Abstract: An improved optical switch includes a movable optical switching element configured to selectively direct optical signals traveling in an optical input path to one of at least two optical output paths. The movable optical switching element may include waveguide portions and/or mirrors to direct the optical signals. In an alternative embodiment, the moveable optical switching element may include waveguide grating couplers to allow the selective reflection of a particular wavelength of light from an optical waveguide carrying a number of such of optical wavelengths.

Abstract: A compact and easily manufacturable waveguide optical frequency router (10) is provided. The router (10) has a transmit core region (12) and a plurality of receive core regions (14) formed within a slab region (18). The router (10) further includes an array of distributed Bragg deflectors (DBDs) (16) formed within the core regions (12,14) for coupling optical energy (20) between the transmit core region (12) and the receive core regions (14) via the slab region (18). The array of DBDs (16) distributes the optical energy (20) between the receive core regions (14) based on optical wavelength and propagation angle.

Abstract: An optical switch includes an input port (51), a plurality of output ports (52), a switching element (40) for switching light signals from the input port to any one of the output ports, a base (30), and a housing (10). The switching element has a driving device (400), a rotary holder (410) and two reflectors (422, 424). The reflectors are attached to a supporting arm (414) of the rotary holder, and positions of two counterweights (418) are adjustable on two balancing arms (416) to balance the combination rotary holder—reflectors around an axis of rotation. The input port is mounted in a center hole (352) of the base and the output ports are mounted in peripheral holes (354) defined in a circle around the center hole. Rotation of the rotary holder switches light signals from the input port to be output to any one of the output ports.

Abstract: A telecentric 1×N optical switch according to the present invention switches between output fibers without the need for active alignment by utilizing a telecentric lens group translated in directions perpendicular to the axis of the input fiber. The telecentric lens group directs the input beam to the selected output fiber by translating to a location associated with the selected fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic circuit provides signal access and monitoring. A module housing the circuit and the module is mountable to a chassis. The module housing includes mounting flanges for mounting the module to the chassis; and a plurality of exposed adapters along at least one of the front and rear faces. Each of the plurality of adapters is connectable to a fiber optic connector external to the module. The plurality of adapters define first and second transmit signal ports and first and second receive signal ports. A transmit signal pathway is between the first and second transmit signal port. A receive signal pathway is between the first and second receive signal ports.

Abstract: An optical switch includes an input port (20) having an input fiber (201), an output port (30) having a plurality of output fibers (3011), a switching element (40), a driving device (60) and a base (50). The input port, the output port and the driving device are mounted on the base. The switching element has a plurality of prisms for switching light beams from the input fiber to the different output fibers. Each prism can be moved into an optical path between the input and output fibers, and can deflect the light beams from the input fiber in different direction, thereby, switching the input light beams to different, predetermined output fibers.

Abstract: MEMS optical switches can include a substrate having first and second opposing faces and at least one side therebetween. An input is obliquely angled towards the face and optically couples optical radiation towards the face. A movable reflector is on the face and moves from a first position to a second position that is parallel to the first position to reflect the optical radiation from the input to provide reflected optical radiation. A output is obliquely angled away from the face and optically couples the reflected optical radiation away from the face.

Abstract: An optical switch assembly includes an input port (21), an output port (22), a switching device (23)′ and a driving device (25). The input port includes an input fiber (211), a capillary (212) retaining the input fiber and a first collimating lens (213) fixed at a front end of the capillary. The switching device locates between the input and output ports and includes a number of second collimating lenses (231) fixed in a connection plate (232). One end of the connection plate retains the second collimating lenses and a second end connects with the driving device. The output port is aligned with the input port and includes a number of output fibers (221) and a holder (222) retaining the output fibers. The driving device drives the switching device to position a second collimating lens in a light path between the input and output ports thereby effecting a switching between the input and output fibers.

