Patent ID: 6259835
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical switch, comprising:(a) a primary optical port;(b) a plurality of secondary optical ports;(c) a support plate having first and second surfaces opposite each other;(d) a primary reflector positioned on the first surface of the support plate to receive incoming light on a first optical path from the primary optical port, the primary reflector having a reflection surface angled with respect to the first optical path to reflect the light onto a second optical path;(e) a plurality of secondary reflectors movable with respect to the support plate, each of the secondary reflectors capable of occupying an on position to intercept the light on the second optical path or an off position away from the second optical path, each of the secondary reflectors having a reflection surface angled with respect to the second optical path when the secondary reflector is in the on position to reflect the light onto a respective third optical path leading to a respective one of the secondary optical ports,wherein each of the secondary reflectors is capable of being switched from the on position to the off position by moving the secondary reflector toward the support plate away from the second optical path, andwherein each of the secondary reflectors is capable of being switched from the off position to the on position by moving the secondary reflector away from the support plate onto the second optical path; and(f) a plurality of actuators disposed on the support plate, the actuators connected to the secondary reflectors respectively to drive the secondary reflectors between their on and off positions.