Patent ID: 6516108
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An exchange switch for directing optical signals comprising:a first optical transmission path that Includes a first input waveguide and a first output waveguide, said first input and output waveguides being generally aligned; a second optical transmission path that includes a second input waveguide and a second output waveguide, said second input and output waveguides being generally aligned; and an optical switching arrangement having at least two states, including a signal-continuation state in which said first and second input waveguides are respectively coupled to said first and second output waveguides and including a signal-exchange state in which coupling is reversed such that an optical signal received at one of said first and second optical transmission paths is output via the other of said first and second optical transmission paths, said signal-continuation state being such that said first input and first output waveguides are optically coupled along said first optical transmission path and said second input and second output waveguides are optically coupled along said second optical transmission path, said signal-exchange state being such that said first input waveguide is optically coupled to said second output waveguide and said second input waveguide is optically coupled to said first output waveguide, said switching arrangement having a first fluid-manipulable chamber positioned within said first optical transmission path, said first chamber having fluid aligned with said first optical transmission path when said optical switching arrangement is in said signal-continuation state and having an absence of said fluid in alignment with said first optical transmission path when said optical switching arrangement is in said signal-exchange state.