Patent ID: 6356679
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical routing element comprising:first and second waveguide segments extending along a common axis, with a routing region disposed therebetween; a third waveguide segment extending from said routing region along an axis that is at a non-zero angle with respect to said common axis; a body of transparent solid material disposed in said routing region, said body having a contracted state at a first temperature and an expanded state at a second temperature, wherein said contracted state defines an air gap disposed in the path of light traveling along said first waveguide segment so as to cause said light to be deflected into said third waveguide segment through total internal reflection, and said expanded state removes said air gap disposed in the path of light traveling along said first waveguide segment so as to allow said light to pass into said second waveguide segment; and a wavelength-selective filter disposed in said routing region between said body and said second waveguide segment, said wavelength-selective filter reflecting light in a first wavelength range and transmitting light in a second wavelength range.