Abstract: A piezoelectric optical switch includes a planar Mach-Zehnder optical device having a piezoelectric rib disposed on one or both of the waveguide structures. The piezoelectric rib deforms the waveguide structure creating a strain vector that alters the optical path of the waveguide. The piezoelectric rib is offset from the propagation path in the waveguide. This yields several important advantages. By positioning the piezoelectric rib away from the waveguide, the strain components in the propagation path of the waveguide in the directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation, e.g., in the x-direction and the y-direction, are negligible. Since strains in these directions create birefringence, elimination of these strains will minimize the birefringence. The elimination or reduction of birefringence is greatly desired because birefringence degrades the extinction ratio at the outputs of the Mach-Zehnder device.

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: An optical switch for processing an optical signal includes a refractive material having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface. A first embodiment of the optical switch includes a lens having a planar surface that is coupled to the third surface of the refractive material, and a convex surface. A second embodiment of the optical switch includes a collimating lens, a first decollimating lens, and a second decollimating lens. The optical switch further includes a switchplate coupled to the second surface of the refractive material. The switchplate has a first position spaced apart from the second surface and a second position in proximal contact with the second surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical deflection switch having reduced insertion loss. The device includes a switching block having a reflective surface and a transmissive face, a second block having a first and a second face, and a switch for selectively switching the device from a first switching state to a second switching state. The optical deflection switch of the present invention provides a switch in which a deflected beam is directed to one of a plurality of output ports at normal incidence and hence the insertion loss of the optical deflection switch is reduced. The output beam in the first switching state is parallel to the output beam in the second switching state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical switch including: a dielectric substrate having a pair of main surfaces opposed to each other; and a pair of electrodes formed on the main surfaces of the dielectric substrate; wherein a direction of emergence of a light beam propagating in the dielectric substrate is controlled according to an electric field applied from the electrodes to the dielectric substrate; the dielectric substrate being formed with a periodic structure of polarization inverted domains each having a given shape; the light beam being incident on domain walls of the polarization inverted domains; the electrode formed on at least one of the main surfaces being separated into at least first and second electrodes in a direction of propagation of the light beam.

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 comprising a fixed optical-fiber holder for holding either of input/output optical fibers, a movable optical-fiber holder for holding the other of the input/output optical fibers, which faces the fixed optical-fiber holder and is movable with respect to the fixed optical-fiber holder, and a driver for moving the movable optical-fiber holder with respect to the fixed optical-fiber holder immersed in the refractive index matching material, such as silicone oil. Inside the housing provided are a heater for heating the refractive index matching material, a means for sensing temperature inside the housing, and a controller for turning on the power to the heater when the measured value of the temperature sensing means is lower than a first predetermined value, and turning off the power to the heater when the measured value of the temperature sensing means is higher than a second predetermined value.

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: 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: An optical switch (100) includes a shell (40) forming an input port (10) and first and second output ports (50, 60) with an optical switching subassembly enclosed therein between the input port and the output ports. The optical switch subassembly includes two light transmitting blocks (21, 22) having surfaces spaced from and opposing each other. Two light transmitting liquid sections having a refractive index substantially identical to that of the blocks are movably retained between the surfaces. The liquid sections are spaced from each other forming an air section therebetween. A piezoelectric element (31) is in physical engagement with the liquid sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical MEMS components, and in particular, to methods of fabricating 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: A non-blocking N×M cross-connect optical switching device, system, and method having any number of inputs (N) and any number of outputs (M) is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, low power loss waveguides and low power loss electro-optical material switching elements are combined into a compact planar device. Depending on the direction of the electric field applied, the refractive index of a switching element is varied to alternate between a transmission state when the refractive indexes of the waveguides and electro-optical material are substantially equal and a reflective state when the refractive indexes are not equal. The transmission state allows input light to pass through a switching element to an output port. The reflective state does not allow light to pass through, thereby directing incident light to an alternative output port. Other embodiments comprising thermal optical materials as switching element are also described.

