Patent ID: 6356678
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical deflection switch comprising:a) a tapered block of a light-transmissive material having a reflective surface and a second face, the second face including an input/output port and the reflective surface for providing reflection of a beam of light passing through the input/output port into the tapered block; b) a first block of a light-transmissive material having a first face and a second face, the first face including an input port thereon for receiving a collimated beam of light and the second face for providing total internal reflection of the beam of light in a first switching state and for acting as an output/input port for optical communication with the input/output port of the tapered block when the total internal reflection is frustrated in a second switching state, and an angle defined between the reflective face of the tapered block and the second face of the first block being other than zero; and c) a rotator for turning the tapered block around an axis into one of a plurality of selectable positions, each of the plurality of selectable positions for changing a plane of incidence of the beam of light.