Patent ID: 6944363
Filing Date: 2005-09-13
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
1. An optical switch device comprising a plurality of optical elements mutually aligned along a common device optical axis, wherein the plurality of optical elements comprises: a multiple-fiber pigtail for coupling the device to multiple optical ports, a collimating lens coupled to the pigtail such that optical signals associated with the multiple optical ports will all pass through the collimating lens, a birefringent crystal, a halfwave plate pair, a switchable Faraday rotator, an electromagnet for switching the switchable Faraday rotator, a Wollaston prism, and a mirror; wherein the multiple optical ports comprise a first port and a second port, wherein the switchable Faraday rotator selectively switches the device between a first state and a second state, wherein the switchable Faraday rotator rotates the polarization of light passing through it by 90 degrees when the electromagnet is turned on, wherein the switchable Faraday rotator does not rotate the polarization of light passing through it when the electromagnet is turned off, and wherein the first state couples light between the first port and the second port, and the second state does not couple light between the first port and the second port.