Patent ID: 7428036
Filing Date: 2008-09-23
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
1. A switchable coupler comprising: a first optical waveguide defining an inlet port for a first unpolarized light input and a first outlet port, a second optical waveguide defining an inlet port for a second unpolarized light input and a second outlet port, a polarization splitter device positioned between said waveguides to split each of said first unpolarized light input and said second unpolarized light input into refracted and reflected polarized components, the waveguides being arranged, in the absence of activated first and second electro-optical switches, to transmit said refracted and reflected polarized components of said first light input by total internal reflection in the direction of said first outlet port, and the refracted and reflected polarized components of said second light input by total internal reflection in the direction of said second outlet port, a first electro-optical switch positioned in the paths of said refracted and reflected polarized components of said first light input, said first electro-optical switch for recombining said refracted and reflected polarized components of said first light input and, when activated, to switch these combined components towards said second outlet port, and a second electro-optical switch, positioned in the paths of said refracted and reflected polarized components of said second light input, for recombining said refracted and reflected polarized components of said second light input and, when activated, to switch these combined components to said first outlet port.