Abstract: An optical switch configured to switch optical beams between one or more first ports and two or more second ports includes a wavelength independent beam splitter that simultaneously splits the optical beams from each of the first ports into a plurality of separate sub beams. A reflective wavelength independent switching unit selectively reflectively direct each the sub beam along respective predetermined trajectories such that predetermined sub beams are coupled between the first and second ports. The switching unit includes one independently switchable reflective element corresponding to each second port where each switchable reflective element is switchable between a plurality of preselected switching states and each switching state defines a trajectory of each of the sub beam. The beam splitter and the switching unit are configured to direct the sub beams along substantially free space trajectories unconfined to waveguides.

Abstract: Described herein is an optical switch (1), including 4 common port optical fibers (e.g. 3), disposed in a vertical y dimension, a wavelength independent beam splitter (5), a switching unit (7) and 16 add/drop optical fibers (e.g. 9), disposed in a horizontal x dimension. In one direction of operation, the common port fibers (3) project respective optical beams (e.g. 11) to beam splitter (5), which physically splits each optical beam (11) into a plurality of separate sub beams (e.g. 15). The sub beams (15) are focused by a lens (17) onto respective micro-electromechanical (MEMS) mirrors (e.g. 19) of switching unit (7). Mirrors (19) direct each said sub beam (15) along respective predetermined trajectories to thereby selectively couple the sub beams (15) to corresponding add/drop optical fibers (9). Corresponding operation occurs in the reverse direction, with add/drop fibers (9) acting as input ports and common port fibers (3) providing outputs.