Abstract: An optical ON/OFF switch includes a micro-mechanical shutter formed on a silicon substrate using micro-mechanical fabrication techniques. The switch selectively opens and closes an optical path between two fibers with the micro-mechanical shutter. A micro-mechanical latch latches the shutter open or closed and remains in this state until electrical signals disengage the latch. Incoming and outgoing fibers are coupled to the shutter within the switch so that, when the shutter and the switch are ON (open) light couples between the ends of the two fibers. The fibers are positioned within stepped channels that hold each fiber along two edges within the channels so that the fibers are held in fixed alignment and relation. The fibers are laterally offset with respect to each other and the faces of the fibers are angled to limit back reflections from the shutter while still obtaining good coupling between the fibers.

Abstract: An M×N mechanically actuated optical switch matrix includes a plurality of optical reflectors arranged in an array comprising a plurality of columns and rows, at least some of which are movable between their on and off positions, a plurality of primary optical ports and a plurality of secondary optical ports. More than one optical reflector may be switched on simultaneously to establish optical signal channels between respective primary and secondary optical ports.

Abstract: An M×N optical switch in which the focal lengths of the collimating lenses are adjusted so that the waists of the Gaussian beams exiting the collimating lenses are focused on reflecting elements, which are positioned along a diagonal of the array of reflecting elements. This arrangement increases the number of beams that are symmetrical about the waist position, which increases the coupling efficiency. The best possible arrangement occurs when all of the waists are equal in diameter, thereby ensuring that for every output port the distances from the waists to the focusing lens are identical.

Abstract: An optical component comprises channels in which liquids of suitable refractive index are arranged. By displacing the liquids within the channels by means of suitable actuators, the light is optionally led through the liquid. By selecting a suitable refractive index, light beams may be deflected at any desired angles. In a miniaturized embodiment, light beams can be controlled at high frequencies. In a light-conducting basic body, suitable cavities are connected to channels, and arranged in the channels is a liquid with a refractive index which essentially corresponds to the refractive index of the basic body. By means of piezoelectric actuators, which are arranged on the cavities, the liquid is displaced into the channels. As a result, light which leads through the basic body is deflected in optionally two different directions, and an optical switch is provided.

Abstract: A fiber array subassembly for use with a two-dimension MEMS mirror array comprises a plurality of separate substrate elements (for example, silicon substrates) stacked one upon the other and formed to include via holes that, upon stacking, form the fiber array apertures. By controlling the via location on each substrate element, precise registration between the location of each optical device in the array (such as mirror elements in a MEMS arrangement) and the communication fibers can be achieved. The stack of substrates may also be formed to including a “mechanical stop” for each fiber, ensuring a precise separation between each fiber endface and its associated lensing elements.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator of the multiple-aperture type is disclosed. The attenuator comprises a thin element having a plurality of apertures therein. The plurality of apertures is arranged such that the size of most of the apertures increases along a distance of the thin element. In particular, the plurality of apertures is arranged in a carefully designed pattern wherein the percentage of transmitted light varies from one end of the pattern to the other. The variable optical attenuator is substantially wavelength and polarization independent.

Abstract: A controllable optical attenuator comprising an optical waveguide which extends longitudinally along the optical attenuator. The optical waveguide has an exposed surface and a core that is positioned directly adjacent the exposed surface. The attenuator further comprises at least one elongated chamber which is formed transversely to the longitudinal extent of the optical waveguide and a liquid droplet which is disposed within the elongated chamber, the droplet being movable along the chamber from a position lateral of the optical waveguide exposed surface to a position in which contact is made between the liquid droplet and the optical waveguide exposed surface. When the liquid droplet is positioned so as to contact the exposed surface of the optical waveguide, a portion of the optical signal transmitted along the waveguide core is absorbed by the droplet so as to attenuate the transmitted signal.

