Patent ID: 6430329
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: G02B,H04Q

Abstract:
An optical switch array comprising:(a) at least three output waveguides; (b) a first group of at least three input waveguides; (c) for each of said input waveguides of said first group: for each of said output waveguides, a combining element coupling said each output waveguide only to said each input waveguide; and (d) for each of said input waveguides of said first group, a switching mechanism for coupling all of said output waveguides to said each input waveguide; said output waveguides, said input waveguides, said combining elements and said switching mechanism all being arranged substantially in a common plane; all of said output waveguides traversing successively respective said combining elements in a common order relative to said input waveguides of said first group.