Patent ID: 6154586
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical switch mechanism for reflecting an input light beam from an input port to a reflection output port in a first state and for transmitting an input light beam to a transmission output port in a second state comprising:a block made of a light transmissive substrate for transmitting the light beam, said block containing a cavity having at least a wall at least a portion of the at least a wall being a switching surface, the switching surface having a first mode of operation in the first state and a second mode of operation in the second state of the switch mechanism;a light transmissive diaphragm for dividing the cavity into a reflective portion containing a light reflective fluid and a transmissive portion containing a light transmissive fluid, whereby the light reflective fluid has a refractive index smaller than the refractive index of the light transmissive substrate; and,an actuator for switching from the first state, wherein the switching surface is in contact with the light reflective fluid for totally reflecting the light beam, to the second state, wherein the switching surface is in a touching relationship with the light transmissive diaphragm for transmitting the light beam, by moving the light transmissive diaphragm.