Abstract: An optical switching arrangement, preferably an add/drop switch, provides a high degree of flexibility in manipulating optical signals by utilizing switching units that are mirror images of each other. The switching units are toggled between transmissive states and reflective states by the manipulation of index-matching fluid within trenches. In a first set of switching units, the trenches are offset in one direction relative to crosspoints of waveguides through which optical signals are propagated. In the second set of switching units, the trenches are offset in the opposite direction. As a result, the reflection characteristics of the first set of switching units are the mirror image of the reflection characteristics of the second set of switching units. In the preferred add/drop switching application, any one of a number of input ports can be optically coupled to any one of a number of drop ports and any one of a number of add ports can be optically coupled to any one of a number of output ports.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fiber optic cross connect (OXC) package. The OXC includes a substrate, where light beams may travel through the substrate; a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to a first surface of the substrate; and a micromirror array coupled to a second surface of the substrate. In the preferred embodiment, this substrate is optically transparent to the wavelengths of interest. The light beams enter the substrate from one surface, traverses the substrate, and exits from an opposite surface of the substrate. The opposite surface is populated with micromirrors. By folding the light beams in a switch architecture with the substrate, the size of the switch package is reduced. Using the substrate in combination with a modular approach to substrate population allows for a single die switch with a higher die yield and scalability. Integrated circuits may be placed on the same substrate as the micromirrors, and the complexity of the assembly process is reduced.

Abstract: A coating and a method for protecting a flexible region of an optical device that generates different output optical signals based upon whether the region is flexed. The coating is applied to at least a portion of the region. The coating has a relaxation time that does not substantially affect the different output optical signals transmitted through the region while the region is being flexed and then unflexed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double fiber optic cross connect (OXC) package. The double package includes a substrate with a first surface and a second surface; a micromirror array coupled to the second surface of the substrate; a first cap optically coupled to the micromirror array; and a second cap optically coupled to the micromirror array. The first cap, along with a substrate populated with a micromirror array and a set of sidewalls, form a volume which is preferably hermetically sealed. This volume is further packaged by the second cap with another set of sidewalls. With the first cap, only a short distance is used in redirecting the light. This short distance is uniform for each micromirror in the switch. The major portion of the beam is thus available for scanning. With the second cap, the light beam is folded during the switching operation, resulting in a smaller switch package. By folding the light in the switch architecture, the size of the switch package is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wavelength-division multiplexing employing an arrayed waveguide router and polarization-maintaining input fibers for coupling channels which experience four photon mixing to the router. The invention is useful in extremely dense wavelength-division multiplexing to reduce optical non-linearity.

Abstract: Over the last several years, the rapidly increasing traffic volume carried by telecommunication networks has been clearly observed as a result of the bandwidth-intensive applications such as Internet access, electronic commerce, multimedia applications, and distributed computing. Optical telecommunication systems employing optical fibers as the transmission medium have exhibited a superior performance/cost ratio for both long-haul and short-haul routes and the emerging dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM)/all-optical networks have shown some promising potentials. However there still exists a need to improve speed, capacity and connectivity of optical telecommunication networks, as the information system's subscriber growth increases unrestrained. The present invention provides a reconfigurable and scalable fiber optic switching for optical telecommunication networks by integrating MEMS actuators and PLCs for optical signal switching and routing.

Abstract: An optical switch on a planar optical circuit substrate includes a cantilevered arm having a control element selectively movable in a direction into the plane of the substrate into a waveguide slot of the substrate for switching optical signals carried by the waveguide. The arm can be actuated by thermal or piezoelectric actuators to deflect between a rest position allowing signal information from a waveguide to continue along the waveguide and a second position with the control element of the cantilevered arm extending into the slot for selectively blocking or changing the direction of the incoming signal. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a second arm is provided which moves laterally and can be selectively actuated in sequence with the first cantilevered arm for overlying and latching the switching arm in the second or light controlling position, such that the MEMS switch can remain in an active state without further application of a control signal thereto.

Abstract: An optical switch selectively transmits an optical signal to one of multiple optical paths for use in an optical communication. The optical switch includes a mobile structure provided with a mirror surface at one end surface of the mobile structure to change the optical path by moving the mobile structure backward and forward along an axis parallel to the mirror surface. It has at least a pair of leaf springs in the form of a shallow arch, wherein each of the leaf springs is connected to both side surfaces of the mobile structure in a leaf spring axis perpendicular to the mirror surface, respectively, thereby obtaining a latch-up function and an actuator for moving the mobile structure. In the optical switch, elastic bodies are introduced into connection portions of the leaf springs, respectively, to give rise to a degree of freedom to the connection portions in the direction of the leaf spring axis.

