Abstract: An optical fiber switch having two coupled fiber arrays which move in a transverse direction to provide switching action. Each array has a front face and the front faces are nearly in contact. Optical fiber ends are located at the front faces. The front faces of the fiber arrays have transverse grooves in which rolling spheres are disposed. The fiber arrays move by rolling on the spheres. The spheres provide for smooth transverse motion and a fixed distance between optical fiber arrays. The spheres and front face grooves also provide for alignment between the optical fibers.

Abstract: A wavelength router that selectively directs spectral bands between an input port and a set of output ports. The router includes a free-space optical train disposed between the input ports and said output ports, and a routing mechanism. The free-space optical train can include air-spaced elements or can be of generally monolithic construction. The optical train includes a dispersive element such as a diffraction grating, and is configured so that the light from the input port encounters the dispersive element twice before reaching any of the output ports. The routing mechanism includes one or more routing elements and cooperates with the other elements in the optical train to provide optical paths that couple desired subsets of the spectral bands to desired output ports. The routing elements are disposed to intercept the different spectral bands after they have been spatially separated by their first encounter with the dispersive element.

Abstract: A multi-port optical coupler applies the transition loss principle to exchange light among optical fibers through optical fiber bends. In a four-port embodiment, the coupler includes first and second injector fibers located in precise optical alignment on a substrate. A continuous fiber segment is configured so that a portion thereof is positioned on the substrate between and in optical alignment with the injector fibers. This portion of the fiber segment can be moved to a second position out of alignment with the injector fibers. First and second depressors impart first and second bends to portions of the fiber segment adjacent to and in optical alignment with the first and second injector fibers. Light can be injected into or extracted from the fiber segment through these bends by the injector fibers when the fiber bend is severe enough to create a transition loss and when the bends are in optical alignment with the injector fibers.

Abstract: An alignment station for aligning an input fiber array to a waveguide. The station can also align an output fiber array to the waveguide. The alignment station includes a first stage that supports the input fiber array and a second stage that support the waveguide. The alignment station further includes a third stage that supports a multimode fiber. The first, second and/or third stages can be either manually or automatically moved in at least one degree of freedom. The multimode fiber is connected to an optical sensor such as an IR camera or photodetector. The multimode fiber has a relatively large aperture so that the fiber picks up light when initially placed adjacent to the waveguide. An output fiber array can be mechanically coupled to the multimode fiber so that the output array can be readily aligned with the waveguide after alignment between the input array and the waveguide.

Abstract: Filter chips, each of which has a wavelength characteristic corresponding to each wavelength component of wavelength-multiplexed light, are mounted on a transparent substrate to make an optical filter element. When wavelength-multiplexed light is input to the optical filter element via an optical fiber, the transmission and reflection characteristics vary depending upon which filter chip the light enters. The input position of the light to the optical filter element is changed by moving it in a direction that the filter chips are arranged, so that different selection characteristics can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) variable optical attenuator. The MEMS variable optical attenuator comprises a substrate having a flat upper surface; an electrostatic attenuator disposed on the upper surface of the substrate; transmitting and receiving terminals disposed on the substrate so that optical axes of the terminals coincide with each other; and a beam shutter moved to a designated position between the transmitting and receiving terminals by the actuator, wherein the beam shutter is provided with a first coating layer made of a material with a reflectivity of more than 90% and formed on a surface of the beam shutter, and a second coating layer made of a material with a reflectivity of less than 80% so that a part of light is transmitted by the second coating layer and with a photodisintegration rate of the transmitted light determined by a thickness of the second coating layer.

Abstract: A tunable Fabry Perot filter (TFPF) uses the hybrid integration of MEMS and micro-optics. The mirrors forming the TFPF are actively aligned to provide a high finesse TFPF. One of the reflectors is mounted to a flexible member, for example a beam member fixed at both ends. The flexible member is deflectable in a direction parallel to the axis of the TFPF so as to adjust the gap between the reflectors, thus tuning the TFPF. One or both of the mirrors may be deposited on the end of an optical fiber.

