Abstract: An optical micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the optical MEMS switch is used as an M×N optical signal switching system. The optical MEMS switch comprises a plurality of optical waveguides formed on a shuttle for switching optical states wherein the state of the optical switch is changed by a system of drive and latch actuators. The optical MEMS switch utilizes a latching mechanism in association with a thermal drive actuator for aligning the waveguide shuttle. In use the optical MEMS switch may be integrated with other optical components to form planar light circuits (PLCs). When switches and PLCs are integrated together on a silicon chip, compact higher functionality devices, such as Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers (ROADMs), may be fabricated.

Abstract: Devices and methods for information processing in optical communications are provided. In its simplest embodiments, collimated light (1) passes through a non-grating diffractive structure (2) and a lens (3). The light is spatially processed in the focal plane (4) of the lens (3). Thereafter, the light can, for example, be coupled into a fiber or detector array (5).

Abstract: An optical switch 1 has a plane waveguide 2 provided with optical waveguide 3, and an actuator structure 5 including a beamlike member 6 supported in a doubly supported manner on the plane waveguide 2. A mirror 10 for shutting out light passing on the optical waveguide 3 is provided in the central region of the beamlike member 6. Interconnecting members 12 extending in the longitudinal direction of the beamlike member 6 are coupled to the both ends of the beamlike member 6. The interconnecting members 12 preliminarily exert a compressive force on the beamlike member 6 so as to deflect the beamlike member 6 with compression stress in an initial state in which the mirror 10 is located at a position where the mirror allows the light passing on the optical waveguide 3 to pass or at a position where the mirror shuts out the light passing on the optical waveguide 3.

Abstract: The present application describes a method for information storage and data processing comprising the steps of thermo inducing or photo inducing double-bond shifts (DBS) in substituted (4n)-annulenes thus generating transitions between two different conjugation states with at least one substituent. The two different conjugation states are the conjugation on-state and conjugation off-state of the annulene core ?-electrons with the substituent ?-electrons. The present invention is furthermore related to novel substituted (4n)-heptalenes being optically and/or thermally switchable, based on thermal or photochemical double-bond shifts (DBS) as well as methods for their preparation. The (4n)-heptalenes can be used for information storage and data processing devices.

Abstract: A network healing smart fiber optic switch for fast, automatic switching between multiple paths of an optical transmission line with minimal disruption. The network healing smart fiber optic switch feeds each of multiple fiber optic inputs to a splitter. One of the outputs of the splitters go to an optical switch, which selects the optical signal to send to the output based on a control signal from a controller or analog selection circuit. The other outputs of the splitters go to the analog selection circuit, which outputs a control signal to the optical switch. The analog selection circuit compares the primary optical signal to a selected setpoint to determine the signal's validity. The analog selection circuit routes an alternate, or secondary, optical signal upon failure of the primary optical signal. After the primary signal is restored and valid for a specified period, the analog selection circuit deselects the secondary optical signal and routes the primary optical signal.

Abstract: A planar 2×2 switch is provided for controllably coupling first and second input channels to first and second output channels. The switch includes a first reflector that is movable between a first position and a second position. When the first reflector is in its second position, it reflects light from the first input channel to the second output channel and reflects light from the second input channel to the first output channel. When the first reflection is in its first position, it does not affect the optical beams in the switch. Instead, these beams are reflected by a second reflector which has two reflective surfaces. The second reflector reflects light from the first input channel to the first output channel and reflects light from the second input channel to the second output channel. Switches having a larger number of input and output channels are also provided.

Abstract: A waveguide type liquid-crystal optical switch including: an optical waveguide having a pair of first and second cores close to each other for switching an optical path between the pair of first and second cores; a third core made of nematic liquid crystal enclosed in between a pair of oriented films and oriented in a predetermined direction by the pair of oriented films, the third core being disposed in any one of a space covering the first and second cores in parallel with a plane containing optical axes of the first and second cores, a space sandwiched between the first and second cores and a space covering upper surfaces of the first and second cores so as to be laid over the first and second cores; a first electrode disposed on a surface of the third core opposite to the first and second cores so as to cover a gap portion between the first and second cores; second and third electrodes disposed as a pair, between which electrodes the first electrode is put, the second and third electrodes provided for ori

Abstract: The present invention provides for a 1×N optical switch having a switching component, an input, and a plurality of outputs formed in a single substrate. The switching component includes a pair of mirrors which are operated such that by changing the position of at least one of the mirrors, the output of the switch changes.