Abstract: The invention discloses an optical deflection switch which uses the output focal plane of a lens more effectively. This is achieved by combining a tapered block of a light-transmissive material having a reflective surface and a second face, wherein the second face includes an input/output port and the reflective surface provides reflection of a beam of light passing through the input/output port into the tapered block with a first block of a light-transmissive material having a first face and a second face, wherein the first face includes an input port thereon for receiving a collimated beam of light and the second face is for providing total internal reflection of the beam of light in a first switching state and for acting as an output/input port for optical communication with the input/output port of the switching block when the total internal reflection is frustrated in a second switching state.

Abstract: A one-sided switch for redirecting light between adjacent ports. The switch uses a moveable refractor, in combination with a lens and a stationary reflector, to redirect light from one optical port to another. In a most simple embodiment light is redirected from one output port to another by repositioning the refractor in the optical path of the light and using only a single lens for collimating and focussing the light at the reflector and about the ports, respectively.

Abstract: The invention provides tunable optical filters which incorporate a surface-micromachined out-of-plane plate having a moveable membrane with a high reflective (HR) coated mirror. The mirror defines one side of a Fabry-Perot (FP) filter cavity and is movable in a direction along an axis of the filter cavity. The other side of the filter cavity is defined by a second HR-coated mirror. In one illustrative embodiment, a first plate is formed on a substrate, and then subsequently released from the substrate and secured in a plane orthogonal to the substrate. The first HR-coated mirror is formed as part of a movable membrane supported in an opening through the first plate. The second mirror is formed on a second plate secured in another plane orthogonal to the plane of the substrate, such that the filter cavity is defined horizontally between the first and second mirrors.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical devices may include a substrate having first and second optical fibers thereon. An optical shutter may also be provided. This optical shutter is mechanically coupled to a first plurality of arched beams that are supported at opposing ends by support structures which may be mounted on the substrate. A second plurality of arched beams are also provided on a first side of the optical shutter. These arched beams are also supported at opposing ends by support structures. A first brake member is provided that is coupled to the second plurality of arched beams. This first brake member contacts and restricts the optical shutter from moving in the ±y-direction when the second plurality of arched beams are relaxed, but releases the optical shutter when the second plurality of arched beams move in the −x direction. This ability to restrict movement of the optical shutter when the second plurality of arched beams are relaxed provides a degree of nonvolatile position retention.

Abstract: There is disclosed an array type space optical switch 10 of the present invention, in which each one end of optical fibers 101a to 104a, 101b to 104b is fixed to support members 105a, 105b. The optical fibers 101a and 101b form one pair, and have end surfaces opposite to each other, and the optical fibers 102a and 102b form one pair, and have end surfaces opposite to each other. Moreover, the optical fibers 103a and 103b form one pair, and have end surfaces opposite to each other, and the optical fibers 104a and 104b form one pair, and have end surfaces opposite to each other. A space propagation part 200 is formed between the end surfaces of the optical fibers 101a to 104a and 101b to 104b. An interrupting plate is inserted to or extracted from the space propagation part 200.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical switching element for altering the propagation direction of at least one light beam, comprising a transparent base body (21), said base body being provided with a recess (20) for forming at least one boundary surface (19) between an optically denser medium and an optically more translucent medium. The incident light strikes this boundary surface (19). The recess (20) is filled partly with a liquid (26) and contains a moveable body (16). The liquid (26) and the moveable body (16) have approximately the same refractive index as the transparent base body. To switch the switching element (15) to a transmitting switching state, the moveable body is positioned in the recess in such a way that the gap between the boundary surface and the surface of the moveable body is filled completely with the liquid. If the moveable body is positioned in the recess in such a way that the boundary surface is free of the liquid, the incident light is reflected on said boundary surface.

