Patent ID: 6229640
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B81B,B81C,G02B,H02N

Abstract:
An optical switch formed on a substrate, comprising:a pair of first waveguide channels and a pair of second waveguide channels disposed on the substrate;a single comb drive actuator including a stationary comb mounted on the substrate, a moveable comb interleaved with the stationary comb, and a beam structure connected between the substrate and the moveable comb; anda mirror coupled to the actuator, the mirror capable of being moved between an extended position interposed between the waveguide channels and a retracted position apart from the waveguide channels;wherein the two combs apply a force capable of deflecting the beam structure and moving the mirror to one of the extended positions or the retracted position and the beam structure returns the mirror to the other of the extended positions or the retracted position in the absence of the application of force between the two combs.