Abstract: A hybrid integration process for fabrication of an optical cross-connect switching apparatus. The switching element is based on the deflection of light beam in electro-optic materials by applying electric field across electrodes of an appropriate configuration. The integration process includes fabrication of a substrate (e.g. silicon substrate) with 2D imaging optics from polymeric materials (or silica), fabrication of the light deflecting element, and assembly of the deflecting element on the substrate with imaging optics. The fabrication of the light deflecting element includes fabrication of a LN (lithium niobate) block. The LN block assembled in an optical switching apparatus includes a two-dimensional waveguide formed on a surface of the LN block and an electrode on a surface of the LN block.

Abstract: An optical routing apparatus and method that achieves improved optical signal reintegration is disclosed. The optical routing apparatus includes an input port, such as may be provided at the end of an optical fiber. The signal may be routed to one or more of a plurality of output ports, such as may also be provided at the end of an optical fiber, each output port being configured to receive the optical signal. The routing between the input port and the output ports is accomplished with an optical switching arrangement that may shift among multiple distinct optical configurations, each configuration being such as to direct the optical signal to one of the output ports. The ports are positioned such that the input port and at least one of the output ports lie in different parallel planes, each such plane being orthogonal to a path along which the optical signal is provided by the input port or received by one of the output ports.

Abstract: A fast tunable wavelength selective optical switch is provided to use electro-optic polymer material as the space materials in symmetric Fabry-Perot cavity. In one embodiment, the electro-optic polymer material is an organic-inorganic hybrid material, e.g. alkoxysilane dye (“ASD”)/SiO2—TiO2 hybrid materials in particular design. Part of the selected wavelengths will be transmitted through the Fabry-Perot cavity into one output port of the switch, the left wavelengths will be reflected to another output port of the optical switch. Those selected wavelengths could be tuned because the refractive index of such hybrid polymer material could be changed by the external electrical field at the speed of nanosecond level due to the electro-optic effect response.

Abstract: An optical device includes: a first polarization beam splitter (PBS); a first set of optical rotators optically coupled to the first PBS; a second PBS optically coupled to the first set of optical rotators; a first reflection interferometer (RI) optically coupled to the second PBS; a second RI optically coupled to the first PBS; a second set of optical rotators optically coupled to the second PBS; a third PBS optically coupled to the second set of optical rotators; and a third RI optically coupled to the third PBS. Preferably, the optical device is an Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer and may further comprise an Input Port optically coupled to the first PBS, an Output Port optically coupled to the second PBS, and an Add Port optically coupled to the third PBS.

Abstract: An optical transmission device which reduces optical noise in an optical transmission system. The optical transmission device includes a core light amplifying unit, and a first buffer light amplifying unit for amplifying a first signal light from a first transmission path and an amplified second signal light from the core light amplifying unit. The first buffer light amplifying unit supplies the core light amplifying unit with the first signal light, and supplies the first transmission path with the amplified second signal light. Also provided is a second buffer light amplifying unit for amplifying a second signal light from a second transmission path and an amplified first signal light from the core light amplifying unit. The second buffer light amplifying unit supplies the core light amplifying unit with the second signal light, and supplies the second transmission path with the amplified first signal light.

