Patent ID: 6798942
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An electromagnetic optical switch comprising:a reflection member capable of reflecting a light signal at an angle corresponding to an angular position of the reflection member; a magnetic member capable of exerting a magnetic force upon the reflection member; an electrical assembly configured to temporarily induce a magnetic field across the magnetic member such that the magnetic member exerts the magnetic force and causes the angular position of the reflection member to change such that the reflection member is capable of reflecting the light onto a selected one of a plurality of output structures, the electrical assembly including: an electrical source capable of generating current; an electrical conductor electrically coupled to the electrical source, wherein the electrical conductor generates a magnetic field when current is conducted therethrough; an electrical switch disposed between the electrical source and the electrical conductor; a thermal compensation circuit configured to adjust the angular position of the reflection member according to thermal interference; and a calibration circuit configured to determine an optimum position of the reflection member and corresponding current for each position of the electromagnetic optical switch.