Abstract: It is provided an automatic MDF control system comprising: a plurality of matrix boards provided with openings in locations where a plurality of first wires and second wires cross without electrical connections; a robot which inserts electrically conductive connecting pins into the openings and connects the first wires with the second wires where the pins are inserted; a path data conversion unit converting connection requests from an operating terminal into path data having a plurality of addresses of the openings; a robot command conversion unit receiving the path data and converting the path data into robot commands for controlling activity of the robot as a distance moved by the robot moving between the plurality of addresses being reduced by a selected sequence of the converted path data; and a robot control unit controlling the activity of the robot based on the robot commands.

Abstract: An optical switch device includes a rolling shutter or membrane attached at one of its edges to a substrate near an optical port in the substrate. The rolling shutter can assume one of two states. In a first closed state, the membrane is uncoiled onto the substrate over the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the shutter. In a second open state, the membrane is rolled up away from the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the port. In one embodiment, a mirror is formed on the membrane such that when the membrane is in the closed state over the substrate, light directed at the port is reflected by the mirror. In one configuration, the optical port includes a hole or aperture such light passed through the port without interference. The device can include a latch electrode the far end of the membrane such that when it is rolled out, it can be held in position by a latching voltage applied across the latch electrode and the substrate.

Abstract: An optical device for use with an optical input beam comprises and optical thresholding device having a predetermined threshold level, and is positioned along an optical path defined by the propagation direction of the optical input beam. A source generates a control beam through the optical thresholding device, wherein if the combined intensity of the optical input beam and the control beam is large enough to exceed the threshold level of the thresholding device, the optical beam passes through he thresholding device. The thresholding device attenuates the optical beam as it passes therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the optical thresholding device is a saturable absorber.

Abstract: An optical switch that is constructed on a substrate having first and second waveguides that intersect at a gap having a predetermined width. The first and second waveguides are positioned such that light traversing the first waveguide enters the second waveguide when the gap is filled with a liquid having a first index of refraction. The gap is part of a trench in the substrate having a first region that includes the gap and a second region adjacent to the first region. The second region has a width greater than the width of the first region. A liquid having the first index of refraction is disposed in the first region. The liquid generates a gas when heated to a predetermined temperature. A first heater is disposed in the first region for heating the liquid to the predetermined temperature thereby generating a gas bubble in the liquid at the gap. Light traversing the first waveguide is reflected by the gap when the gap is filled with a gas.

Abstract: Control signal systems for use in configuring an optical switch such that a communication signal transmittable from a first fiber end may be transmitted along a desired pathway between the first fiber end and a second fiber end are disclosed. The systems include transmitting a control signal, either on-path or, if the switch is mirror based, off-path with a communication signal pathway over which the communication signal is transmittable in the optical switch. The transmitted control signal is received by a control signal detector that is maintained in a known spatial relation relative to the desired pathway. A feedback signal relating to the spatial relationship between the communication signal pathway and the desired pathway is output by the detector. The feedback signal may be utilized in configuring the optical switch in order to make the communication signal pathway coincident with the desired pathway and thereby achieve transmission of the communication signal over the desired pathway.

Abstract: An optical switch for manipulating a plurality of input optical signals incident thereupon to split one or more optical signal channels from the plurality of input optical signals. The optical switch includes an optical filter having a first reflective region and a second reflective region. One of the first and the second reflective regions is adapted with a wavelength selective filter that is capable of separating one or more optical signal channels from the input optical signal. A translating mechanism cooperates with the optical filter and is adapted to translate the optical filter in a plane substantially parallel to one of the first reflective region and the second reflective region between a first position and a second position. The translation of the optical filter causes at least one of the one or more optical signal channels to be separated from the optical signal and directed in a second direction.

