduce transient mirror settling time and provide substantial immunity to system perturbations when micro-mirrors switch an optical signal from an input fiber to an output fiber of the optical switch, or when a micro-mirror is held at an angular position over long time scales.