Abstract: A wavelength-selective optical filter is described. The filter includes an input waveguide for carrying a multiplexed optical signal that includes a plurality of wavelength channels. Further, an output waveguide is placed to the input waveguide, the output waveguide having a Bragg grating filter formed thereon. The input waveguide and the output waveguide is separated by a gap distance when said filter is in an off state. Finally, means for displacing the Bragg grating filter sufficiently towards the input waveguide when the filter is in an on state such that the Bragg grating filter can selectively extract one of the plurality of wavelength channels.

Abstract: To provide an optical device and method for manufacturing the same that allow a reduction in size and the easy fabrication of an optical splitter or an optical coupler with which the branching ratio or the coupling ratio can be dynamically changed after device production. An optical device is provided with a photonic crystal having a periodic refractive index distribution due to a periodic arrangement of a plurality of materials of different refractive indices, an input-side optical waveguide for making light incident on the photonic crystal, and an output-side optical waveguide for emitting light from the photonic crystal, and further includes an external drive portion for changing a relative position of the photonic crystal and at least one of the input-side optical waveguide and the output-side optical waveguide, thereby allowing a small, high-performance optical device to be achieved.

Abstract: An effective index modifier that modifies light propagation in a waveguide. The device is formed on a wafer, such as a Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) wafer that includes an insulator layer and an upper silicon layer. A waveguide is formed at least in part in the upper silicon layer of the SOI wafer. The waveguide guides an optical signal by total internal reflection. At least one micro-mechanical system (MEMS) having at least one movable component is disposed a positive distance away from the waveguide. Application of voltage to the MEMS results in a variation of the distance between the moveable component and the waveguide, which in turn alters the effective index of the waveguide in a location proximate the moveable object, thereby resulting in modification of light propagation in the waveguide.

Abstract: A sample analysis system comprises a plurality of media containers, a plurality of sample test sites, a plurality of media sampling lines, a plurality of optical source lines, a plurality of optical return lines, and an optical input selection device. Each media sampling line is adapted for transferring a quantity of media from a corresponding one of the media containers to a corresponding one of the sample test sites. Each optical source line has an optical source line input end and an optical source line output end. Each optical source line output end communicates with a corresponding one of the sample test sites. Each optical return line has an optical return line input end and an optical return line output end. Each optical return line input end communicates with a corresponding one of the sample test sites. The optical input selection device is rotatable about a first axis, and comprises a first internal optical fiber having a first input end and a first output end.

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: A number of holes (3) are formed in the outer circumferential wall (2) of a tubular metallic pipe (1) at regulator intervals in both circumferential and axial directions. Each of the holes (3) consists of a polygonal opening (4) and raised pieces (5) formed by bending the material from the peripheral edge surrounding the opening (3). This pipe may be used as an insert pipe in injection molding an article such as a lead screw, an optical fiber ferrule or the like. The raised pieces reinforce the part of the pipe surrounding each hole, and enhances the bonding between the molding material and insert pipe.

Abstract: A multi axis optical component actuator mechanism is disclosed using a plurality of electromagnetic coil actuators and a plurality of magnetic stator assemblies for aligning an optical component in a plurality of axes. In the preferred embodiment the plurality of electromagnetic coils are rigidly coupled together to a carriage and the optical component. The carriage is free to move within a plurality of magnetic flux air gaps defined within a plurality of magnetic stator assemblies in response to a plurality of control signals having a magnitude and polarity. Advantageously the disclosed multi-axis optical component actuation mechanism has a high frequency response as well as inexpensive cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: A variable attenuation device for optical signal transmission has first and second ferrules or plugs having abutting end faces, one of the ferrules being rotatable with respect to the other while axial alignment therebetween is maintained. Each ferrule or plug has an axial bore aligned with the other and contains the end of an optical fiber, with a fiber having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the bore in which it is contained so that the fibers may have decreased engagement with each other when there is relative rotation of the ferrules although the ferrule bores remain aligned.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator device is disclosed. The MEMS actuator device has an actuated element that is rotatably connected to a support structure via torsional members. The torsional members provide a restoring force to keep the actuated element planar to the surface of an underlying substrate. The surface of the substrate has electrodes formed thereon. The electrodes are adapted to receive an electrical potential. When an electrical potential is applied to certain of the electrodes, an electrostatic force is generated which causes the actuated element to rotate out of plane. The electrodes have three components. At least a portion of two of the components is within the tilting area of the actuated element. The third is outside the tilting area of the actuated element. The tilting area is defined as the surface area of the actuated element as projected onto the underlying substrate.

