Patent ID: 6445841
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: G02B,H04Q

Abstract:
An optomechanical matrix switch, comprising:a substrate; a MEMS optomechanical switching cell, comprising: an electrode coupled to said substrate, said electrode capable of receiving an electrical signal; an actuator, movably coupled to said substrate via a hinge, said electrode and said actuator capable of generating an electrically induced force therebetween, wherein said actuator is capable of moving in response to a change in said electrically induced force; and a reflective element mounted to said actuator, a reflective surface of said reflective element displacing substantially in a single plane in response to movement of said actuator; a plurality of said MEMS optomechanical switching cells; and a first array of collimator elements, each of said collimator elements in optical alignment with a respective one of said plurality of said MEMS optomechanical switching cells.