Abstract: A 2×2 optical switching apparatus using photonic crystal structures has a compact, simple structure and includes an optical-guide module having first, second, third and fourth waveguides, the first and second waveguides guiding a first optical signal of a first input port to a first and a second output port, respectively, the third and fourth waveguides guiding a second optical signal of a second input port to the second and the first output ports, respectively, and formed with photonic crystals having a complete photonic bandgap for a wavelength range of the first and second optical signals, and a switching control section controlling the first and second optical signals to be respectively guided through either a first/third waveguide route or a second/fourth waveguide route according to a route-selecting-control signal inputted from outside. The 2×2 optical switching apparatus has no mechanical motion, little polarization dependence and may be efficiently used in optical networks.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting rotational drift of mirror elements in a MEMS tilt mirror array used in an optical crossconnect. The optical crossconnect directs optical signals from an input fiber to an output fiber along an optical path by rotatably positioning mirror elements in desired positions. A monitoring device disposed outside of the optical path is used to obtain images of the MEMS array or to transmit and receive a test signal through the crossconnect for detecting the presence of mirror element drift.

Abstract: A waveguide/MEMS switch adapted to redirect optical signals between output ports based on a phase shift change generated by motion of one or more movable MEMS mirrors incorporated therein. Advantageously, such a switch has a relatively high switching speed and low power consumption. A switch according to one embodiment of the invention includes a planar waveguide device and a planar MEMS device. The MEMS device implements in-plane (i.e., parallel to the plane of that device) translation of the mirrors. As a result, in certain embodiments of the switch, the waveguide and MEMS devices are connected into a compact planar assembly.

Abstract: Broadband optical switches based on adiabatic couplers having a pair of asymmetric waveguides with variable curvature sections include in a 2×2 configuration based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer two such adiabatic couplers, and in a 1×2 or 2×1 configuration an adiabatic coupler and an Y-splitter. Each adiabatic coupler includes two waveguide branches of different but constant widths having curved sections with varying radii, separated over a coupling length by a changing spacing therebetween and blending in an asymmetric intersection area, and two symmetric branches. In the 2×2 switch, the two adiabatic couplers face each other with their respective symmetric branches, and are connected by the two identical arms along a main propagation axis in a mirror image. The utilization of the variable curvature adiabatic couplers in silica MZI switches on a silicon substrate provides switches with an exceptional broadband range (1.2-1.

Abstract: Novel light switches and attenuators are disclosed. In one form of the invention, a novel 2×2 crossbar switch is formed by positioning a movable reflector intermediate four fiberoptic lines. In another form of the invention, a 1×N switch is formed by providing a plurality of cantilevers each having a reflective surface thereon. In still another form of the invention, a novel light attenuator is formed by positioning a movable arm intermediate two fiberoptic elements.

Abstract: A planar 2×2 switch is provided for controllably coupling optical channels, the switch has a reflector which is movable between a first and a second position. The reflector in the first position is disposed such that it reflects the optical signal into the second output channel. The optical signal from first input channel is coupled into second output fiber. The optical signal from second input fiber is coupled into first output fiber. The reflector in the second position is disposed such that the input optical signal propagates to a second reflector and is reflected and refocused into the output fiber. The reflection direction from the second reflector introduces a double reflection by utilizing two planar reflectors. The optical signal from first input channel is reflected into first output channel. The optical signal from second input channel will be coupled into second output channel.

Abstract: A fast tunable wavelength selective optical switch is provided to use electro-optic polymer material as the space materials in symmetric Fabry-Perot cavity. In one embodiment, the electro-optic polymer material is an organic-inorganic hybrid material, e.g. alkoxysilane dye (“ASD”)/SiO2-TiO2 hybrid materials in particular design. Part of the selected wavelengths will be transmitted through the Fabry-Perot cavity into one output port of the switch, the left wavelengths will be reflected to another output port of the optical switch. Those selected wavelengths could be tuned because the refractive index of such hybrid polymer material could be changed by the external electrical field at the speed of nanosecond level due to the electro-optic effect response.

Abstract: In a digital optical switch, an input waveguide and two output waveguides form a Y-shaped splitter or switch. Electrodes are positioned on each output waveguide at the junction with the input waveguide. The electrodes extend as narrow strips across the waveguides. The inner edges of the electrodes are curved to form a smooth continuation profile to the signal paths to reduce losses.

