Patent ID: 6396972
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical add/drop switch comprising:a plurality of input ports for receiving optical signals; a plurality of output ports operatively associated with said input ports by first optical paths from said input ports to corresponding output ports; a plurality of add ports selectively coupled to said first optical paths; a plurality of drop ports selectively coupled to said first optical paths; and a matrix of optical switching units positioned along said first optical paths from said input ports to said corresponding output ports, each of said switching units being responsive to manipulation of index-matching fluid to switch said each switching unit between a reflective state and a transmissive state, said optical switching units being arranged and oriented within said matrix and relative to said first optical paths such that by selective manipulation of said fluid within said switching units any one of said add ports is optically coupled to any one of said output ports and any one of said input ports is optically coupled to any one of said drop ports.