Patent ID: 6535662
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
An optical switch comprising:a first optical arm and a second optical arm, each arm including a non-linear element having a first state and a second state; a first port connected to one of the first and second arms; a second port connected to both the first and second arms; and a third port connected to both the first and second arms such that two optical paths are formed between the second port and the third port, one including the first arm and the other including the second arm; wherein a first control signal input in the first port causes the non-linear element in the arm to which the first port is connected to become set to its second state; a second control signal input in one of the second and third ports causes the non-linear elements in both the first and second arms to become set to their respective second states; and an output data signal is produced on one of the second and third ports when a data signal input in the other of the second and third ports passes through the non-linear element in one of the first and second arms while that non-linear element is in its first state and passes through the non-linear element in the other arm while that non-linear element is in its second state and otherwise substantially no output data signal is produced.