Abstract: An optical device that can be used in a range of telecommunications applications including optical multiplexers/demultiplexers and optical routers. The optical device splits and combines optical signals of frequency division multiplexed optical communication channels which are evenly spaced apart in frequency from one another. The optical device includes a first filter and a second filter. The first filter splits and combines odd and even channels depending on the propagation direction of the optical signal. The first filter exhibits complementary phase retardations corresponding with odd integer multiples of half a wavelength for each center wavelength associated with a selected one of the odd and even set of channels and with integer multiples of a full wavelength for each center wavelength associated with a remaining one of the odd set and the even set.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved optical switches in which only a spatial beam shifting of a small free space offset is required to direct optical pathways between plural fiber ports. This is achieved by spacing two fibers closely and collimating their beams with one imaging lens for compactness. Advantageously, the inventive switches incorporate beam correcting devices to render the beam propagations parallel, allowing light beams to be efficiently coupled into two fibers that sharing a single lens with substantially improved stability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching one or more optical paths comprises one or more inputs and one or more outputs arranged with one or more free-space optical paths formed therebetween, and one or more prisms movable to the free-space optical paths being inserted into or removed from the free-space optical paths to control the propagation paths of one or more light beams between the inputs and outputs. When the prism is inserted into the free-space optical path, a switched optical path between the inputs and outputs is formed to direct the light beam with two refraction and one total reflection by the prism. When the prism is removed from the free-space optical path, the light beam propagates along the free-space optical path.

Abstract: An optical transmission device which reduces optical noise in an optical transmission system. The optical transmission device includes a core light amplifying unit and a first buffer light amplifying unit for amplifying a first signal light from a first transmission path and an amplified second signal light from the core light amplifying unit. The first buffer light amplifying unit supplies the core light amplifying unit with the first signal light, and supplies the first transmission path with the amplified second signal light. Also provided is a second buffer light amplifying unit for amplifying a second signal light from a second transmission path and an amplified first signal light from the core light amplifying unit. The second buffer light amplifying unit supplies the core light amplifying unit with the second signal light, and supplies the second transmission path with the amplified first signal light.

Abstract: This two input two output type optical switch includes four one input two output type optical switches which are arranged to oppose one another, each of these one input two output type optical switches including a Y branch portion in which one optical wavegude is branched into two optical wavegudes. And two refractive index adjustment means are provided in the vicinity of each Y branch portion. Switching over of the optical path is performed by half of the refractive index adjustment means functioning alternately. Moreover, a light output intensity variable attenuation function which attenuates by any desired amount the intensity of the light which is being outputted is implemented, at some input port and/or output port, by operating at least one of the refractive index adjustment means which is not currently being used for switching over of the optical path.

Abstract: An optical switch constructed from first and second waveguides. The first and second waveguides have ends disposed across a gap 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, whereas light traversing the first waveguide is reflected by the gap when the gap is filled with a material having a second index of refraction that is substantially different from the first index of refraction. The gap is part of a trench that contains a liquid droplet made from a droplet material having the first index of refraction. The droplet is located in the trench and is movable between the first and second positions in the trench, the droplet filling the gap in the first position. The gap is filled with a material having the second index of refraction when the droplet is in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an optical switch changeover controlling method, an optical node device and an optical switch system, capable of avoiding an interruption in an optical output power when changing over an optical path making use of a spatial optical switch arranged with a plurality of optical switch elements. To this end, the optical switch changeover controlling method according to the present invention enables an uninterrupted changeover of an optical path by conducting a reconnection of the optical path after establishing a state where the optical path before the changeover and the optical path after the changeover are simultaneously set concerning the spatial optical switch within the optical node device, when conducting a changeover of the optical path so as to transmit a client optical signal having been transmitted through a working ray path to a protective ray path such as in a case that a fault occurs in the working ray path.

Abstract: An optical device is provided, including two dual-fiber collimators, two single-fiber collimators, two filters connected respectively to the two dual collimators, and two mirrors. The two dual-fiber collimators are interconnected by coupling an optical fiber thereof to each other. One mirror is fixed in position, and the other mirror is mounted on a mechanism capable of moving up and down so as to switch an optical path.