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: The present invention provides an active semiconductor optical switch for a 1×N interconnect switch having an input light channel, a plurality of output light channels, and a steering section coupled between the input and output channels. The steering section selectively directs an input light signal from the input light channel to an M number of the plurality of output light channels, where M ranges from one to the total number of output light channels of the plurality. The steering section includes transversely-spaced first and second elongate electrical contacts and an elongate slab waveguide extending therebetween. The slab waveguide is formed from a material having an optical refractive index responsive to a first electrical current applied to the first electrical contact and a second electrical current applied to the second electrical contact.

Abstract: A fiber optics switch has a retro-reflector mirror assembly which reflects a light beam received from an input fiber in an anti-parallel, displaced manner, into one of a plurality of output fibers. Insensitivity to temperature changes, wear and tear, and vibration is achieved as well as very compact size and high speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing an optical fiber in a housing includes welding the optical fiber to fused silica or to a glass frit material such that the physical properties of the optical fiber are substantially unchanged.

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: The present invention provides an optical switch or a large scale fiber-optical cross-connect switch wherein the light from the grouped input fibers is collected by a lens, a lens system, or mirror system, and imaged with a certain magnification to a plane. The plane is either a mirror when the system is operated in reflection, or a plane of symmetry when the system is operated in transmission. Before reaching that plane, the spatially separated beams are intercepted by a (1 or) 2-D micro-mirror input MEMS array, where each mirror can deviate its dedicated input beam to any mirror on the output MEMS array. Each mirror on the output MEMS array compensates for angular tilt and deviates the beam to its dedicated output fiber.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a thermo-optical switch comprising a cascade of 1×M optical switches, gates for selectively blocking and unblocking the output paths of the cascaded switch, and means for driving the 1×M switches and the gates, which means are arranged to switch a data signal from an input path of the cascaded switch to one of the output paths, wherein the said means are also arranged to switch an unwanted signal, by means of a number of the remaining 1×M switches, to at least one of the remaining output paths. In the cascaded switch according to the invention, the generated heat is distributed evenly over the area of the switch and the overall amount of heat generated is reduced.

Abstract: Devices and methods for control of reflection and transmission of an optical wave by selective adjustment of the refractive index of a material through use of an applied electric field. In some devices, an electric field vector E is distributed in the material, where the material interfaces two optical waveguides. Since the refractive index n(E) of the material depends on the magnitude and direction of E, the electric field E can be varied to control n(E), relative to the refractive index of the interfaced waveguides, so as to make the material totally transmitting, totally reflecting, or partially reflecting of light that passes through one of the interfacing waveguides and is incident upon the material. Adjusting n(E) in such a material can also be used for selection of optical wavelengths by diffraction, wavelength selection of optical waves transmitted through mirror electrodes, and deflection of plane waves.

Abstract: An optical switch guides data transmitting light beams along free space switching paths from one or more input optical fibers to one or more output optical fibers. The optical switch includes a microchip base member, diffractive, refractive or reflective optical elements positioned on carrier panels, and actuators for moving the carrier panels. The optical elements are positionable by the actuators to guide light beams emitted by the input optical fibers in free space to the receiving output optical fibers. The actuators may be linear and/or rotary. Switching of light beams can be from one input port to one or many output ports, and vice versa, to form a free space optical cross-connect switch and router.

Abstract: A fiber optic switching apparatus comprises a fiber alignment head with a groove formed therein to mount with a first optical fiber, a switching member adjacent to the fiber alignment head and pivotable between a first position and a second position, and a second optical fiber adjacent to the switching member. The ends of the first and second optical fibers are in alignment when the switching member is in its first position and out of alignment when the switching member is in its second position. The improvement is that the fiber optic switching apparatus further comprises a supporter that is detached from the switching member to connect with the second optical fiber so that the end of the second optical fiber will not fluctuate in connection with the switching member when the first and second optical fibers are placed in alignment within the groove.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of optical switching wherein a plurality of individual activation strips (18) are adhered longitudinally upon 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 constant or varying electrical source and are located at the free end of the optical fiber. Contraction and expansion of respective activation strips causes a free end of the optical fiber to be displaced or to undulate. A multichannel switch (100) operates by moving the free end of the selected input fiber and the free end of the selected output fiber toward one another so that the signal is sent from the input to the output fiber.

