Patent ID: 6377718
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A micromechanical optical modulator comprising:(a) an input optical waveguide with an exit face from which a light beam can exit the waveguide; (b) an output optical waveguide with an entrance face spaced from the exit face of the input optical waveguide to receive a light beam exiting from the exit face of the input optical waveguide on a beam path; and (c) a phase shifting gate mounted between the input optical waveguide and output optical waveguide, the phase shifting gate having a light transmissive panel having at least one section having outer surfaces, the phase shifting gate translatable between at least two positions, wherein in one of the positions of the gate the beam is transmitted from the input optical waveguide on the beam path to the output optical waveguide, and in the other position of the gate, the panel section is interposed in the beam path from the input optical waveguide to the output optical waveguide, wherein the spacing between the exit face of the input optical waveguide and the adjacent outer surface of the section of the light transmissive panel, the spacing between the entrance face of the output optical waveguide and the adjacent outer surface of the section of the light transmissive panel, and the index of refraction of the light transmissive panel are selected for a selected wavelength of light in a beam exiting from the exit face of the input optical waveguide such that in the position of the phase shifting gate in which the section of the light transmissive panel is interposed in the beam path, the light in the beam is substantially reflected by interference effects.