Abstract: A photonic switch for an optical communication network includes a matrix of actuator-mirror assemblies and a corresponding matrix of optical ports. A first one of the actuator-mirror assemblies directs a beam of light received from an input optical port to a reference mirror, where it is reflected to a second actuator-mirror assembly that redirects the beam to an output optical port. Each of the actuator-mirror assemblies includes a mirror-coil assembly mounted to a gimbal, with stationary magnets being positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a force is generated that causes the mirror-coil assembly to tilt. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: An optical switch (99) according to the present invention comprises a base (60), a switching element (40), a first input port (10), a first output port (15), a second input port (20), a second output port (25), a third input port (30), and a third output port (35). Six holders (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66) are arranged symmetrically on the base to hold the three input ports, in alignment with the corresponding three output ports. The switching element is accommodated in a space (67) surrounded by the input and output ports. A driver (not shown) drives the switching element to move in or out of the space or to rotate in the space, thereby switching light beams transmitted from the three input ports between the three different output ports.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to motion transformers as well as their integration and/or assembly, for use in directing optical beams and positioning of small optical elements for creating a variety of tunable optical components. More particularly, the systems and methods can be applied to a free-space optical cross-connect switching apparatus with piezoelectric actuation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring fiber optic communications involves providing a space between a first end of a first optical fiber and a second end of a second optical fiber. A reflector is movable between a retracted position and an active position. In the active position, the reflector is positioned in the path of an optical signal beam passing through the space between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber to reflect a portion of the optical signal beam as a tap signal. The reflector is selectively moved between the retracted position and the active position. This enables the tap signal to be selectively turned off and on. It also enables the portion of the optical signal beam reflected to be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: Optical waveguides facing each other with a layer-to-layer spacing kept not to permit the occurrence of a proximity effect perturbation within a gap section formed in an intermediate layer are configured so that at least one of the optical waveguides is moved toward the other facing the one optical waveguide with drive to cause the occurrence of the proximity effect perturbation between the optical waveguides. Thus, optical signal switching or translation takes place by coupling optical signals transmitted through the optical waveguides with each other by the proximity effect perturbation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiplexing and demultiplexing optical signals. The apparatus includes first and second optical waveguides coupled via an optical coupler. The optical coupler has a coupling waveguide and an optical switching wedge attached to a piezoelectric actuator. In operation, first and second optical signals are received by the first and second optical waveguides, respectively. If the signals are to be combined, the optical switching wedge is moved to a first position where it is optically coupled to the first optical waveguide. The first optical signal is then transmitted, via the coupling waveguide, to the second optical waveguide, where it is combined with the second optical signal. If the signals are not to be combined, the optical switching wedge is moved to a second position where it is optically uncoupled from the first optical waveguide.

Abstract: A device for transmitting digital optical signals between two units traveling relative to each other comprises a controller located on a transmitter side for controlling an issued data rate or package size of the digital signals, so that an optimum transmission is achieved by an adaptation to the transmission characteristics of a transmission path. An optional evaluation means located on a receiver side restores original signals so that a conversion remains concealed, but a substantially more reliable transmission is achieved.

Abstract: An optical switch (10) includes an input device (11), a reflection output device (12), a transmission output device (13), a prism (2) and a rotation device (3). The input and reflection output devices are rotatable around the prism between a first position and a second position. The prism has a reflective surface (21) to effect optical switching. When the input and reflection output devices are at a first position, an input light beam from the input device passes through the reflective surface of the prism, and is output through the transmission output device. When the input and reflection output devices are at a second position, the input light beam from the input device is incident on the reflective surface of the prism at an angle which is equal to or larger than a critical angle of the prism. The input light beam is totally reflected by the reflective surface of the prism and is output through the reflection output device.

Abstract: An optical coupler includes a housing, and includes first and second optical terminals and a prism disposed in the housing. One terminal is moveable with respect to the other, and the prism maintains an optical alignment between the terminals. Because it includes a prism instead of a more complex and delicate optical assembly, such an optical coupler can often be less expensive and more rugged, and can often have a higher connection density, than prior optical couplers.

Abstract: An opto-mechanical switching device for selectively switching an optical input between a plurality of output fibers. The opto-mechanical switching device includes a re-directing fiber adapted to receive the optical input. The re-directing fiber is disposed within a re-directing fiber housing. The re-directing fiber housing is selectively positionable via a stepper motor to transmit the optical input to a predetermined one of the plurality of output fibers. A method for switching an optical input between a plurality of output fibers is also provided.