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: A fused coupler optical switch (FCOS) of the present invention is an electrically switchable device that functions as a latching bi-directional optical cross bar switch with a first and a fourth optical ports at a first end, and, a second and third ports at a second end of the coupler, where a magnetic sleeve surrounds the second end of the coupler. A first stop block maintains the coupler in a first mechanical position and a second stop block maintains the coupler in a second mechanical position, where the first and second stop blocks are V-grooved stop blocks. In the first position, the first port is optically connected with the third port and the fourth port is connected with the second port. In the second position, the first port is optically connected with the second port and the fourth port is connected with the third port. The inventive optical switch may include a sensor element such as a Hall element for detecting the state of the optical switch.

Abstract: A fiber-optic switch based on a unique retro-reflection scheme is used to create a 2×2 switch having two fiber-optic circulators and two polarization rotation devices. Passive and active noise filtering techniques maintain the high performance of the switch even when the polarization rotation devices have poor performance. The switch also has the advantage of zero relative time delay between two channels for any of two switch settings making it appropriate for cascading switching stages. The preferred embodiment of the 2×2 optical switch also has a simple design in terms of alignment since only two optical fibers need to be aligned with each other. The switch is also scalable to form N 2×2 optical switch modules for use in add/drop, N-wavelength, multiple fiber-optic networks where its novel retro-reflective characteristic allows the use of half of the required wavelength multiplexers/demultiplexers in the system compared to a transmissive switch add/drop filter.

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: In order to provide a small-sized and compact optical switch of 1×4 type. Two movable optical fibers are fixed on a substrate by a fixing block disposed in a middle portion of the fibers. Two movable blocks made of a soft magnetic body are mounted to the both ends of the movable optical fibers. Two soft magnetic fixing blocks are arranged on the substrate for fixing one optical fiber so as to oppose to one of the movable block, and for fixing four optical fibers so as to oppose to the movable block, respectively. Two movable blocks can be independently moved with respect to the respective fixing blocks by means of actuators. Further, it is possible to detect a position of each movable block with respect to the fixing block by means of detecting electrodes.

Abstract: A multiple-wavelength ultrashort-pulse laser system includes a laser generator producing ultrashort pulses at a fixed wavelength, and at least one and preferably a plurality of wavelength-conversion channels. Preferably, a fiber laser system is used for generating single-wavelength, ultrashort pulses. An optical split switch matrix directs the pulses from the laser generator into at least one of the wavelength conversion channels. An optical combining switch matrix is disposed downstream of the wavelength-conversion channels and combines outputs from separate wavelength-conversion channels into a single output channel. Preferably, waveguides formed in a ferroelectric substrate by titanium indiffusion (TI) and/or proton exchange (PE) form the wavelength-conversion channels and the splitting and combining matrices. Use of the waveguide allows efficient optical parametric generation to occur in the wavelength-conversion channels at pulse energies achievable with a mode-locked laser source.

Abstract: A fiber optics switch has a retro-reflector mirror assembly which reflects a light beam received from an input fiber in an anti-parallel, displaced manner, into one of a plurality of output fibers. Insensitivity to temperature changes, wear and tear, and vibration is achieved as well as very compact size and high speed.

Abstract: An M×N optical switching system has a plurality of M optical input ports, each of which is directs a respectively associated optical input beam along one of M spaced apart coplanar parallel input optical paths intersecting an optical coupling path. N optical output ports are installed of the input ports at spaced apart locations of the optical coupling path. Each optical output ports receives a respective optical signal along one of N spaced apart coplanar output optical paths that intersect the optical coupling path apart. M+N mirrors are alignable with a normal bisecting a common angle at a respective intersection of the M input optical paths and the N output optical paths with the optical coupling path. A plurality of actuators controllably move selected mirrors into and out of the optical coupling path, so as to cause an optical signal incident at a selected one of the M optical input ports to be coupled to a selected one of the N optical output ports.

