Patent ID: 6614574
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: G02B,G02F,H04Q

Abstract:
An optical switching array comprising:a plurality of optical switches in a planar array, at least one of said switches comprising a first non-waveguide section having an index of refraction and comprising electro-optic material, a second non-waveguide section having an index of refraction, said first and second sections being juxtaposed to form a switchably reflective boundary therebetween, and a pair of spaced electrodes generally parallel to each other and generally orthogonal to the plane of the planar array, said electrodes having respective surfaces associated with opposite sides of said first non-waveguide section to induce an electric field therein and change said refractive index; and optical waveguides extending laterally from said optical switches providing optical connection therebetween, wherein said plurality of optical switches are laterally disposed across a substrate, andwherein a light beam entering said at least one optical switch (i) is reflected from said switchably reflective boundary when said switch is in a first state and the refractive index of the first section has a first value, and (ii) is transmitted through said switchably reflective boundary when said switch is in a second state and said index of the first section has a second value different than the first value.