Abstract: An optical switch (10) for switching light beams from one input optical fiber (101) between a plurality of output optical fibers (201) has a first collimating lens (120) aligning with the input optical fiber and collimating input light beams, a second collimating lens (220) aligning with the output fibers and collimating output light beams; and a switching element (300) between the first and second collimating lens comprising a plurality of optical elements (301). Each optical element can be sequentially moved into an optical axis between the input and output optical fibers, and can deflect the light beams from the input optical fiber in a unique direction, thereby switching the input light beams to different output fibers.

Abstract: An optical switch according to the present invention, includes an input device (100) having an input fiber (120) received therein, an output device (200) having a plurality of output fibers (220) received therein, an optical switch device (300) which includes a prism array (310) consisting of a plurality of prisms, and a driving device (400). The driving device drives the switch device to move back and forth, selectively locating a specific prism of the prism array in an optical path between the input device and the output device, for selectably transferring an input light beam from the input fiber to a specific output fiber.

Abstract: An optical switch for switching light beams from an optical input fiber among a plurality of output optical fibers includes a mounting frame (5), an optical input device (1) having an input optical fiber (111) for emitting light signals and an optical output device (4) having a plurality of output optical fibers (411) for receiving the emitted light signals out of the optical switch. The input device has a first collimating lens (12). A switch assembly (2) includes a lens holder (22) and a plurality of second collimating lenses (21) is mounted in the lens holder. Each of the second collimating lenses has a different geometry. A driving device (3) drives the lens holder to rotate. Thus, when a preselected collimating lens is aligned between the optical input device and the optical output device, a unique beam optical path is formed and an input light signal switches to a different output fiber.

Abstract: An extended wavelength range light source for an optical instrument includes wavelength-tunable optical sources that generate optical signals, each of the optical sources having a distinct wavelength-tunable range which differs from the wavelength-tunable ranges of the other optical sources. A switch connected to each of the optical sources is configured to select any one of the optical sources.

Abstract: An optical router comprises a substantially planar substrate, a stator fixed to and projecting from an upper surface of the substrate, and a rotor surrounding the stator so as to be rotatable about the stator. At least one optical guiding component is formed in or on the rotor. A substantially planar layer is provided on the substrate surrounding the rotor and has a plurality of optical waveguides formed therein, the waveguides opening at at least one end onto a space surrounding the rotor. The stator rotor, and planar layer are formed on the substrate by a series of deposition and etching steps such that the rotor may be rotated about the stator so as to align the optical guiding component with one or more of the waveguide openings.

Abstract: An optical switch includes at least one light-receiving core for receiving an optical signal, a plurality of light-emitting cores which are used selectively for emitting the optical signal, and a plurality of waveguides connecting the light-receiving core and the plurality of light-emitting cores. A nonlinear optical element which, when pumped, changes its refractive index by 2% or above relative to the surroundings to control a traveling direction of the optical signal is disposed near at least one of the plurality of waveguides.

Abstract: A direct driving type optical switch is proposed. A row of V-grooves is formed on a base and a plurality of output optical fibers is arranged on one side of the base and respectively placed in the V-grooves. A movable input optical fiber is placed on another side of the base and atop a selected V-groove. The movable input optical fiber is pressed by a positioning block 446 and clamped tightly into the selected V-groove, whereby the input optical fiber is aligned with the output optical fiber in the selected V-groove for signal transmission.

Abstract: A 1×N optical switch according to the present invention switches between output fibers without the need for active alignment by utilizing two beam deflecting stages, for example first passing the input beam through a translating element and then through a beam angle adjusting element. The translating element directs the input beam toward the selected fiber, and the angle adjusting element directs the beam toward the core of the selected fiber.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical switch consisting of a support substrate, a movable raw optical fiber, a fixed raw optical fiber, a magnetic member for the movable raw optical fiber, and a leaf spring. The fibers are disposed in a V-shaped groove formed in the substrate. The magnetic member is actuated by an electromagnet disposed above the substrate. The leaf spring pushes the movable raw optical fiber into the V-shaped groove. The structure of the switch is relatively simple. Since the movable raw optical fiber is pushed using the leaf spring, the switch is less affected by the assembly accuracy than conventional. It is easy to make adjustments during assembly. Consequently, high-performance, low-cost, optical switch that can be mass-produced can be offered.