Abstract: A self-aligned 1×N fiber optic switch uses silicon optical bench technology to provide the alignment between the single fiber and the “selected” one-out-of-N fibers. A first substrate stack is used to support the single fiber, using a via etched through the thickness of the stack, and includes alignment fiducials formed on the top surface thereof. A second substrate stack is used to similarly support an array of N fibers, the array disposed in a circular arrangement with respect to the top surface of the second substrate stack. A set of alignment fiducials is also formed on the top surface of the second substrate stack. One alignment feature includes a “centering” fiducial to allow for the two stacks to be properly aligned. Another alignment fiducial includes a circular channel, having a diameter greater than that of a fiber array, and allowing for alignment sphere to “rest” in the channel when the substrate stacks are mated.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect switch for routing light signals between N input optical fibers and M output optical fibers. The switch includes an NxM array of optical switching elements, each optical switching element routing a light signal from one of the input optical fibers to one of the output optical fibers. Each optical switching element includes a layer of a switching material, first and second transparent electrodes overlying the layer of switching material, and a layer of hydrogen reservoir material adjacent to the layer of switching material. The switching material has first and second states. The switching material is transparent to the light signals in the first state, and the switching material reflects the light signals in the second state. The state of the switching material is determined by the concentration of hydrogen in the material.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an optical shutter comprising an organic free compound, such as a radical cation or a radical anion, and a polydiacetylene compound, wherein the polydiacetylene compound is characterized by having a change in absorption in a wavelength region as a result of a photo-induced heat transfer from the free radical compound. The thermochromic change in absorption is reversed by thermal cooling or by a photo-induced reaction after the photo-induced heat transfer. Also provided is an optical shutter for use as an optical switch in fiber optic communications, and, alternatively, for use in a laser protection device, in a security protection system, or in an eyewear device.

Abstract: A thermally actuated fluidic optical switching circuit that includes a heater substructure having heater resistors and thermally conductive regions associated with the heater resistors and configured to tailor the thermal characteristics of the heater substructure.

Abstract: A highly reliable optical communications equipment is offered, which can control light more accurately than heretofore (i.e., less restrictions are imposed on the amount of attenuation and on the resolution) and which is equipped with a latching function. The optical communications equipment includes a piezoelectric actuator, a moving body moved by the piezoelectric actuator as a drive source, a multi-coating filter for controlling light that is a signal medium by movement of the moving body, a drive circuit for controlling the position of the multi-coating filter via the actuator, and a control circuit. The piezoelectric actuator uses bending vibrations produced in a piezoelectric vibrating body as a power source. If the moving body is not moved for a given time, the control circuit sends a function keeping signal to drive the actuator to such an extent that the moving body does not move. Thus, the function of the actuator is maintained.

Abstract: A robotic optical cross-connect to operate with three motors irrespective of the number of input fibers. A preferred embodiment includes a ferrule loader arm operated by a first motor; a ferrule loader ring rotatably operated by a second motor; and a loading piston upon which the ferrule loader-ring is mounted. The first motor imparts a motion to the ferrule loader arm in a first direction. The loading piston imparts a motion to the ferrule loader ring in a second direction, the second direction being substantially orthogonal to the first direction. A plurality of connectorized patch fibers is connected at a first end (leaving a second end free) to a first fiber bundle arranged in a substantially circular fashion. A second fiber bundle is also arranged in a substantially circular fashion and is configured to receive connections from the free second end of the plurality of patch fibers. Ferrules are loaded from the ferrule loader arm onto the ferrule loader ring.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for monitoring and controlling an optical mechanical switch, which may include one or more microelectromechanical switches. In communication using the arrangement or the method, independently of any customer signal, a modulated optical signal is generated at wavelengths, both modulation and optical, that are out-of-band with respect the wavelengths of any transmission signals that may appear. The modulated optical signal is directed toward the optical mechanical switch, and system control parameters are changed to maximize a detected signal after passage through the optical mechanical switch. Any remnants of the modulated optical signal may be removed before arriving at any customer-related terminal. Optical cross-connect switching circuits are exemplary circuits in which the invention may be applied. The modulated optical signal is inserted before or during the transmission of any transmission signal.

