Patent ID: 7171083
Filing Date: 2007-01-30
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
1. An optical switch module to switch an optical signal from an input fiber to a selected one of a plurality of output fibers comprising: a single optical input to accept an optical signal from the input fiber; optical elements to direct said optical signals to a selected one of a plurality of outputs each optically coupled to one of said plurality of output fibers, where said optical elements comprise: a collimating element to collimate said optical signal; an active deflecting element to accept said collimated optical signal and deflect said optical signal in a one of a plurality of directions corresponding to a one of said plurality of outputs, where said deflecting element comprises an electro-optic material and at least first and second pairs of electrodes on opposites sides of said electro-optic material; a common waveguide having a waveguide input to accept an optical signal deflected by said active deflecting element and a waveguide output, and a focusing element at sad plurality of output outputs comprising passive optics focus said optical signal from said common waveguide into said selected one of said plurality of outputs; and wherein said optical switch is a hybrid switch and wherein the material through which the optical path of said optical signal through said single optical input, said common waveguide, and said plurality of optical outputs differs from the electro-optical material of said active deflecting element.