Patent ID: 6694072
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: G02B,H04Q

Abstract:
A fiber optic switching module comprising:a) a first and a second group of collimator receptacles which are separated from each other at opposite ends of a free space optical path, and each of which collimator receptacles is respectively adapted for receiving and fixing an optical fiber collimator assembly: that in turn receives and fixes an end of an optical fiber, and which is adapted for emitting a quasi-collimated beam of light into the optical path; b) a first and a second set of reflective light beam deflectors that are disposed in a V-shaped arrangement within the optical path between the groups of collimator receptacles, each of the light beam deflectors being: associated with one of the optical fiber collimator assemblies receivable in the collimator receptacles; located so the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from the associated optical fiber collimator assembly impinges upon the light beam deflector to be reflected therefrom; and energizable by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module to be oriented for reflecting the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from the associated optical fiber collimator assembly to also reflect off a selected light beam deflector; and c) a mirror disposed along the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors upon which quasi-collimated beams of light impinge; whereby a pair of light beam deflectors when selected and oriented by the drive signals supplied thereto, establish an optical coupling for at least one quasi-collimated beam of light between a pair of optical fiber collimator assemblies one of which is fixable in any one of said collimator receptacles and another optical fiber collimator assembly fixable in any other of said collimator receptacles.