Patent ID: 6542657
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical routing apparatus for directing a first optical signal and a second optical signal, the optical routing apparatus comprising:(a) a first input port configured to provide the first optical signal; (b) a second input port configured to provide the second optical signal; (c) a first output port configured to receive one of the first and second optical signals; (d) a second output port configured to receive the second optical signal; and (e) an optical switching arrangement adapted to shift among at least two distinct optical configurations, the optical switching arrangement comprising at least one fixed mirror and at least one rotatable mirror, wherein in a first of such optical configurations, the first optical signal follows a first optical path to the first output port and the second optical signal follows a second optical path to the second output port, and wherein in a second of such optical configurations, the second optical signal follows a third optical path to the first output port and the first optical signal is lost, each of such first, second, and third optical paths being defined by the optical switching arrangement.