Abstract: The optical communication system comprises at least one transmitter provided with a light source for emitting white light having a wide wavelength band, an optical fiber for transmitting white light emitted from the light source and at least one optical switch placed along the optical fiber, and at least one receiver. The optical switch has an optical filter for selectively splitting predetermined different wavelengths and reflecting other wavelengths, and a switching device for cutting off or passing lights of the wavelengths split by the optical filter. An optical filter merges light transmitted by the switching device with lights of other wavelengths reflected by the optical filter and transmits it to the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for achieving protection in a free-space micromachined optical switching fabric. The present invention provides two protection schemes for mirror failures, which utilize either existing switching mirrors or additional integrated mirrors without extra fabrication effort or performance-degradation of the switch fabric. A switch fabric includes a plurality of micromachined free-rotating mirrors arranged in a rectilinear matrix configuration. The mirrors are reflective on both front and back sides. According to one embodiment of the present invention, upon the detection of a failed mirror associated with a transmission between an input and an output, a transmission path is determined that includes a backside of a pivot mirror. A transmission path is then established between the input and the output that utilizes the backside of the pivot mirror.

Abstract: A one-by-N fiber optical switch is provided wherein an optical signal is transmitted between a common optical fiber and one of a plurality of optical fibers. The one-by-N fiber optical switch includes reflector assemblies that are respectively movable between a first position and a second position to route the optical signal between the common optical fiber and the selected optical fiber. The one-by-N optical switch further includes magnetic reflector assembly movers that create electrically induced magnetic forces to respectively move the reflector assemblies between their first positions and second positions. An N-by-N optical switch can be created by cross-connecting a number of input common optical one-by-N switches with an equal number of output common optical one-by-N switches.

Abstract: A micromirror array is used to form optical apparatus useful in WDM optical networks. In one embodiment, the micromirror array is used to insert a desired attenuation in individual channels for purposes such as equalization. In another embodiment, the micromirror array is used to form an optical monitor useful as an optical spectrum analyzer.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of an optical switch having at least one dual axis micromirror, the micromirror is manipulated about two generally perpendicular axes by varying voltage patterns along two electrostatic arrangements. The two electrostatic arrangements may be formed to independently drive two movers, or may be formed to control a mover that is displaceable in two directions. The micromirrors and the movers that control the micromirrors may be integrated onto a single substrate. Alternatively, the micromirrors may be formed on a substrate that is attached to the substrate that includes the mover or movers. In a second embodiment of an optical switch in accordance with the invention, the switch includes two collimator arrays and two dual axis micromirror arrays. Each first micromirror in the first micromirror array is dedicated to one of the collimators in the first collimator array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable optical attenuator having a profiled blade. It includes a mounting base with an actuator formed on the base, the actuator carrying the blade which is moveable across a light beam. The blade is profiled so as to provide a predetermined attenuation of the beam as a function of the displacement of the blade, the function being preferably substantially linear. As a way of example, first and second embodiments of the invention describe an electrostatic comb attenuator made of a semiconductor material and forming a monolithic structure. The embodiments relate to different blade profiles, having a protrusion and a notch at the front edge of the blade respectively. The attenuator device additionally includes light input and output lenses for receiving and directing light along a predetermined optical path. Other known type of attenuators having profiled blades, e.g.

Abstract: Integrated connection-verification system for use in a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) crossconnect device. The system uses application of a dithering signal such as a sinusoidal bias to an electrode plate associated with a micro-mirror switching element to dither the micro-mirror. The optical signal from the dithering micro-mirror is fed through a beam splitter, a portion of the optical signal thus being directed to a photodetector. If intensity modulation in the optical signal corresponding to the frequency of the dithering signal is detected by the photodetector associated with the micro-mirror, the connection path between the desired input and output ports is verified.