Abstract: An optical switch for switching the light path between collimate lenses (35) optically coupled to the ends of corresponding optical fibers (4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d) by the advancing and retracting movements of a prism (31) is provided com-prising an electromagnetic driver (2) having an armature (21) arranged to hold the prism (31) and a coil block (2a) for driving the movement of the armature (21) by means of magnetic actions and a leaf spring (27) consisting mainly of four parallelly extending spring strips (27aa, 27ab, 27ac, and 27ad) and fixedly joined at one end to a body (1) and at the other end to the armature (21) thus to spatially hold the armature (21) and the prism (31) for linear movement. The electromagnetic driver (2) and the prism (31) are disposed next to each other along the moving direction of the armature (21). The armature (21) and the prism (31) can linearly be moved at a right angle to the light path between the lenses (35) when the optical switch is in action.

Abstract: An optical matrix switcher which does not use mechanical means of optical alignment of input and output fibers in order to accomplish switching is disclosed. The optical matrix switcher of the present invention comprises a number of input assemblies, a number of output assemblies and a screen disposed between the input assemblies and output assemblies. The input assemblies are in an optical connection with inputs of the optical matrix switcher and the output assemblies are in an optical connection with the outputs of the optical matrix switcher. The input and output assemblies each comprise beam shaping means. A beam of light that passes through the beam shaping means is shaped and compressed into a plane (“shaped beams”). The screen (which is opaque and does not permit the light to pass through) comprises a number of switching means. The switching means can be placed in an “on” or “off” position.

Abstract: A broadband optical switch with high process tolerance designed and fabricated using Planar Lightwave Circuits (PLC) technology. A 2×2 configuration of the switch is based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) configuration that includes two 3 dB adiabatic couplers and two identical arms. Each adiabatic coupler is characterized by two straight branches having different widths, separated over a coupling length by a changing spacing therebetween and blending in a symmetric intersection area, which connect to two symmetric branches. The two adiabatic couplers are connected by the two arms with their symmetric branches facing each other along an optical propagation axis. Switch control is realized by changing an optical property of one or both of the MZI arms. Implementation in silica-on-silicon PLCs provides switches with an exceptional broadband range (1.2-1.7 &mgr;m), very high extinction ratios (>34 dB), low fabrication sensitivity and polarization independent operation.

Abstract: An optical switch (10) includes two input optical fibers (21, 22) for inputting light beams, two output optical fibers (41, 42) for receiving the light beams, a path-switching assembly (30) having a prism (321) for switching paths of the light beams, a relay (33) having a controlling circuit for controlling the path-switching assembly, two input indicators (71, 72), and two output indicators (73, 74). The path-switching assembly has a first operative state in which the prism is moved out of a path of the light beams, and a second operative state in which the prism is moved into the path. The input indicators are single color LEDs that can respectively display orange and green. The output indicators both are double color LEDs, and each can display orange and green. The output indicators instantly change color upon a change in the status of light routing of the optical switch.

Abstract: An optic switch includes a casing to which first and second input devices and first and second output devices are attached. The first input and output devices are aligned with each other and the second input and output devices are aligned with each other. A movable reflection device is movable between a non-engaged position and an engaged position between the input and output devices by a driving device. The movable reflection device has first and second reflective surfaces. A fixed reflection device is fixed inside the casing and has a third reflective surface which is parallel to and opposes the first reflective surface when the movable reflection device is at the engaged position. When the movable reflection device is at the non-engaged position, optic signals from the first and second input devices are allowed to directly pass to the first and second output devices respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for routing optical signals between a pair of input ports and a pair of output ports is provided. An optical switching arrangement adapted to shift among at least two distinct optical configurations is provided for directing the optical signals. In the first configuration, the optical signal from the first (second) input port is directed to the first (second) output port. In the second configuration, the optical signal from the first input port is discarded and the optical signal from the second input port is directed to the first output port.

