Abstract: A modular cross connect system for optical telecommunication networks has the optical unit divided in at least two main bodies with one section for connection comprising the collimators and a main commutation section with MEMS devices. The first section is a fixed part while the second section is a readily removable section. The two sections face each other through a window and, in the first section, optics are provided for steering all or part of the optical signals from and to the main MEMS unit to a MEMS standby or protection plane to allow replacement of the main MEMS unit without interrupting service.

Abstract: An optical switching device for use in a wavelength division multiplex (WDM) telecommunication network for optically switching wavelength carriers from a plurality of input DWDM radiation to a selected output includes a plurality of optical input paths and a plurality of optical output paths; a first array of individually selectably tiltable MEMS mirrors in which each mirror is for receiving optical radiation from a respective input path; and a second array of individually selectably tiltable MEMS mirrors in which each mirror is for deflecting optical radiation incident thereon along a respective output path. The first and second arrays of mirrors are arranged on a common plane and are selectably tiltable about a single axis, and a fixed reflector is arranged above the two arrays of mirrors.

Abstract: An optical switching device for use in a wavelength division multiplex (WDM) telecommunication network for optically switching wavelength carriers from a plurality of input DWDM radiation to a selected output includes a plurality of optical input paths and a plurality of optical output paths; a first array of individually selectably tiltable MEMS mirrors in which each mirror is for receiving optical radiation from a respective input path; and a second array of individually selectably tiltable MEMS mirrors in which each mirror is for deflecting optical radiation incident thereon along a respective output path. The first and second arrays of mirrors are arranged on a common plane and are selectably tiltable about a single axis, and a fixed reflector is arranged above the two arrays of mirrors.

Abstract: A modular cross connect system for optical telecommunication networks has the optical unit divided in at least two main bodies with one section for connection comprising the collimators and a main commutation section with MEMS devices. The first section is a fixed part while the second section is a readily removable section. The two sections face each other through a window and, in the first section, optics are provided for steering all or part of the optical signals from and to the main MEMS unit to a MEMS standby or protection plane to allow replacement of the main MEMS unit without interrupting service.