Patent ID: 6075239
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An article including a light-actuated micromechanical photonic switch (LAMPS), said switch comprising:a photogenerator that generates a voltage when illuminated by an optical beam; anda first micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) device operable to provide a switching function, said MEMS device being electrically connected to the photogenerator and comprising:an actuator including a movable plate disposed in spaced and superposed relation to a fixed electrode, said actuator being actuated by applying the voltage generated by the photogenerator to the movable plate and the fixed electrode;a reflector operable to affect a characteristic of an optical signal incident thereon; anda linkage mechanically connecting the actuator to the reflector, wherein,when the actuator is actuated, the reflector is moved causing a change in state of the light-actuated photonic switch.