Abstract: A scannable mirror employs a mirror movable in an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide may be fluid filled and the mirror may be moved by an electromagnetic or electrostatic motor.

Abstract: Provided is a 2×2 optical switch includes a substrate, a first input fiber and a first output fiber, a second input fiber and a second output fiber, a rotating mirror, torsion bars, and an electrostatic force generating part. The first input fiber and a first output fiber are arranged at a predetermined distance from a central point in a first optical path passing through the central point over the substrate. The second input fiber and a second output fiber are arranged at a predetermined distance from the central point in a second optical path that passes through the central point and is orthogonal to the first optical path. The rotating mirror is positioned at around the central point and turns on a turning shaft. The torsion bars support the rotating mirror and the electrostatic force generating part supplies a drive force to the rotating mirror.

Abstract: A photonic crystal drop filter apparatus and a method for tuning a photonic crystal drop filter. The photonic crystal drop filter has a photonic crystal having first waveguide for transmitting light having a frequency within a bandgap of the photonic crystal, and a second waveguide. The second waveguide is connected to the first waveguide by a resonant cavity for extracting at least one wavelength of the light transmitted by the first waveguide and redirecting the extracted light to the second waveguide. A tuning device is included in the apparatus to tune the wavelength of the extracted light over a full range of wavelengths. The apparatus is particularly suitable as an extraction device for optical communications systems such as a WDM communications system wherein it is necessary to extract one or more carrier signals from a plurality of carrier signals.

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: A four-port wavelength-selective crossbar switch generates an add/drop wavelength signal from a wave division multiplexed (WDM) signal using a plurality of double-sided reflectors that selectively reflects a selected wavelength channel signal of the WDM signal through optical circulators to provide low crosstalk between the dropped and added wavelength signals. The switch also reduces the number of WDM MUX-DEMUX required to one half that compared to a traditional approach. Furthermore, the switch can be designed to be wavelength cyclic with individual free spectral ranges that can be independently set to either through or add/drop states.

Abstract: A light-signal delaying device according to the present invention includes a linear guide rail and a pair of stages mounted on the linear guide rail. The device further includes a V-groove holder mounted on one of the stages, a pair of optical fiber collimators secured to the V-groove holder, a pair of reflecting mirrors mounted on the other stage such that reflecting surfaces thereof meet each other at 90°, and an actuator engaging section for moving the stage along the linear guide rail.

Abstract: An optical coupler for coupling to a rotating catheter has a housing with a rotatable distal face and a stationary proximal face. The distal face has an eccentric port and a central port. A lens is disposed inside the housing to intercept a rotating collection beam emerging from the eccentric port and to re-direct the collection beam to a focus proximal to the lens as the collection beam rotates. A beam re-director disposed between the lens and the distal face is oriented to direct a delivery beam toward the central port.

Abstract: A configurable wavelength multiplexing device having first, second, and third reflectors. The first reflector has a first state in which it transmits incoming light (having first and second wavelengths) along a first transmitted path and a second state in which it reflects the light along a first reflected path. The second reflector reflects the first wavelength and transmits the second wavelength. The third reflector reflects the first wavelength. The first, second, and third reflectors are oriented so that when the incoming light is transmitted along the first transmitted path, the first wavelength is reflected by the second and third reflectors to travel along second and third reflected paths, the third reflected path intersects the first reflector at an angle such that the first wavelength is transmitted by the first reflector and continues on the first reflected path, and the second wavelength is transmitted by the second reflector.

Abstract: The present invention uses the deflection of a piezoelectric element to move an optical element into contact with the face of an optical path to redirect an optical signal. In its undeflected state, the optical signal is reflected from the angled face of the optical path by internal reflection. When the piezoelectric actuator moves the optical element into contact with the angled face of the optical path, the index of refraction of the optical path is matched and the optical signal enters the optical element and passes through.

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. This invention provides optically responsive devices that employ these transparent, paramagnetic polymers as an element that is responsive to a magnetic field and a means for providing magnetic field. This invention provides transparent labels or markings employing these transparent, paramagnetic polymers.

