Abstract:
A method and structure for an optical switch. According to the structure of the present invention, a liquid-filled chamber is housed within a solid material. A plurality of seal belts within the liquid-filled chamber are coupled to the solid material, while a plurality of piezoelectric elements are coupled to a plurality of membranes. The plurality of membranes are coupled to the liquid-filled chamber, and a plurality of optical waveguides are coupled to the liquid-filled chamber. The plurality of seal belts are coupled to a plurality of liquid metal globules, wherein one or more of the plurality of liquid metal globules are coupled to a slug. According to the method, one or more piezoelectric elements are actuated, causing one or more corresponding membrane elements to be deflected. The deflection of the membrane element changes a pressure of actuator liquid and the change in pressure of the actuator liquid breaks a liquid metal connection between a first contact and a second contact of the electrical switch and breaks a slug connection between the first contact and the second contact. The breaking of the liquid metal connection and a movement of the slug is operable to block or unblock one or more of the plurality of optical waveguides.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is related to the following co-pending U.S. patent applications, being identified by the below enumerated identifiers and arranged in alphanumerical order, which have the same ownership as the present application and to that extent are related to the present application and which are hereby incorporated by reference:  
         [0002]    Application 10010448-1, titled “Piezoelectrically Actuated Liquid Metal Switch”, filed May 2, 2002 and identified by Ser. No. 10/137,691;  
         [0003]    Application 10010529-1, “Bending Mode Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0004]    Application 10010531-1, “High Frequency Bending Mode Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0005]    Application 10010570-1, titled “Piezoelectrically Actuated Liquid Metal Switch”, filed May 2, 2002 and identified by Ser. No. 10/142,076;  
         [0006]    Application 10010571-1, “High-frequency, Liquid Metal, Latching Relay with Face Contact”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0007]    Application 10010572-1, “Liquid Metal, Latching Relay with Face Contact”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0008]    Application 10010573-1, “Insertion Type Liquid Metal Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0009]    Application 10010617-1, “High-frequency, Liquid Metal, Latching Relay Array”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0010]    Application 10010618-1, “Insertion Type Liquid Metal Latching Relay Array”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0011]    Application 10010634-1, “Liquid Metal Optical Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0012]    Application 10010640-1, titled “A Longitudinal Piezoelectric Optical Latching Relay”, filed Oct. 31, 2001 and identified by Ser. No. 09/999,590;  
         [0013]    Application 10010643-1, “Shear Mode Liquid Metal Switch”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0014]    Application 10010644-1, “Bending Mode Liquid Metal Switch”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0015]    Application 10010656-1, titled “A Longitudinal Mode Optical Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0016]    Application 10010663-1, “Method and Structure for a Pusher-Mode Piezoelectrically Actuated Liquid Metal Switch”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0017]    Application 10010664-1, “Method and Structure for a Pusher-Mode Piezoelectrically Actuated Liquid Metal Optical Switch”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0018]    Application 10010790-1, titled “Switch and Production Thereof”, filed Dec. 12, 2002 and identified by Ser. No. 10/317,597;  
         [0019]    Application 10011055-1, “High Frequency Latching Relay with Bending Switch Bar”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0020]    Application 10011056-1, “Latching Relay with Switch Bar”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0021]    Application 10011064-1, “High Frequency Push-mode Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0022]    Application 10011065-1, “Push-mode Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0023]    Application 10011121-1, “Closed Loop Piezoelectric Pump”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0024]    Application 10011329-1, titled “Solid Slug Longitudinal Piezoelectric Latching Relay”, filed May 2, 2002 and identified by Ser. No. 10/137,692;  