Abstract: An optical switch (10) includes a housing (3), an input port (4), an output port (5), a switching element (6), a holder (7), and a driver (63). The holder holds the input and output ports in alignment with one another and is assembled with the switching element. The switching element comprises an optical component assembly (61) and a rotating mechanism (60). The optical component assembly is fixed on the rotating mechanism and is brought to move between a top stopper (85) (an upward position), wherein the optical component assembly is out of optical paths running between the input port and the output port, and a bottom stopper (86) (a downward position), wherein the optical component assembly is in the optical paths. The optical component assembly includes a prism 612, which redirects optical paths passing through it, effecting a switching between input ports and output ports.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an optical switch (11) and a control circuit (12). The optical switch includes a member (16) which supports optical fibers (67, 68). A sliding piece (14) is movably supported on the member and also supports optical fibers (66). Movement of the sliding piece is effected by two magnetic field generators (19,49) respectively supported by the member and sliding piece, the direction of movement being controlled by varying the direction of a current flow to one of the generators, while maintaining an unchanging current flow to the other. Each generator includes a plurality of ferromagnetic poles (21, 55), and a serpentine electrical conductor (20, 50). In one operational position of the sliding piece, optical radiation follows a first optical path (87,88) through one pair of the fibers. In a different operational position, optical radiation follows a different optical path (87,89) through a different pair of the fibers (82, 83).

Abstract: In a digital optical switch, an input waveguide and two output waveguides form a Y-shaped splitter or switch. Electrodes are positioned on each output waveguide at the junction with the input waveguide. The electrodes extend as narrow strips across the waveguides. The inner edges of the electrodes are curved to form a smooth continuation profile to the signal paths to reduce losses.

Abstract: A coupling structure is disclosed. An optical device includes a core layer for guiding a light beam exiting a core layer of an optical fiber. The core layer of the optical device avoids a power loss of a light beam and establishes an adiabatic coupling. The core layer of the optical device may have a tapered surface.

Abstract: A hybrid integration process for fabrication of an optical cross-connect switching apparatus. The switching element is based on the deflection of light beam in electro-optic materials by applying electric field across electrodes of an appropriate configuration. The integration process includes fabrication of a substrate (e.g. silicon substrate) with 2D imaging optics from polymeric materials (or silica), fabrication of the light deflecting element, and assembly of the deflecting element on the substrate with imaging optics. The fabrication of the light deflecting element includes fabrication of a LN (lithium niobate) block. The LN block assembled in an optical switching apparatus includes a two-dimensional waveguide formed on a surface of the LN block and an electrode on a surface of the LN block.

Abstract: An optical transmission device which reduces optical noise in an optical transmission system. The optical transmission device includes a core light amplifying unit, and a first buffer light amplifying unit for amplifying a first signal light from a first transmission path and an amplified second signal light from the core light amplifying unit. The first buffer light amplifying unit supplies the core light amplifying unit with the first signal light, and supplies the first transmission path with the amplified second signal light. Also provided is a second buffer light amplifying unit for amplifying a second signal light from a second transmission path and an amplified first signal light from the core light amplifying unit. The second buffer light amplifying unit supplies the core light amplifying unit with the second signal light, and supplies the second transmission path with the amplified first signal light.

Abstract: An optical switch is disclosed which operates as binary or digital switch. Two glass waveguides are arranged in an X-like pattern such that they approach each other at a waist region without crossing over one another. A polymer region contacts both waveguides at this waist region and has a refractive index that can be changed more than that of the adjacent glass by applying heat. The refractive index of the polymer can be varied from an index which is same as the glass waveguides; to be less than that of the glass in which case the polymer acts as a cladding. When the index of the polymer is lower than that of the glass through the application of heat, light launched into one of the waveguides continues along the waveguide via total internal reflection and no light crosses the glass polymer boundary.

