Patent ID: 6690885
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical crossconnect device for directing optical signals received from a plurality of input optic fibers to a plurality of output optic fibers, said plurality of input fibers and said plurality of output fibers forming an array of optic fibers, comprising:an array of lenses positioned for receiving the optical signals from the plurality of input optic fibers and for directing the optical signals; a MEMS mirror array having a plurality of mirror elements, with each mirror element having a rotational axis about which each said mirror element is selectively operably tiltable, said mirror array being positioned for receiving optical signals directed by said array of lenses and for reflecting the directed optical signals to the plurality of output optic fibers; and a reflector element disposed in optical communication with said MEMS mirror array for receiving optical signals from said MEMS mirror array and for reflecting the received optical signals back to said MEMS mirror array, said reflected optical signals being redirected by said MEMS mirror array back to said array of lenses for receipt by the array of optic fibers.