Abstract: A MEMS optical switch includes a movable cantilevered beam with a waveguide corresponding to one port of the switch. The beam is designed for in-plane motion and can be deflected, e.g., using a three-electrode motion actuator having one electrode on each side of the beam, which itself acts as the third electrode. The beam moves toward a side electrode in response to a voltage difference applied between the beam and that electrode. The beam has two terminal positions, each defined by a stopper. At each terminal position, a bumper portion of the beam is pushed against a corresponding stopper, which aligns the waveguide in the beam with one of two stationary waveguides, each corresponding to a port of the switch. The MEMS switch may be fabricated using a single silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a gain equalizer comprises a wavelength division demultiplexer operable to separate one or more communication bands into a plurality of wavelengths and an array of phase shifter stages. Each phase shifter stage comprises a micro-electro-optic system (MEMS) device comprising a moveable mirror layer operable to receive a first copy of an input signal from a beam splitter and to reflect the first copy of the input signal for combination with a second copy of the input signal at an output to form an output signal. The moveable mirror layer is displaceable in a substantially piston-like motion to introduce a phase shift between the first and second signal copies at the output, the amplitude of the output signal varying depending on the displacement of the moveable mirror layer.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator comprising a lightguide defining an optical path, the lightguide being divided into first (1) and second parts (2) separated by a gap (3) which crosses the optical path; an optically transparent actuator (7) adapted to be displaced within the gap along a path inclined to the optical path to attenuate a light beam passing along the optical path; the actuator having front (8) and rear (9) faces, at least a portion of the rear face (9) being inclined to the optical path such that the light beam incident on the rear face is substantially totally internally reflected by the rear face within the actuator.

Abstract: An optical switch is provided with an optical-fiber-arraying-member 1 in which a plurality of optical fiber fixing grooves 1a extending along radial directions of a virtual circle are radially formed in a predetermined surface of a base material, a plurality of array-side optical fibers 2 arrayed in the plurality of optical fiber fixing grooves 1a of the optical-fiber-arraying-member 1, and a moving-side optical fiber 4 to be selectively optically connected to either of the plurality of array-side optical fibers 2; the moving-side optical fiber 4 and the optical-fiber-arraying-member 1 are rotated relative to each other about a center axis 1o of the virtual circle, and the moving-side optical fiber 4 is selectively optically connected to the array-side optical fiber 2 selected.

Abstract: An optical switch (99) includes a housing (10), a driver (50), a first I/O port (20), a second I/O port (40) and a switching element (32). Each I/O port has a collimator (27,47) and attaches to input and to output fibers. The housing holds the first I/O port and the second I/O port in alignment with one another and supports the driver on a substrate (11) of the housing. The switching element is rotationally attached to the driver and has a first and second mirrors (322, 323) and a GRIN rod lens (324). The driver drives the switching element between a first position, wherein the rod lens aligns with the I/O ports, and a second position, wherein the mirrors align with the I/O ports. Thus light signals from input fibers are variously directed to output fibers on an opposite side, or on the same side, of the optical switch.

Abstract: A tunable optical filter comprises an optical filter plate for filtering an optical radiation beam, the filter plate exhibiting a spatially non-uniform optical filtration characteristic. Optical beam forming components are provided for receiving optical input radiation at the filter and forming the input radiation into the radiation beam, and for receiving the beam after its optical interaction with the filter plate for forming output radiation for output from the filter. Additionally, actuation components are provided for controllably moving the filter plate relative to the radiation beam for selecting preferred filtration characteristics of the filter plate.

Abstract: An optical switching element has a movable optically transmissive microstructure to change the optical paths of the optical signals. The movable microstructure is “optically transmissive” because it includes structures such as waveguides and waveguide networks which transmit optical signals. The apparatus uses MEMS and micromachining technology to build an optical switch having an optically transmissive microstructure which moves from one position to another position in a direction (e.g., laterally, vertically, rotationally) such that incoming optical signals align over a small air gap with different waveguides, or with different inputs to the waveguides, depending on the position of the movable microstructure. As a result, the optical signals travel different optical paths (e.g., straight pass through or cross over) depending on the position of the movable microstructure.