         [0025]    Application 10011344-1, “Method and Structure for a Slug Pusher-Mode Piezoelectrically Actuated Liquid Metal Switch”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0026]    Application 10011345-1, “Method and Structure for a Slug Assisted Longitudinal Piezoelectrically Actuated Liquid Metal Optical Switch”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0027]    Application 10011397-1, “Method and Structure for a Slug Assisted Pusher-Mode Piezoelectrically Actuated Liquid Metal Optical Switch”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0028]    Application 10011398-1, “Polymeric Liquid Metal Switch”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0029]    Application 10011410-1, “Polymeric Liquid Metal Optical Switch”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0030]    Application 10011436-1, “Longitudinal Electromagnetic Latching Optical Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0031]    Application 10011437-1, “Longitudinal Electromagnetic Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0032]    Application 10011458-1, “Damped Longitudinal Mode Optical Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0033]    Application 10011459-1, “Damped Longitudinal Mode Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0034]    Application 10020013-1, titled “Switch and Method for Producing the Same”, filed Dec. 12, 2002 and identified by Ser. No. 10/317,963;  
         [0035]    Application 10020027-1, titled “Piezoelectric Optical Relay”, filed Mar. 28, 2002 and identified by Ser. No. 10/109,309;  
         [0036]    Application 10020071-1, titled “Electrically Isolated Liquid Metal Micro-Switches for Integrally Shielded Microcircuits”, filed Oct. 8, 2002 and identified by Ser. No. 10/266,872;  
         [0037]    Application 10020073-1, titled “Piezoelectric Optical Demultiplexing Switch”, filed Apr. 10, 2002 and identified by Ser. No. 10/119,503;  
         [0038]    Application 10020162-1, titled “Volume Adjustment Apparatus and Method for Use”, filed Dec. 12, 2002 and identified by Ser. No. 10/317,293;  
         [0039]    Application 10020241-1, “Method and Apparatus for Maintaining a Liquid Metal Switch in a Ready-to-Switch Condition”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0040]    Application 10020242-1, titled “A Longitudinal Mode Solid Slug Optical Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0041]    Application 10020473-1, titled “Reflecting Wedge Optical Wavelength Multiplexer/Demultiplexer”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0042]    Application 10020540-1, “Method and Structure for a Solid Slug Caterpillar Piezoelectric Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0043]    Application 10020541-1, titled “Method and Structure for a Solid Slug Caterpillar Piezoelectric Optical Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0044]    Application 10030438-1, “Inserting-finger Liquid Metal Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0045]    Application 10030440-1, “Wetting Finger Liquid Metal Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0046]    Application 10030521-1, “Pressure Actuated Optical Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application;  
         [0047]    Application 10030522-1, “Pressure Actuated Solid Slug Optical Latching Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application; and  
         [0048]    Application 10030546-1, “Method and Structure for a Slug Caterpillar Piezoelectric Reflective Optical Relay”, and having the same filing date as the present application.  
     
    
     
       TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0049]    This invention relates generally to the field of electronic devices and systems, and more specifically to optical switching technology.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0050]    A relay or switch may be used to change an optical signal from a first state to a second state. In general there may be more than two states. In applications that require a small switch geometry or a large number of switches within a small region, micromachining fabrication techniques may be used to create switches with a small footprint. A micromachined switch may be used in a variety of applications, such as industrial, equipment, telecommunications equipment and control of electromechanical devices such as ink jet printers.  
