Patent ID: 6546162
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: G02B,H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
An optical switch comprising:four ports for receiving or transmitting one or more optical signals; means for switching the switch between a first connect state and a second connect state, the switch in the first connect state having a single connection between two of the four ports while being absent a connection between the other two of the four ports, the switch in a second connect state for simultaneously providing a first connection between two ports of the four ports and a second connection between two other of the four ports, wherein the means for switching is an asymmetric optical element that when inserted between the ports in a path traversed by a beam launched into one of the ports, will provide for a single connection between two of the four ports while preventing light from propagating between two other of the four ports such that the switch is in the first state, the removal of the asymmetric optical element causing the switch to be in the second state providing a first connection between two ports of the four ports and a second connection between two other of the four ports simultaneously.