Patent ID: 6731833
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical cross connect switch, comprising:a beam generating portion receiving an optical input fiber having an end, and providing an optical signal from said end, and having a means for generating a substantially collimated communication beam containing said optical signal, and a means for generating a substantially collimated companion alignment beam, wherein said communication beam and said companion alignment beam propagate away from said beam generating 8 portion in closely spaced, substantially parallel paths; a beam receiving portion receiving a plurality of optical output fibers, 10 each said optical output fiber having a core and an associated position sensor adjacent and in a known positional relationship to said core; a beam directing portion for receiving said communication beam and said companion alignment beam from said beam generating portion, and a means for directing said communication beam to one optical output fiber of said plurality of optical output fibers, and said companion alignment beam to said associated position sensor wherein said companion alignment beam strikes said position sensor at a location and said sensor generates an electrical signal corresponding to said location; and a means for controlling said means for directing said communication beam, said means for controlling receiving said electrical signal and adjusting said means for directing said communication beam in response to said electrical signal to position said communication beam on said core.