Abstract: An attenuator for use in a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) uses an opaque knife-edge as a light attenuator. The attenuator is moved along a single axis for controllably blocking the light output of an optical fiber whose light output is to be attenuated. By selectively moving the edge of the attenuator in front of the optical fiber, the attenuator can block any amount of the light output. Multiple attenuators are incorporated in a WDM, each attenuator being used in a channel associated with a particular narrow band of wavelengths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device comprising an optical waveguide plate for introducing light radiated from a light source thereinto, in which the display gradation is controlled by changing the entering amount into an evanescent region existing around the back surface of the optical waveguide plate. In the present invention, an actuator element is provided, which makes bending displacement in a direction to make approach to the optical waveguide plate in accordance with voltage application to a pair of electrodes. A plate member of a displacement-transmitting section for determining the picture element area is provided on the actuator element. The entering amount of the plate member into the evanescent region is changed by controlling voltage application to the actuator element so that display gradation of the picture element corresponding to the actuator element is controlled.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly for an optical switch comprises an actuator, an axle assembly, a lever pivotably connected to the axle assembly to transfer mechanical movements generated by the actuator, and an optical switching element, connected to the lever, capable of being switched between its on and off positions by mechanical movements of the actuator.

Abstract: The crosstalk-inhibiting arrangement is used on a switching cell in which an optical signal from an input waveguide is alternatingly directed to first and second output waveguides, depending upon whether there is fluid in a region between the input waveguide and the first output waveguide. The fluid has a refractive index selected to promote propagation of light energy through the fluid. However, in the absence of fluid, the light is reflected toward a second switching mechanism via an intermediate waveguide. The intermediate waveguide is at an angle greater than 90° relative to the input waveguide. The second switching mechanism is also fluid-manipulable and is used to inhibit leakage reflection from passing to the second output waveguide. Preferably, the angle between the intermediate waveguide and the input waveguide is in the range of 95° to 150°.

Abstract: An optical switch uses a MEMS device to insert a highly reflective shutter in a gap between a pair of coaxially aligned fibers. When the switch is closed, an input optical signal passes with little loss through the gap. When the switch is open and the shutter is positioned in the gap, an input optical signal incident on the shutter is reflected back into the input fiber. Such light is diverted by an optical circulator into a new path.

Abstract: An optical switch of the push button type for producing a variable control signal which is proportional to the position of the push button includes a housing, having a first interior wall and a second interior wall, and a push button which extends into the interior of the housing from the exterior thereof. The push button includes a body portion disposed within the housing for movement though each of a plurality of positions, whereby changes in the position of the push button cause proportional changes in an output voltage produced by the switch. A stationary light shield is fixedly disposed within the housing between the body portion of the push button and the first interior wall of the housing, where the shield also includes a plurality of apertures. Light emitting means are disposed within the housing and between the stationary light shield and the first interior wall. Light responsive means are fixedly disposed between the stationary light shield and the body portion of the push button.

Abstract: An optical switch comprised of an artificial muscle activation material that is adhered longitudinally around an optical channel, such as an optical fiber or group of fibers, to cause the channel to undulate in 2-½ dimensions when the material is activated by a voltage source via electrodes on the surface of the artificial muscle activation material. The material can be applied to the optical channel in a series of longitudinal strips or as a jacket surrounding the channel. When activated by a voltage source, be it a constant source or a variable source varying in amplitude, frequency or polarity, the artificial muscle material bends, causing the optical channel to also bend. The artificial muscle activation material can be formed into an optical channel itself when formed into a channel and cladded to have internal reflection.

Abstract: An illumination source transmits light through a transmitting light pipe to an optical switch. A first receiving light pipe is aligned with and spaced from the first transmitting light pipe to form a first gap therebetween. The switch includes a switch cap adapted to be disposed in a first position and in a second position. A first light transmitting tower is coupled to the switch cap and extends from the switch cap into the first gap when the switch cap is disposed in at least one of the first position and the second position. A first opaque blade extends from the switch cap and adjacent to the first light transmitting tower and is adapted to extend into the first gap to prevent light from being transmitted to the first end of the first receiving light pipe in one of the first position or the second position. In other embodiments, a switch and a method for using the switch enable illumination of only a portion of the switch cap regardless of the switch position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of optical switching wherein a plurality of activation strips (18) are adhered longitudinally around an optical channel, such as an optical fiber (14) to cause the fiber to undulate in 2½ dimensions when the activation strips are activated. The activation strips are activated with a voltage source. By varying the polarity of the activation strip itself or the source used to activate the activation strip, the optical fiber can be caused to undulate by contraction and expansion of respective activation strips.