Abstract: An optical switch using Risley prisms and rotary microactuators to independently rotate the wedge prisms of each Risley prism pair is disclosed. The optical switch comprises an array of input Risley prism pairs that selectively redirect light beams from a plurality of input ports to an array of output Risley prism pairs that similarly direct the light beams to a plurality of output ports. Each wedge prism of each Risley prism pair can be independently rotated by a variable-reluctance stepping rotary microactuator that is fabricated by a multi-layer LIGA process. Each wedge prism can be formed integral to the annular rotor of the rotary microactuator by a DXRL process.

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: 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: 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 all-optical switch with wavelength conversion is disclosed. The optical switch comprises an input waveguide for carrying a multiplexed optical signal comprised of a plurality of wavelength channels. Further included is a demultiplexer for separating the multiplexed optical signal into the plurality of wavelength channels. The wavelength channels are then provided to a wavelength converter operative to convert the wavelength channels into a converted wavelength channel. The converted wavelength channels are input to a switch operative to switch the converted wavelength channels onto output waveguides.

Abstract: A dynamic optical coupling device for coupling an optical signal from a static optical fiber to a dynamic optical fiber is provided. The device includes: a static element for inputting the optical signal, a static ferrule adaptor for mounting the static element therein to pass therethrough, a dynamic element for outputting the optical signal, a dynamic ferrule adaptor for mounting the dynamic ferrule element therein to pass therethrough, wherein a free space is formed between the static ferrule adaptor and the dynamic ferrule adaptor, a ferrule adaptor connector for connecting the static ferrule adaptor and the dynamic ferrule adaptor, and a supporting frame mounting the ferrule adaptor connector therein.

Abstract: An assembly includes a device for receiving at least one input to produce an output. An antenna arrangement supports the device to transfer the input to the device and further to transfer the output from the device such that the antenna arrangement supports a selected one of the input and the output as a high frequency current. The antenna includes a peripheral configuration which confines high frequency current to at least one dominant path to oscillate in the dominant path and the other one of the input and the output is a lower frequency signal present at least generally throughout the antenna arrangement. At least one port is positioned sufficiently away from the dominant path to isolate the lower frequency signal from surface current in the dominant path. The assembly is usable in modulation, emitting, mixing and detection modes and may include a resonant or non-resonant configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical switching element causing less loss of light and permitting high response, thinning of an optical system for illumination, and the realization of an image display device exhibiting precise grayscale properties. In the optical switching element, an extraction surface of a light extraction unit mounted to a thin film is brought into contact with the total reflection surface of a light guide serving as a light guide unit comprising a glass plate or the like for transmitting light by total reflection, or near at a distance from the total reflection, surface for allowing extraction of evanescent waves, to extract the incident light transmitted through the light guide and emit the extracted light to the outside through an emission member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging biochip spots in which a linearly spaced array of micro-lenses has a set of optical fibers which are associated with each micro-lens to receive and transmit the image magnified by the micro-lens. The micro-lenses are spaced to that of the biochip spots so that the microlens array can be positioned over a selected group of biochip spots, one for each micro-lens. The microlens array can be translated to be over selected groups of biochip spots. A detector and user devise such as a computer and a screen are used to record and view the collected images.

Abstract: An optical circuit assembly is composed of a board for mounting an optical circuit element, an optical adapter that connects an optical fiber cable to the optical circuit element, and an adapter supporting member which movably supports the optical adapter. The adapter supporting member allows the optical adapter to move between first and second positions. The first position is located substantially at an edge of the board, and the second position is located above the board away from the edge.

Abstract: A method for providing robust and reliable transmission of shaft encoder signals. Initially, the differentially encoded shaft encoder signals are received. The shaft encoder signals are converted into single-ended electrical signals. These single-ended electrical signals are then converted into optical signals. Finally, the optical signals are transmitted through optical conductors.