Abstract: An optical switch includes an input port (51), a plurality of output ports (52), a switching element (40) for switching light signals from the input port to any one of the output ports, a base (30), and a housing (10). The switching element has a driving device (400), a rotary holder (410) and two reflectors (422, 424). The reflectors are attached to a supporting arm (414) of the rotary holder, and positions of two counterweights (418) are adjustable on two balancing arms (416) to balance the combination rotary holder—reflectors around an axis of rotation. The input port is mounted in a center hole (352) of the base and the output ports are mounted in peripheral holes (354) defined in a circle around the center hole. Rotation of the rotary holder switches light signals from the input port to be output to any one of the output ports.

Abstract: A control method and apparatus used for a bias controller of automatic bias correction on an optical modulator of optical emitter of external modulation type is a close-loop control system, composed of a base signal generator, an optical receiver, a second-order harmonic signal generator, a second-order harmonic signal detector, a DC amplifier, and a temperature automatic correction device. The bias voltage point of the optical modulator can remain a constant, whereby the optical power can be exported in stable level and distortion of transmission is reduced. It can be avoided about the effect of the environmental temperature, resulting in the change of optical output and the additional signal distortion of the transmission signal.

Abstract: An optical fiber selector includes a housing, a rod pivotally mounted inside the housing, a switch controlling the pivotal movement of the rod, a sliding plate connected to a free end of the rod. An in/out port is mounted on a front side of the housing to be connected with a main optical fiber, and multiple connecting ports are also mounted on the front side and adjacent to the in/out port to be respectively connected to multiple branch optical fibers. The sliding plate has a connecting head connected to the in/out port via an internal optical fiber, and the connecting head is able to be selectively connected with one of the connecting ports. Therefore, the user is able to select which branch optical fiber is to be connected with the main optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved optical switches in which no mechanical movement is required to direct optical pathways between plural fiber ports and light transmission is bi-directional. Advantageously, the inventive switches permit bi-directional light transmission. The inventive switches also incorporate light bending devices to allow two fibers to be coupled to the light beams using a single lens for compactness. In the inventive switch, an optical signal is spatially split into two polarized beams by a birefringent element, which passes through a polarization rotation device that comprises waveplates, walk-off elements, and an electrically controllable polarization rotator, and recombine into an output fiber, achieving polarization independent operation. The switches of the present invention rely on electro-magnetically or electro-optically switching the beam polarizations from one state to another to rapidly direct the light path.

Abstract: An optical waveguide switch is disclosed which is formed from III-V compound semiconductors and which has a moveable optical waveguide with a cantilevered portion that can be bent laterally by an integral electrostatic actuator to route an optical signal (i.e. light) between the moveable optical waveguide and one of a plurality of fixed optical waveguides. A plurality of optical waveguide switches can be formed on a common substrate and interconnected to form an optical switching network.

Abstract: An optical switch (1) in accordance with the present invention includes: a housing (50), an input port (10), a plurality of output ports (11), an optical switching means (20), an indicating device (30) and a driving device (40). The optical switch includes a resistor (37), a fixed reflector (23) and a carrier (21) to which a moveable reflector (25) and a wiper contact (35) are mounted. The wiper contact slides on the surface of the resistor as the carrier moves along a pole (215), changing a resistance provided to a control circuitry. The control circuitry then provides control signals to turn on a light emitting component (31) above the output port which is optically connected with the input port.

