Patent ID: 6813406
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A photonic switch for an optical communication network, comprising:a matrix of actuator-mirror assemblies; a matrix of optical ports arranged in N rows and M columns, each of the optical ports being aligned to a corresponding one of the actuator-mirror assemblies; a reference mirror; each of the actuator-mirror assemblies comprising: a gimbal; a mirror mounted to the gimbal; a plurality of coils, each of the coils being fixedly attached to the mirror; a plurality of stationary magnets, each stationary magnet being positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a force is generated that causes the mirror to tilt; and wherein a first actuator-mirror assembly functions to direct a beam of light received from an input optical port to the reference mirror, and a second actuator-mirror assembly functions to redirect the beam of light reflected from the reference mirror to an output optical port.