Patent ID: 6493488
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: G02B,H04Q

Abstract:
A signal processing device, comprising:a first beam splitter operable to receive an optical input signal and communicate at least two copies of the input signal in at least two directions; a plurality of reflective surfaces, each operable to receive one of the signal copies and to reflect the copies for ultimate combination at an output to form an output signal; wherein at least one of the reflective surfaces comprises a moveable mirror layer of a first micro-electro-optic system (MEMS) device, the moveable mirror layer operable to experience a substantially piston-like motion to change its position relative to the first beam splitter, the change in position causing a phase shift between the signal copies and a corresponding interference between the signal copies at the output, the amplitude of the output signal operable to vary depending on the position of the moveable mirror.