Patent ID: 7298954
Filing Date: 2007-11-20
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A micro-electro-mechanical optical switch and variable optical attenuator, comprising: a first fixed optical waveguide for selection; a second fixed optical waveguide for selection; a movable waveguide shuttle further comprising an optical waveguide which may be brought into substantial alignment with either the first fixed optical waveguide as selected or in the alternative the second fixed optical waveguide as selected; an actuator micro-incrementally misaligning the movable waveguide shuttle thus correspondingly micro-incrementally misaligning the movable optical waveguide relative to the selected first or second fixed optical waveguide; and a latch that will hold by way of the actuator, the movable optical waveguide as positionally micro-incrementally misaligned relative to the selected first or second fixed optical waveguide, in a manner such that any optical signal passing through the selected first or second fixed optical waveguide and movable waveguide is attenuated.