Patent ID: 8111439
Filing Date: 2012-02-07
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical switch, comprising: a bi-stable mechanism having two anchors and a curved-beam connected between said two anchors, wherein a first cantilever is provided on a bending portion of the curved-beam and extends from the curved-beam in opposite directions, and wherein one end of the curved-beam has a driving portion disposed thereon, the driving portion having a first side facing away from the curved-beam and a second side opposite to the first side, and the bi-stable mechanism having a first stable mode and a second stable mode; a first electro-thermal actuator disposed at a position adjacent to a driven portion of the bi-stable mechanism and comprising two anchors and a first beam disposed between the anchors, wherein the first beam has a bending portion bending towards the bi-stable mechanism and a first driving arm extending from the first beam, wherein an end of the first driving arm is adjacent to a first side of the driven portion; and a second electro-thermal actuator disposed at a position adjacent to the driven portion of the bi-stable mechanism and comprising two anchors and a second beam disposed between the anchors, the second electro-thermal actuator being coupled to the first electro-thermal actuator by connecting one of the anchors with the other, wherein the second beam has a bending portion bending away from the direction of the bi-stable mechanism and a second driving arm extending from the second beam, with an end of the second driving arm being adjacent to a second side of the driven portion.