Abstract: A moving fiber optical switch of the type having two opposed supports carrying optical fibers with a gap between the fiber ends, with at least one of the supports being flexibly mounted for pivotal movement relative to the other support, and in which:

Abstract: Optical systems are provided. One such optical system includes a first waveguide and an optical coupler. The first waveguide propagates optical signals to a first location. The optical coupler incorporates a first component and a second component and selectively, optically communicates with the first waveguide by moving between an uncoupled position and a coupled position. In the coupled position, the optical coupler optically communicates with the first waveguide so that at least some of the optical signals from the first waveguide are redirected by the first component, then the second component, and then propagated to a second location different than the first location. Methods and other optical systems also are provided.

Abstract: A molecular system is provided for electric field activated switches, such as optical switches. The molecular system has an electric field induced band gap change that occurs via a molecular conformation change, based on a rotor/stator construction of the molecular system, involving a rotating portion (rotor) connected between two stationary portions (stators). Nanometer-scale reversible optical switches are thus provided that can be assembled easily to make a variety of optical devices, including optical displays.

Abstract: An optical switch and method of switching provide 1×N optical switching. The optical switch comprises a plurality of optical ports arranged in an annular pattern visible to and aligned with a movable mirror. The mirror is equidistant from each port of the plurality. The optical switch having a 1-dimensional (1D) annular array of ports comprises the mirror located at a center of a circle and the 1D array disposed on a portion of a circumference of the circle. The optical switch having a 2-dimensional (2D) annular array of ports comprises the mirror located at a center of a sphere and the 2D array disposed on a portion of a surface of the sphere. The mirror is movable about one or more axes to direct an optical signal from any port to any other port of the plurality.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for slewing a light beam, having a base element and a support element carrying a light source or an optical component, wherein connecting elements which allow movement of the support element relative to the base element extend between the base element and the support element. The apparatus according to the present invention eliminates or at least reduces the disadvantages of additionally used optical components. The apparatus is characterized in that the connecting elements are spaced apart differently at their ends facing toward the base element and their ends facing toward the support element.

Abstract: A fiber tip fluid output device is provided for holding a fiber tip in an electromagnetic energy cutting apparatus and for directing water particles over a radiation delivery end of the fiber tip. The fiber tip fluid output device includes a generally cylindrical body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The lumen is sized and shaped to accommodate a fiber tip therethrough so that the fiber tip extends through the lumen from the proximal end to the distal end of the generally cylindrical body. The fiber tip fluid output device further includes a plurality of apertures extending around the generally cylindrical body, with each of the apertures of the plurality of apertures fluidly connecting the outer surface to the lumen. Fluid is mixed around the cylindrical body, before entering the lumen through the plurality of apertures for additional mixing.

Abstract: An optical switch comprises a substrate, first and second optical waveguide, and first and second conducting elements. The first optical waveguide is coupled to the substrate. The first conducting element is coupled to the first optical waveguide. The second optical waveguide is coupled to the substrate. The second conducting element is coupled to the second optical waveguide. In operation, a first electrical bias applied between the first and second conducting elements causes the first optical waveguide to not optically couple to the second optical waveguide. Further in operation, a second electric bias applied between the first and second conducting elements causes the first optical waveguide to optically couple to the second optical waveguide.

Abstract: A micromechanical optical switch structure, that may be integrated to form an array of optical switches, switches light between a main waveguide and a switched waveguide. The switched waveguide has a coupling portion and two flexible portions and is coupled to a movable cantilever arm. The cantilever arm is configured to move at least the coupling portion of the switched waveguide between first and second positions with respect to the main waveguide. In the first position, the switched waveguide is evanescently coupled to the main waveguide and in the second position, the switched waveguide is not evanescently coupled to the main waveguide. The movable cantilever arm may be formed with bimaterial arms that move the switched waveguide in response to heat or a piezoelectric potential being applied to the arm or they may be formed with an electrostatic plate that moves the arms in response to an electrostatic potential.