Abstract: A point-to-multipoint protected network and related equipment for providing protection against fiber and/or interface failures while reducing or eliminating fiber redundancy requirements. The head end is coupled to a ring network comprised of one fiber via a passive splitter which sends the downstream signal out in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Each network terminal is coupled to the ring through an optical circuit comprising a 1:2 optical switch and two passive optical taps. The terminal is coupled to the single terminal side of the 1:2 switch while the two terminals of the double terminal side of the switch are coupled to the ring in opposing directions, i.e., clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively. The two terminals of the double terminal side of the optical switch are each coupled to the ring via a passive optical tap. Other ring and star network embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning system for an optical microstructure (64) in a devise (6) operating under the action of a control means includes a flexible element (63) supporting the optical microstructure and connected to the device. The orientation of the flexible element with respect to the device can be varied under the action of control means in order to put the optical microstructure (64) into at least one determined position. The flexible element is immobilized with respect to the device in order to hold the optical microstructure (64) in the determined position when the control means no longer act.

Abstract: An optical switch includes an optical input terminal, a first deflector disposed to receive light from the optical input terminal, controlled to change its deflection angle, second deflectors arranged in a substrate, the first deflector transmits light from the optical input terminal to one of the second deflectors selectively, and optical output terminals disposed to receive light from the second deflectors, the second deflectors transmit light from the first deflector to the optical output terminals.

Abstract: In an improved optical switch, light from an input optical fiber is directed to one of a plurality of output optical fibers on a selective basis. The output fibers are contained in a bundle, preferably within a removable connector, thereby easing removal and maintenance. The input fiber also preferably forms pair of a bundle within a removable connector. The means for selectively directing the light from the end of the input fiber to the end of one of a plurality of the output fibers may include a pivot upon which at least the input optical fiber is mounted, or an electro-optic Bragg cell without moving parts. One or more lenses are preferably used between the end of the input optical fiber and the ends of the output fibers to assist in directing the light. A preferred arrangement incorporates two lenses, positioned so that the end of the output fiber and the end of a selected input fiber are each located at the focal point of one of the lenses.

Abstract: The invention provides a shape memory alloy film actuator individual improved in mechanical reliability, miniaturized, and produced inexpensively, on a massive scale, and in a short time as compared with omnidirectional flex-type actuators in the related art depending upon the coils of a shape memory alloy. A shape memory alloy film is deposited on the outer periphery of a solid small-gage wire or a hollow capillary and integrated with the wire or the capillary, and then driving elements divided plurally are formed, thus to produce the shape memory alloy film actuator individual where omnidirectional flexing is possible.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of optical switching wherein a plurality of individual activation strips (18) are adhered longitudinally upon 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 constant or varying electrical source and are located at the free end of the optical fiber. Contraction and expansion of respective activation strips causes a free end of the optical fiber to be displaced or to undulate. A multichannel switch (100) operates by moving the free end of the selected input fiber and the free end of the selected output fiber toward one another so that the signal is sent from the input to the output fiber.

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: An optical fiber switch circuit combines optical fiber switches that are capable of switching the connection of many circuits at the same time by using fewer actuators. The optical fiber switch circuit combines at least one N x 2N, N being equal or greater than 1 optical fiber switch which employs optical fibers for switching the connection of an N number of movable optical fibers from one N number of fixed optical fibers of a 2N number of fixed optical fibers to the other N number of fixed optical fibers at the same time.

Abstract: An asymmetric thermo-optical switch uses materials having different dn/dT coefficients. A first waveguide is constructed on a planar substrate using a material that has a first dn/dT coefficient. A second waveguide is constructed on the planar substrate using a second material that has a second dn/dT coefficient. In a first embodiment, a coupling region is formed between the first and second waveguides. An index-adjusting switch element is deposited on a first side of the device over the coupling region to control the proportion of light coupled between the waveguides. In a second embodiment, a splitting region is formed by connecting the second waveguide to the first waveguide, at a middle portion of the first waveguide. An index-adjusting switch element is deposited on a first side of the device over the splitting region to control the proportion of light split between the waveguides.

Abstract: An optical bus for processing an optical signal includes an optical waveguide and a switchplate. The switchplate has a first position spaced apart from the optical waveguide and a second position in proximal contact with a reflecting surface of the optical waveguide to frustrate the total internal reflection of the optical signal such that the optical signal exits the optical waveguide at an output location.