Abstract: An optical switch (1) includes an optical input device (20), a plurality of optical output devices (30), a driving device (40), a movable reflection device (50) and a fixed reflection member (60) both mounted in a fixing base (70), a casing (11), and a cover (12) attached to the casing. The input device and the output devices respectively convey optical signals into and out of the optical switch. The fixed reflection member reflects incoming optical signals to the movable reflection member. The movable reflection member reflects the reflected optical signals into a desired output device. A transmitting rod (43) of the driving device drives the movable reflection member along a guide rod (53). The movable reflection member can thus be positioned to correspond to an optical path of the desired output device. Therefore, switching between a variety of output devices is easily performed.

Abstract: An optical switch for switching an incoming light signal to one of a number of output ports in a polarization independent manner. The optical switch includes a walk-off device, and a compensator which compensates for walk-off distance variations of two polarized beams, with orthogonal polarization directions, associated with the walk-off device.

Abstract: An optical switch (1) for switching light beams between one input optical fiber (21) and a plurality of output optical fibers (31) has a first port (2), a second port (3) and a switching element (4) between the first and second ports. The input port aligns with the input optical fiber and collimates input light beams. The output port aligns with the output fibers and decollimates output light beams. The switching element includes at least one rotatable optical element (41) for deflecting the light beams and a holder (42) for containing the rotatable optical elements. The rotatable optical element is rotatable among a plurality of positions, whereby, when the optical element is in different positions, the light beams from the input optical fiber are switched to different output fibers, respectively.

Abstract: A fiber-optic switch has a fiber-optic switching element in which an adjustment structure (8) is used for positioning of at least one moving fiber (1) by means of a switching body (2c) in front of at least one fiber (4, 6), which is arranged in a fixed position, by means of reference surfaces (3a, 3b, 5a, 5b) , in which case both the moving fiber (1) and the fibers (4, 6) which are arranged in fixed positions are held such that they can be moved longitudinally within the adjustment structure but rest on the reference surfaces (3a, 3b, 5a, 5b), and a mount (11) with a thermal coefficient of expansion which is comparable to that of the fibers (1, 4, 6) holds the adjustment structure (8) and fixes both the moving fiber (1) and the fibers (4, 6) which are arranged in fixed positions longitudinally, at least as far as their effect is concerned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical switching is described wherein a first optical input/output port and plurality of second optical input/output ports are coupled using an optical guiding assembly. An optical signal may thereby be movably directed between the first input/output port and a selected one of the second optical input/output ports. The optical guiding assembly includes a optical micro-element assembly and an actuator assembly which moveably directs the microlens assembly to a predetermined position corresponding to the selected one of the input/output ports. The actuator assembly includes a comb drive and the optical micro-element assembly includes an etched lens, a ball lens, a mirror, or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for and a method of measuring optical alignment conditions of optical fibers mounted to a V-groove array in an optical fiber block connected to the input or output terminals of an optical waveguide device.

Abstract: Actuators are described that operate as a result of double-layer charge injection in electrodes having very high gravimetric surface areas and gravimetric capacitances. The actuator output of the actuators may be a mechanical displacement that can be used to accomplish mechanical work. As a result of the non-faradaic process and the actuator materials utilized, such as carbon nanotubes, the actuators have improved work capacity, power density, cycle life, and force generation capabilities. Other benefits include low voltage operation and high temperature performance. The actuators also convert a mechanical energy input to an electrical energy output. The actuators may be used to control either thermal, electrical or fluid transport or cause either the switching, phase shift, or attenuation of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A system for manipulating optical signals in an optical switch utilizes a piezoelectric membrane. The membrane is selectively enabled to switch among an outward position, an inward position and a relaxed orientation in relation to a sidewall of a trench that is provided as part of the switch. The membrane is in fluidic communication with an intersecting gap of the trench that crosses a first input waveguide and a first output waveguide. Displacing the membrane to a first position causes the gap to be filled with an index-matching liquid such that light from the first input waveguide is transmitted to the first output waveguide. Alternatively, displacing the membrane to a second position causes the gap to be filled with a gaseous bubble, resulting in a refractive index mismatch, such that the light from the first input waveguide is diverted at the gap. In another embodiment, there are two membranes utilized for manipulating optical signals.

