Patent ID: 6108466
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical switch comprising:four optical waveguides each having a tapered end comprising two tapered edges and disposed on a support such that each tapered edge of each waveguide is in opposed and near-abutting relation with a tapered edge of another optical waveguide, said near abutment defining a space between each pair of opposed tapered edges;a first electromechanical actuator operable to move at least a first optical device into and out of a path of an optical signal travelling between two of the waveguides, wherein the first optical device moves in the space between a first pair of opposed tapered edges; anda second electromechanical actuator operable to move at least a second optical device into and out of the path of the optical signal, wherein the second optical device moves in the space between a second pair of opposed tapered edges, whereinone tapered edge of the first pair and one tapered edge of the second pair are common to one of the optical waveguides.