Patent ID: 6640023
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: B33Y,G02B,H04Q

Abstract:
An optical cross connect for switching optical signals between a plurality of optical ports, said optical cross connect comprising:a substrate having a first surface facing the optical ports; a plurality of reflective microstructures formed on the first surface of said substrate, each said reflective microstructure being associated with one of said optical ports and including an optically reflective surface; and a free space switch interface defined between the optical ports and the first surface of said substrate with the optical ports being on a first side of said free space switch interface and said reflective microstructures being on a second side of said free space switch interface opposite the first side; each said reflective microstructure being positionable to orient its reflective surface to reflect an optical signal receivable from its associated optical port directly to the reflective surface of at least one other one of said reflective microstructures; each said reflective microstructure being positionable to orient its reflective surface to reflect an optical signal receivable directly from at least one other one of said reflective microstructures to its associated optical port.