Abstract: Switch devices for hitless tuning or reconfiguring an add or drop WDM filter. The input light is switched from the filter (where the desired channel is passed and the express channels are reflected) to a mirror where all channels are reflected. The switching is done in a continuous manner such that there is never an interruption in the channels reflected from the filter or mirror. While all channels are being reflected from the mirror, the filter is tuned to a different channel; or alternatively, is replaced by a filter which would drop a different channel. After the filter is tuned to the new channel, the input light is switched from the mirror back to the filter The switch may include a parallelogram prism or two sequential mirrors. The switch and the input beam are translated with respect to each other to switch the light between the filter and the mirror.

Abstract: An optical spectrum analyzer includes an integrated beam switch array. As a result, a single spectrum analyzer can be amortized across multiple optical links with pigtails transmitting the optical signals from separate optical links. The switch array providing one of the optical signals as an input signal to the optical spectrum analyzer.

Abstract: An optical switch for coupling a trunk optic fiber to a selected branch optic fiber is disclosed. The switch includes one or two optically active elements which are capable of being configured to have a different diffraction angle. The elements are configured so that an optical signal emitted from the trunk fiber is directed into the selected branch fiber. The switch may also operate in reverse to couple a signal from the branch fiber into the trunk fiber.

Abstract: An optical switch comprising one input optical fiber, two output optical fibers, a stationary mirror for reflecting a light beam from the input optical fiber to cause it to enter into one output optical fiber, a movable mirror moving into and out of an optical path of a light beam from the input optical fiber, and a means for driving the movable mirror; whereby when the driving means drives the second mirror to a position at which it interrupts the optical path, a light beam from the input optical fiber is reflected by the movable mirror so that it enters into the other output optical fiber.

Abstract: An optic switching system and method are presented for controllably directing an incident beam of electromagnetic radiation propagating with a certain solid angle from a primary optical waveguide to a predetermined secondary optical waveguide. A primary reflective concave surface is disposed for receiving the incident beam, reflecting the incident beam and focusing a reflected beam at a primary focusing place. A secondary reflective concave surface having a radius less than a radius of the primary reflective concave surface is disposed for receiving the beam reflected by the primary reflective surface and reflecting this beam to the predetermined secondary optical waveguide. The secondary reflective concave surface is disposed at the place located downstream of the primary focusing place with respect to the direction of propagation of the beam reflected from the primary reflective concave surface.

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: This invention provides a transparent, paramagnetic polymer composition in which a polymer is complexed with sufficient rare earth ions, particularly ions selected from ions in the group of elements 64-69, to provide a polymer with a magnetic mass susceptibility greater than 20×10−6 emu/g measured at 298° K.

Abstract: An optical switch is disclosed which includes hollow waveguide structures having cantilevered beam deflectors to couple light out of the waveguide plane. An array of such waveguides with deflector combinations may be fabricated on a substrate. By combining substrates, devices such as all-optical cross bar switches, image display and scanning devices may be created.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a number of input modules each of which have an optical fiber, one or more lenses bonded to the fiber, and a gimbaling mechanism that selectively aligns the optical module. In one embodiment of the invention, each of the modules and associated gimbaling mechanisms is individually replaceable in the optical switch. In one embodiment of the invention, the optical modules are fitted in spheres that are positioned by motors that move push rods to engage an annular flange surrounding the sphere. In other embodiment, motors rotate the spheres directly to gimbal the optical modules.