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 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: 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 output device includes a generally cylindrical body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The lumen is sized and shaped to accommodate a fiber tip therethrough so that the fiber tip extends through the lumen. The device further includes a plurality of apertures extending around the generally cylindrical body, with each of the apertures fluidly connecting the outer surface to the lumen. Fluid is mixed around the cylindrical body, before entering the lumen through the apertures for additional mixing. The mixed fluid is then output from the lumen onto the fiber tip, for subsequent interaction with electromagnetic energy in an interaction zone above a target surface.

Abstract: An optical multiplexing/demultiplexing device with variable branching ratio is disclosed. The device includes a first collimator lens assembly having a first collimator lens 14, and first and second optical fibers F1 and F2 which have distal ends thereof optically coupled to the lens, and are away from each other by a distance “d,” an optical axis of the lens being positioned at a midpoint therebetween, a second collimator lens assembly having a second collimator lens 15 and a third optical fiber F3 which has a distal end thereof optically coupled to the lens, being away from an optical axis of the lens by a distance “d/2” and reflection mirror means. The reflection mirror means reflects and couples a part or all of a parallel beam of an expanded mode field area, which is emitted from the first optical fiber and formed on a reference plane, to the second optical fiber, or transmits and connects all or a part of the parallel beam to the third optical fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a coordinate position and/or orientation of a stylus. The apparatus functions by positioning an armature coupled to the stylus, which is disposed within a magnetic fluid. The magnetic fluid is contained within a cavity defined in a non-magnetic body. A controllable active magnetic field-generating structure disposed in proximity to the cavity is used to generate a variable magnetic field that acts upon the magnetic fluid, causing it to be displaced, thereby enabling the armature to be moved to a desired coordinate position and/or orientation. In one implementation, the invention may be used in free space optical communication systems, whereby the stylus comprises the end portion of a fiber optic cable that may be positioned so as to maximize the energy levels of both transmitted and received optical signals.

Abstract: An optical switch using Risley prisms and rotary microactuators to independently rotate the wedge prisms of each Risley prism pair is disclosed. The optical switch comprises an array of input Risley prism pairs that selectively redirect light beams from a plurality of input ports to an array of output Risley prism pairs that similarly direct the light beams to a plurality of output ports. Each wedge prism of each Risley prism pair can be independently rotated by a variable-reluctance stepping rotary microactuator that is fabricated by a multi-layer LIGA process. Each wedge prism can be formed integral to the annular rotor of the rotary microactuator by a DXRL process.

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 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: An improved highly doped waveguide is provided which comprises a waveguide employing an Er dopant and Pr sensitizer ions. The present invention also provides a method of efficient coupling from an optical source into a waveguide using a rotated optical element.

Abstract: A mirror angle detecting device includes a movable portion having at least a mirror; a support drive portion that tilts the movable portion; a light source that emits light to the movable portion; a beam splitter that changes the optical path if reflected light from the movable portion; a photodector that receives the reflected light from the moveable portion and that detects a tilt amount of the mirror; and at least one condenser lens disposed between the photodetector and the moveable portion.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a MEMS optomechanical switch in accordance with the present invention includes a substrate, a signal source capable of transmitting a radiation signal, an electrode coupled to the substrate, and a micromachined plate rotatably coupled to the substrate about a pivot axis. The switch further includes a micromirror having an orientated reflective surface, mounted to the micromachined plate and an electrical source coupled to at least one of the electrode and the micromachined plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controllably phase shifting the optical signals emitted by at least one of a plurality of optical fibers by positioning the end portion of the optical fiber that emits the optical signals to be phase shifted relative to the optical signals emitted by the other optical fibers. The apparatus includes a plurality of optical fibers for supporting the propagation of optical signals from a first end to an opposed second end from which the optical signals are emitted. The apparatus also includes at least one micromanipulator, typically operating under the direction of a controller, for controllably positioning the second end of a respective optical fiber relative to the second ends of the other optical fibers, thereby shifting the phase of the optical signals emitted by the respective optical fibers. Typically, the optical signals have a predetermined direction of propagation following emission by an optical fiber.