Abstract: An optical waveguide switch using two unidirectional waveguide couplers with coupling gratings is provided. Each unidirectional waveguide coupler compromises two waveguide channels and a coupling grating along one waveguide channel. Two such waveguide couplers with coupling gratings are positioned on a substrate to form a symmetric couple-pair. An optical signal launched into the input port of the first coupler may exit from the output port of the second coupler. A modulating electrode is used to eliminate the coupling gratings on the two couplers, and the optical signal launched into the input port of the first coupler exits from its own output port. Similarily, this process can also be performed for an optical signal launched into the second coupler. Thus an effective 2×2 switching performance is implemented with this structure. M×N switching performance may also be implemented with several 2×2 waveguide switches.

Abstract: A mechanical optical switch with a first port for holding a first optical fiber and a second port for holding a second optical fiber and a lensing element positioned in front of the first and second ports. The switch has a signal port holding a signal or input fiber which emits a light beam to be switched between the first and second fibers. The light beam propagates along a free beam path to the first lensing element and is in-coupled into the first optical fiber. The switch is equipped with a beam guiding element, such as a wedge, which can be moved in and out of the free beam path for directing the light beam to the second fiber. The wedge is designed to shift the light beam by an offset and rotate it by an angle.

Abstract: In an optical power splitter for splitting input light into N equal optical waves, and a manufacturing method therefor, a main waveguide and (N−1) branched waveguides are arranged on one side or both sides of the main waveguide. The main waveguide and the (N−1) branched waveguides form a directional coupler. In each of the directional couplers, the branched waveguide has an appropriate phase mismatch, a proper coupling coefficient, and a suitable coupling length to output 1/N of input optical power in the main waveguide. In the optical power splitter, when the main waveguide is semicircular, a circular substrate can be effectively used when the optical power splitter is manufactured.

Abstract: A compact “T” switch for use in a waveguide communication system switch includes a housing, a rotor, and a motor. The housing includes a pair of ends and an interconnecting sidewall enclosing a cylindrical cavity. One of the housing ends including an entry port, and the sidewall includes a plurality circumferentially spaced exit ports. The rotor is rotatably disposed within the housing cylindrical cavity, and includes an input end having an input port aligned with the housing entry port and an outer surface having a plurality of output ports for alignment with the housing exit ports. The rotor includes a primary or first passage connecting the input port to one of the output ports and further includes at least one secondary passages connecting a pair of the output ports.

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 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-optic switch used for transmitting optical signals between optical fibers. More particularly, the invention pertains to a micro-optic switch using polymer structures to position a microactuator and optical fibers on a substrate so that the microactuator can move an optical fiber cantilever between two fixed fibers to transmit optical signals between either one of the fixed fibers and the cantilever fiber. Using polymers instead of micromachined structures to position components of the switch reduces cost and simplifies assembly. The invention further provides processes for producing a micro-optic switch and for switching the path of an optical signal.

Abstract: In an optical switch for connecting optically a first optical fiber supported on a stationary supporting block to a second optical fiber supported on a movable supporting block being movable relative to the stationary supporting block between a first position for the optical connection between the terminating ends of the first and second optical fibers and a second position for disconnecting the optical connection therebetween and being adjacent to the stationary supporting block, and a magnetic flux generator for generating a magnetic flux for moving the movable supporting block relative to the stationary supporting block, the movable supporting block includes a soft magnetic substance so that the magnetic flux passes through the movable supporting block.

Abstract: An optical switch mechanism for reflecting an input light beam from an input port to a reflection output port in a first state and for transmitting an input light beam to a transmission output port in a second state is disclosed. The switch mechanism comprises a block made of a light transmissive substrate. The block contains a cavity, which is divided by a light transmissive diaphragm into a reflective portion and a transmissive portion. At the input port a light beam is coupled into the block such that the light beam encounters a reflective surface at an angle greater than a critical angle determined by the refractive indices of the substrate and a reflective fluid retained in the reflective portion of the cavity. When the reflective fluid is in contact with the reflective surface the light beam is totally reflected to a reflection output port.