Patent ID: 6356377
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A micro electromechanical variable optical delay line, comprising:an input for receiving and inputting to the delay line an input light wave; an output adapted to receive and output from the delay line an output path delay compensated light wave signal; a micro machine linear rack having a reflector spaced from the input at a distance to receive the input light wave signal and to reflect the received light wave signal towards said output, wherein the distance is selectively variable in accordance with a predetermined path delay compensation to be provided by the optical delay line; and a controller connected to said micro machine linear rack and operable to selectively vary and thereby control the distance between said reflector and said input in accordance with the predetermined path delay compensation; said controller having a drive motor; an arm having one end connected to said drive motor and an opposing end; and a gear connected to said opposing end of the arm and operatively engaged with said micro machine linear rack such that actuation of the motor causes said arm to drive said gear to move micro machine linear rack and thereby vary the distance between the input and the reflector to correspond to achieve the predetermined path delay compensation.