Abstract: An exchange switch for an optical switching network utilizes the manipulation of fluid to selectively exchange outputs for two optical transmission paths. That is, when the switch is in a signal-exchange state, first and second transmission paths reciprocally exchange optical signals that are received at input waveguides of the transmission paths. In one embodiment, the exchange switch includes an optical switching arrangement having first and second switching members. The first switching member is positioned to selectively interrupt the continuation of signal propagation along the first transmission path, while the second switching member is positioned to selectively interrupt the continuation of signal propagation along the second transmission path. When fluid resides within the chambers of the two switching members, the exchange switch is in a signal-continuation state.

Abstract: An optical waveguide connector (100) includes a first component (130) defining a first channel portion (145) formed along a length of an inner surface thereof. The first channel portion (145) is sized to receive a waveguide (120). A second component (135) defines a second channel portion (145) along a length of an inner surface thereof. The second channel portion (145) also is sized to receive a waveguide (120). A fastening mechanism fastens the first component (130) to the second component (135) such that the waveguides (120) are held in position. The first and second channel portions form a channel (145) having a reflective inner surface (150) and a central portion (167). The central portion (167) surrounds and conforms in shape to the waveguides (120).

Abstract: A microstructure for steering light is provided. A pivot member is connected with a structural film and supports a base that includes a reflective coating. A fixed rotational actuator is connected with the structural film and is configured to rotate the base on the pivot member upon actuation. A movable hard stop is connected with the structural film. The movable hard stop is configured such that in each of a plurality of its positions, the base assumes one of a plurality of tilt positions upon actuation of the fixed rotational actuator.

Abstract: A micromachined plate 11, called a torsion plate, selectively pivots upon a substrate responsively to electrical force so as to move an attached micromirror 12 in a same plane; thereby to accurately selectively intercept, and to reflect, a light beam 2 that is moving parallel to the substrate; forming thus an optomechanical switch 1. The electrical force may be electromagnetic 3 in nature or, preferably, electrostatic. In various embodiments the pivoting torsion plate 11 with the micromirror 12 affixed may be (i) biased off the substrate by a three-dimensional structure 14 and/or by a “reshaped” torsion beam 11c, (ii) bent as plate 11d, and operated push OR pull, push AND pull, or push AND push, in a rocking operation, (iii) elevated above the substrate upon a self-assembling “micro-elevator structure” 16, and/or (iv) moved greatly in angular position by action of a “micro-flap” 11f.

Abstract: An optical channel selection device comprises a barrel, an internal optical fiber disposed within the barrel, a first bearing coaxially disposed around the barrel, and a first bearing sleeve coaxially disposed around the first bearing. The barrel is rotatable about a central axis, and comprises a first end surface and a second opposing end surface. The internal optical fiber includes a first fiber end and a second fiber end. The first fiber end is exposed on the first end surface at a radially offset distance from the central axis. The second fiber end is exposed on the second end surface collinearly with the central axis. The first bearing sleeve has a plurality of first bearing sleeve apertures circumferentially spaced from each other. Each first bearing sleeve aperture is disposed in the first bearing sleeve at the radially offset distance, and is selectively optically aligned with the second fiber end through incremental rotation of the barrel.

Abstract: In a moving mechanism, a contact is disposed on a moving body, and the contact is in contact with a positioning member so as to move the moving body by 180 degrees. With this structure, the accurate regulation of the position of the moving body can be realized with only a slight improvement in the conventional moving mechanism, and the object can be inexpensively realized. Also, since the position detecting means, the signal processing means, etc., are not required other than the moving mechanism, necessary and sufficient functions can be realized with the minimum structure without requiring excessive energy and space.

Abstract: The optical switch comprises a substrate, a planar waveguide circuit, an index-matching liquid, a working fluid and a displacing device. The planar waveguide circuit is supported by the substrate. The planar waveguide circuit and the substrate collectively define a trench that includes a first trench region and a second trench region adjacent the first trench region. The second trench region has a width greater than the first trench region. The planar waveguide circuit includes a first waveguide and a second waveguide. The waveguides intersect at the first trench region and are positioned such that light traversing the first waveguide enters the second waveguide when an index-matching material is present in the first trench region, and is otherwise reflected by said the first trench region. The index-matching liquid is located in at least part of the first trench region. The working fluid is located in the second trench region.

