Patent ID: 6836584
Filing Date: 2004-12-28
Classification: G02B,G11B,H02N

Abstract:
An optical microswitch for use with a laser beam that extends along a path comprising a body having an inlet port adapted to receive the laser beam and a plurality of outlet ports, a plurality of mirrors carried by the body, a plurality of micromotors carried by the body, microattachment means for rigidly coupling the plurality of mirrors to the respective plurality of micromotors whereby the micromotors selectively move the mirrors from a first position out of the path of the laser beam to a second position into the path of the laser beam to direct the laser beam to one of the outlet ports, each of the micromotors having at least one electrostatically-driven comb drive assembly therein for moving the respective mirror to one of the first and second positions, and a controller electrically coupled to the micromotors for providing control signals to the micromotors.