Patent ID: 6643426
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical switch for directing at least one light signal, the optical switch including an optical substrate having at least one trench formed at the intersection of at least one first waveguide and at least one second waveguide, and an electrical substrate coupled to the optical substrate, the electrical substrate having at least one actuator disposed opposite to the at least one trench, the optical switch comprising:at least one pixel coupled to the optical substrate and interposed between the trench and the actuator, the at least one pixel moving between a first quiescent switch state and a second active switch state and wherein the at least one pixel further comprises: a plate coupled to the optical substrate, the plate being interposed between the trench and the actuator; and a reflector connected to the plate; and an assisted-release mechanism coupled to the pixel member, the assisted-release mechanism applying a force to the pixel member in the second active state_wherein the assisted-release mechanism further comprises: at least one landing post disposed on the electrical substrate, the landing post engaging the pixel in the second switch state; and at least one flexure spring coupled to the pixel, the flexure spring being deflected by the landing post in the second state to thereby store mechanical energy.