Patent ID: 6798937
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical relay comprising:a first input optical waveguide; a first output optical waveguide, optically aligned with the first input optical waveguide to form a first direct optical path; a second output optical waveguide intersecting the first input optical waveguide; a transparent mirror housing, located at the intersection of the first input optical waveguide and the second output optical waveguide; a solid slug adapted to move within a switching channel passing through the transparent mirror housing, the solid slug having a wettable surface; a liquid metal volume in wetted contact with the wettable surface of the solid slug and forming a reflective surface; a first pressure actuator operable to move the solid slug within the switching channel so that it blocks the first direct optical path and completes a first reflected optical path from the first input optical waveguide to the second output optical waveguide; and a second pressure actuator operable to move the solid slug within the switching channel to remove it from the first direct optical path.