Patent ID: 6236775
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: G02B,H04Q

Abstract:
An optical switch array comprising:(a) at least three input waveguides;(b) at least three output waveguides;(c) for each of said output waveguides other than a last said output waveguide:(i) a respective combining mechanism for coupling all of said input waveguides to said each output waveguide, and(ii) for each of said input waveguides, a respective switching element for coupling said each input waveguide to said each output waveguide via said respective combining mechanism; and(d) for said last output waveguide: only a respective combining mechanism for coupling all of said input waveguides to said last output waveguide:said input waveguides, said output waveguides, said switching elements and said combining mechanisms all being arranged substantially in a common plane; all of said input waveguides traversing successively said switching elements in a common order relative to said output waveguides.