Abstract: The absorption of a spacer material in a Fabry-Perot type structure is changed to achieve an optical switching function. In one embodiment, the spacer material is a semiconductor material and an electronic control signal changes the Fabry-Perot between a transmissive state and a reflective state. In the reflective state, the device operates as a switch can be modeled as a mirror on a substrate of quasi-infinite thickness. In a further embodiment, a wavelength-selective optical component is placed between the input of the switch and the Fabry-Perot structure to improve the spectral response of the switch.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical switch having an input port for launching a beam of light into the optical switch, at least two output ports, each output port for selectively receiving a beam of light, an ATO element having optical power for providing an angle to offset transformation, and beam directing means for selectively directing a beam of light from the input port to a selected one of the at least two output ports along an optical path via the ATO element. The ATO element is a lens or a mirror.

Abstract: A reflector for reflecting light from an elongate light source into the input end of a light guide having a diameter “D”. The light source is inserted through the narrow end of a collimating reflector which has a wide end with a diameter exceeding “D” through which light is emitted into the guide. The wide end of an output reflector circumferentially surrounds the collimating reflector's wide end. The output reflector's narrow end circumferentially surrounds the light guide's input end. The wide end of an input reflector circumferentially surrounds the collimating reflector's narrow end. The reflectors are cylindrically symmetrical about a common axis. Light passing from the light source to the collimating reflector is reflected, producing an output beam whose width varies as a function of distance along the axis. The light guide's input end is positioned along the axis to minimize the width of the output light beam.

Abstract: A 1×N optical switch includes an input fiber collimator, an x-y scanning device including two perpendicular galvanometer-driven rotatable mirrors, and a 2-D array of output fiber collimators arranged over an output surface so as to be aligned with a corresponding ray extending from the x-y scanning device. Each of the output fiber collimators corresponds to a unique pair of rotation angles of the two mirrors. The output surface can have a spherical curvature, or a curvature which accounts for the dependency of optical path on the angles of the two mirrors. The switch allows improved switching speeds, accuracy, and reduced and uniform insertion losses. The architecture can be used for N×M switches and N×M cross-connects.

Abstract: An optical signal switch has improved port isolation and extinction ratio by utilizing cascaded or tandem Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) with thermo-optical or electro-optical refractive index-modulating electrodes on the MZI arms.

Abstract: A 1×N optical switch according to the present invention switches between output fibers without the need for active alignment by utilizing two beam deflecting stages, for example first passing the input beam through a translating element and then through a beam angle adjusting element. The translating element directs the input beam toward the selected fiber, and the angle adjusting element directs the beam toward the core of the selected fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical MEMS components, and in particular, to a micromechanical optical switch. A removable layer is used during fabrication to define the gap between optical waveguides and a moveable element in the form of a mirror that is moved between states. This provides a high speed, low-power optical switch that is readily manufacturable.

Abstract: An optical switch in which a conductive silicon substrate is coated all over the surface area with a silicon film to form in parallel to the substrate surface a movable contact and elastic support portions for coupling the movable electrode and for elastically supporting its movable electrode in a manner to be displaced vertically. The surface region of the conductive silicon substrate facing the movable electrode and the elastic support portions is etched away to form therein a low-floor portion as a fixed electrode surface opposite the movable electrode in parallel thereto. A micro mirror having a vertical reflecting surface is mounted on the movable electrode portion.

Abstract: To provide a mechanical optical switch including a movable optical fiber which can be elastically deformed and a fixed optical fiber, open ends of the movable optical fiber and the fixed optical fiber facing each other via an optical gap, which switches an optical path by moving the open end of the movable optical fiber relatively to the open end of the fixed optical fiber with an electromagnetic actuator. The fixed optical fiber is held by a fixed holder at a point close to its open end. The movable optical fiber is supported by another fixed holder at a point distant from its open end, and a movable holder holding the movable optical fiber at a point close to its open end reciprocates relatively to the fixed holder holding the fixed optical fiber. An electromagnetic actuator is located in an area on the movable optical fiber side from the open end of the movable optical fiber. Preferably, it is provided between the open end of the movable optical fiber and the latter fixed holder.

Abstract: A compact arrangement of multiple I1×N optical switches in a single optical switch package is described.