Patent ID: 6580845
Filing Date: 2003-06-17
Classification: G02B,H04Q

Abstract:
An optical switch device, comprising:(A) at least one source, the source being adapted to transmit an optical signal; (B) a plurality of targets, the targets being adapted to receive the optical signal; and (C) at least a first and second switch element, each switch element comprising: (a) a detector positioned to receive light from the source, the detector being adapted to detect optical signals; (b) an emitter array positioned to transmit light to the targets, the emitter array comprising a plurality of emitters, each emitter being adapted to generate light signals, wherein light signals generated by each emitter are transmitted to at least one of the plurality of targets; and (c) a switch controller in communication with the detector and the emitter array, the switch controller being adapted to cause the emitter array to generate the detected signal; (D) a beam splitter positioned to reflect optical signals to the detector of the first switch element, the beam splitter being adapted to reflect light within a predetermined range of wavelengths and allow light outside of the predetermined range of wavelengths to pass through the beam splitter, the second switch element being positioned to receive optical signals that pass through the beam splitter and transmit optical signals to the plurality of targets.