Patent ID: 6711318
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical switch based on a rotating vertical micro-mirror constructed on a surface of a substrate, comprising:at least one input optical fiber arranged to direct at least one optical signal through a free-space along a first optical path parallel to the surface of the substrate; a plurality of output optical fibers arranged to receive the optical signal traveling through the free-space, at least one of the output optical fibers comprising an optical path not co-linear with the first optical path; and at least one substantially vertical, rotating micro-mirror assembly located in the free-space comprising a rotating micro-mirror with a vertical centerline and an axis of rotation both perpendicular to the surface, but not co-linear, the rotating micro-mirror being rotatable between at least one first position not in the first optical path and at least one second position in the first optical path to redirect the optical signal to one of the output optical fibers, wherein the rotating micro-mirror assembly comprises a linkage mechanism mechanically coupled to a plurality of thermal actuators.