Abstract: An optical switch that includes optical paths organized into a set of M input optical paths and a set of N output optical paths. The optical switch additionally includes a faceted mirror corresponding to each of the M input optical paths and including N facets and a faceted mirror corresponding to each of the N output optical paths and including M facets. Finally, the optical switch includes a moving mechanism coupled to each faceted mirror to step the faceted mirror to selectively align one of the facets of the faceted mirror with the one of the optical paths with which the faceted mirror is associated. The facets of each of the faceted mirrors corresponding to one of the sets of optical paths, i.e., the set of input optical paths or the set of output optical paths, are preferably angled to reflect light towards a different one of the faceted mirrors corresponding to the other of the sets of optical paths, i.e., the set of output optical paths or the set of input optical paths, respectively.

Abstract: An optical switching system that switches the path of an optical signal by moving a microstructure onto which a light-guiding structure is mounted. The microstructure is formed by a MEMs and semiconductor process to be integral to the substrate. The light-guiding structure may include waveguides. The microstructure moves from one position to another position (e.g., laterally, vertically, rotationally) such that incoming optical signals align over a small air gap to different optical paths, depending on the position of the movable microstructure. As a result, the optical signal propagate along different optical paths (e.g., straight pass through or cross over) depending on the position of the movable microstructure. The optical paths have a large radii of curvature so as to change the direction of the optical signal gradually, thereby reducing insertion losses.

Abstract: An optical switching system that switches optical signals in three dimensions by moving an optically transmissive microstructure. The movable microstructure is “optically transmissive” because it includes structures such as waveguides and waveguide networks. The apparatus uses MEMS and micro-machining technology to build an optical switch having an optically transmissive microstructure which moves from one position to another position in a direction (e.g., laterally, vertically, rotationally) such that incoming optical signals align over a small air gap with different waveguides, or with different inputs to the waveguides, depending on the position of the movable microstructure. As a result, the optical signals travel different optical paths (e.g., straight pass through or cross over) depending on the position of the movable microstructure. By combining optical switches in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the resulting optical switching system handles switching in three dimensions.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a reflective element that may be moved into and out of the path of an input light beam without rotation about a hinge. The switch includes a right angle prism whose hypotenuse is an angularly-fixed reflective surface. The prism is fixed to a base platform that is pivotal about an underlying pivot member. A switchable electromechanical relay is energizable for selectively rotating the platform about the pivot member to move the prism in and out of the path of the input beam. A collimator fixed to the output face of the prism assures proper registration of the output with a beam when reflected.

Abstract: A single channel M×N optic switch is provided in accordance with the present invention to steer light radiating from any one fiber in an input bundle into any selected fiber in an output bundle. Precision beam-steering optics is implemented using a Risley prism pair controlled by a small computer. In order to efficiently couple light between two single-mode optical fibers a low-aberration lens approximately collimates the light from the source fiber before it is passed through the Risley prisms in order to minimize the aberrations introduced by the prisms as they collectively deflect the beam through some precise angle. A second low-aberration objective lens is used to refocus the light at the core of a selected output fiber. The focusing lens transforms the angular deflection of the beam into a change in the position of the focused spot in the focal plane of the lens.

Abstract: An optical coupler includes a housing, and includes first and second optical terminals and a prism disposed in the housing. One terminal is moveable with respect to the other, and the prism maintains an optical alignment between the terminals. Because it includes a prism instead of a more complex and delicate optical assembly, such an optical coupler can often be less expensive and more rugged, and can often have a higher connection density, than prior optical couplers.

Abstract: A micro electromechanical (MEMS) electromagnetic optical switch capable of redirecting light signals to a plurality of different output structures. The optical switch utilizes a movable mirror to redirect light signals. The mirror is magnetically moved into a predetermined fixed position by a magnetic member such that the mirror is positioned to redirect a light signal into one of a plurality of output structures. An electrical assembly induces a temporary magnetic field across the magnetic member to initiate the movement of the mirror.

Abstract: A fiber distribution frame includes a fixture having a plurality of modules mounted side-by-side within said fixture with each of the modules being individually mounted in a line of travel. Each of the modules can be locked in any one of a plurality of discrete positions within the line of travel. Each of the modules contains a plurality of adapters for receiving and retaining fiber optic connectors. Further, the fixture may be tilted downwardly to provide access to the rear of the fixture.