Abstract: A reflecting-mirror-type variable optical attenuator based on a new principle is provided. A reflecting-mirror-type variable optical attenuator according to the present invention is formed of a collimator lens with optical fibers in which two optical fibers are attached to a rod lens in respective positions off-centered from the optical axis of the rod lens and a linearly movable reflecting mirror. A phenomenon that the optical axis of a light beam emitted from one optical fiber deviates from the optical axis of the collimator lens by the angle according to the off-centered distance on the surface of the rod lens is utilized. That is, by changing the distance between the surface of the reflecting mirror arranged to be linearly movable in the optical axial direction back and forth and the surface of the rod lens, input light from one optical fiber is attenuated to be output to the other optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for the contactless transmission of data between a rotating component and a stationary component by means of light signals which are transmitted by a projector (2) and detected by a receiver (4). According to the invention, a ring-shaped light-conducting body (5) which consists of a transparent material and has integrated reflecting prisms is integrated between the projector (2) and the receiver (4). The exit surface (10) of the light-conducting body (5) opposite the receiver (4) is matt. The projector (2) is allocated to the stationary component and the receiver (4) is allocated to the rotating component This enables light signals to be permanently transmitted from the stationary component to the rotating component, with a high data rate at a high relative speed.

Abstract: An optical switch using a refractive optical element (52) to direct a light beam in selected directions upon operation of the switch. In a preferred embodiment, the refractive optical element is an optical wedge having a first portion (67) that transmits a light beam in a selected direction, and a second portion (50) that transmits the light beam in another direction, when the first or second portions of the optical wedge are switched into the path of the light beam. The refractive optical element is less sensitive to misalignment than a reflective element, for example. In a further embodiment, the optical wedge is combined with wavelength-selective filters (118, 128) and other components to provide a channel DROP and/or ADD function with high isolation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical switching element causing less loss of light and permitting high response, thinning of an optical system for illumination, and the realization of an image display device exhibiting precise grayscale properties. In the optical switching element, an extraction surface of a light extraction unit mounted to a thin film is brought into contact with the total reflection surface of a light guide serving as a light guide unit comprising a glass plate or the like for transmitting light by total reflection, or near at a distance from the total reflection, surface for allowing extraction of evanescent waves, to extract the incident light transmitted through the light guide and emit the extracted light to the outside through an emission member.

Abstract: A device for triggering an airbag device that is accommodated in a steering wheel is described. The device has a firing cap for an airbag device that is accommodated in a steering wheel and is fired by a light pulse that is supplied via an optical waveguide. A coupling device, which decouples the optical waveguide from the rotation of the steering wheel but ensures that the light pulse is transmitted into the firing cap from the optical waveguide and also ensures that the airbag is inflated by a gas generator, is provided between the optical waveguide and the airbag.

Abstract: A medical handpiece for transmitting energy from a laser beam into biological tissue. An optical fiber for conveying the laser beam to the handpiece and a light guide for radiating the laser energy into the tissue are arranged in a base body. Means are provided for aligning the optical axis of the light guide in relation to the optical axis of the fiber and means for aligning the optical axis of the light guide in relation to the base body are also provided. The light guide can be displaced in an axial direction in relation to the base body and the alignment can be set according to the direction of displacement or maintained. The light guide is easy to replace and the device is easy to clean in accordance with all hygiene requirements.

Abstract: This improved method and apparatus for switching optical signals uses a rotatable optically transmissive microstructure to change the optical paths of optical signals. The rotatable optically transmissive microstructure includes structures such as waveguides and waveguide networks which transmit optical signals. MEMS and micromachining technology are used to build an optical switch with a microstructure that rotates from one position to another position (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 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 microstructure.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator to provide a new drive mechanism for an actuator, whereby the amount of attenuation does not increase in geometric progression as voltage increases, and an exceptional resolution effect is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to segmented waveguide for a fiber optic rotary joint. The segmented waveguide is mountable to the existing stator surface. The segmented waveguide is capable of receiving signals from the rotor. The fiber optic rotary joint includes a rotor and an existing stator surface. The rotor is rotatable through a full 360° and is concentric to the existing stator surface. The rotor has one of a plurality of light transmitters and light receivers connected to a first circumference of the rotor. The segmented waveguide includes a reflective waveguide surface shaped to match a potion of existing stator surface. At least one waveguide support supports the reflective waveguide surface and is connectable to the existing stator. At least one of a light transmitter or light receiver is optically coupled to a reflective waveguide surface.

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.