Patent ID: 6647168
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An apparatus for switching first and second optical signals, the apparatus comprising:a substrate; a movable microstructure formed by a semiconductor process on the substrate, the movable microstructure being suspended at a distance from the substrate and being adapted to move relative to the substrate; an actuator to cause the movable microstructure to move from a first position to a second position relative to the substrate; and a mirrorless light-guiding structure mounted to the movable microstructure such that the mirrorless light-guiding structure moves with the movable microstructure, the mirrorless light-guiding structure including a first set of optical paths and a second set of optical paths, the first set of optical paths having a large radius of curvature which gradually changes the direction of the first or second optical signal, whereby when the movable microstructure is in a first position, the first and second optical signals travel along the first set of optical paths in the light-guiding structure, and when the movable microstructure is in a second position, the first and second optical signals travel along the second set of optical paths in the mirrorless light-guiding structure.