Abstract: A network healing smart fiber optic switch for fast, automatic switching between multiple paths of an optical transmission line with minimal disruption. The network healing smart fiber optic switch accepts multiple fiber optic inputs and splits each optical signal into primary and secondary signals. The primary optical signals go to an optical switch, which selects the primary optical signal to send to the output based on a control signal from a controller. The secondary optical signals go to the controller, and based on the relative signal strength of the secondary optical signals, the controller outputs a control signal to the optical switch. The controller is in communication with a remote computer or another controller and the controller's output signal to the optical switch can be overridden by the remote computer or other controller. The network healing smart fiber optic switch automatically senses the condition, including faults, on fiber optic cables and switches between fiber optic cables.

Abstract: To make an optical switch smaller, two frames are formed by etching in such manner that when they are stuck together to form a support member, an hexagonal opening appears. The end portions of a pair of fixed optical fibers are arranged in the bottom portions of a pair of opposing V-grooves provided in this hexagonal opening. A pair of movable optical fibers are fixed at the other end of the support member, and these movable optical fibers are arranged in such manner that their end faces are contiguous with the end faces of the pair of fixed optical fibers. A drive mechanism causes the end portions of this pair of vertically arranged movable optical fibers to move to the left or the right, come into contact with the walls of respective V-grooves, slide into the bottoms of the grooves, and thereby have their cores aligned with the cores of the fixed optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical switch comprising two segments at least partially separated by a surface that is partially reflective and partially transmissive to the optical signals being switched, each segment having at least one optical input and at least one optical output, the segments being arranged such that an optical signal can be switched from said input to said output by reflection from said surface, with the optical signal that is generated by transmission through said surface being directed to an output of the other segment.

Abstract: A system for switching optical energy from a plurality of input waveguides to a plurality of output waveguides, while balancing power in the output waveguides, and a method for its use. The system is based on an optical switch matrix that includes, for each input waveguide and for each output waveguide, one or more attenuators that divert an adjustable portion of the optical energy, that enters via that input waveguide, to that output waveguide. Preferably, each input waveguide is coupled to each output waveguide via a pair of 2×2 mach-Zehnder interferometers, a first of which has an idle input port and a second of which has an idle output port. The system also includes a feedback mechanism that taps fixed portions of the power in either the input waveguides or the output waveguides, and adjusts the attenuators accordingly.

Abstract: An optical matrix switcher which does not use mechanical means of optical alignment of input and output fibers in order to accomplish switching is disclosed. The optical matrix switcher of the present invention comprises a number of input assemblies, a number of output assemblies and a screen disposed between the input assemblies and output assemblies. The input assemblies are in an optical connection with inputs of the optical matrix switcher and the output assemblies are in an optical connection with the outputs of the optical matrix switcher. The input and output assemblies each comprise beam shaping means. A beam of light that passes through the beam shaping means is shaped and compressed into a plane (“shaped beams”).

Abstract: An optical switch having a TEMC fiber and a displacement plate. The TEMC fiber having an input core and a plurality of output cores. The displacement plate coupled to the TEMC fiber to receive a light beam from the input core. The displacement plate to direct the light beam to one of the plurality of output cores by rotating the displacement plate a predetermined angle.

Abstract: Multiple N×M and M×N optical switchers that may be combined within a single package to produce an N×N optical switch, where M is greater than N. The use of multiple optical switchers within an optical switch package allows for a higher degree of isolation than may be achieved than with a single stage optical switch. The optical switchers may be reflection type devices having no moving parts. The optical switchers may include a magneto-optic Faraday rotator having a thin crystal that is easy to grow and consumes less space, thereby enabling a smaller, less expensive, and less complex optical switch.

Abstract: An optical transmission device which reduces optical noise in an optical transmission system. The optical transmission device includes a core light amplifying unit, and a first buffer light amplifying unit for amplifying a first signal light from a first transmission path and an amplified second signal light from the core light amplifying unit. The first buffer light amplifying unit supplies the core light amplifying unit with the first signal light, and supplies the first transmission path with the amplified second signal light. Also provided is a second buffer light amplifying unit for amplifying a second signal light from a second transmission path and an amplified first signal light from the core light amplifying unit. The second buffer light amplifying unit supplies the core light amplifying unit with the second signal light, and supplies the second transmission path with the amplified first signal light.