           [0051]    In switching applications, the use of piezoelectric technology may be used to actuate a switch. Piezoelectric materials have several unique characteristics. A piezoelectric material can be made to expand or contract in response to an applied voltage. This is known as the indirect piezoelectric effect. The amount of expansion or contraction, the force generated by the expansion or contraction, and the amount of time between successive contractions are important material properties that influence the application of a piezoelectric material in a particular application. Piezoelectric material also exhibits a direct piezoelectric effect, in which an electric field is generated in response to an applied force. This electric field may be converted to a voltage if contacts are properly coupled to the piezoelectric material. The indirect piezoelectric effect is useful in making or breaking a contact within a switching element, while the direct piezoelectric effect is useful in generating a switching signal in response to an applied force.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0052]    A method and structure for an optical switch is disclosed. According to the structure of the present invention, a liquid-filled chamber coupled to a plurality of optical waveguides is housed within a solid material. Seal belts within the liquid-filled chamber are coupled to the solid material, while piezoelectric elements are coupled to a plurality of membranes. The plurality of membranes are coupled to the liquid-filled chamber. The plurality of seal belts are coupled to a plurality of liquid metal globules. A slug is coupled to one or more liquid metal globules and coupled to one or more of the plurality of seal belts. According to the method of the present invention, piezoelectric elements are actuated, causing membrane elements to be deflected. The deflection of the membrane elements changes a pressure of actuator liquid and the change in pressure of the actuator liquid breaks a liquid metal connection and a slug connection between a first contact and a second contact of the electrical switch, thereby blocking or unblocking one or more optical waveguides.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0053]    The features of the invention believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects and advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, which describes certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 1 is a side view of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional drawing of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 3 is a top view of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch with a cap layer removed, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 4 is a top view of a piezoelectric substrate layer of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 5 is a top view of an actuator fluid reservoir layer of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 6 is a top view of a chamber layer of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the chamber layer of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 8 is a top view of a piezoelectric substrate layer of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 9 is a top view of a channel layer of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a cap layer of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch, according to certain embodiments of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0064]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.  
         [0065]    A liquid metal switch may be represented using a plurality of layers, wherein the plurality of layers represent layers created during a fabrication of the liquid metal switch.  
         [0066]    Referring now to FIG. 1 a side view  100  of a slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  comprises a top cap layer  110 , channel layer  120 , via layer  130 , chamber layer  140 , actuator fluid reservoir layer  150 , piezoelectric substrate layer  160 , and optical waveguide  170 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, cap layer  110  is coupled to channel layer  120 , channel layer  120  is coupled to via layer  130 , via layer  130  is coupled to chamber layer  140 , chamber layer  140  is coupled to actuator fluid reservoir layer  150 , actuator fluid reservoir layer  150  is coupled to piezoelectric substrate layer  160 , and optical waveguide  170  is coupled to one or more of cap layer  110  and channel layer  120 . It is noted that one or more of the layers shown in FIG. 1 may be combined without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0067]    Referring now to FIG. 2 a cross sectional drawing  200  of slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Cross-sectional drawing  200  illustrates how plurality of optical waveguides  170  are coupled to channel  285  and a plurality of seal belts  203 . Plurality of seal belts  203  are further coupled to encapsulant  275  and channel layer  120 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, encapsulant  275  is composed of an inert, mechanically stable, quick-setting adhesive such as a UV curable epoxy or acrylic. In certain embodiments of the present invention, plurality of seal belts  203  are operable to be coupled to a liquid metal contained in channel  285  thereby blocking one or more of the plurality of optical waveguides  170 . Channel  285  is further coupled to plurality of vias  270 . Plurality of vias  270  are within via layer  130  and are operable to provide a path for actuator fluid  250  to enter channel  285 , wherein actuator fluid  250  is located in one or more reservoirs of actuator fluid reservoir layer  150  and in chamber  290  of chamber layer  140 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, actuating fluid  250  is composed of an inert, low viscosity, high boiling point fluid such as 3M Fluorinert.  
         [0068]    Chamber  290  is further coupled to plurality of membranes  295 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, plurality of membranes  295  are located in the chamber layer  140 . Plurality of membranes  295  are further coupled to the plurality of reservoirs of actuator fluid reservoir layer  150  and further coupled to a plurality of first contacts  230 . Plurality of first contacts  230  and plurality of second contacts  240  are operable to actuate a corresponding plurality of piezoelectric elements  245 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, plurality of first contacts  230  and plurality of second contacts  240  are isolated by a plurality of dielectric elements  235 . Plurality of first contacts  230  and plurality of second contacts  240  are further externally accessible by extension of plurality of first contacts  230  and plurality of second contacts  240  through piezoelectric substrate layer  160 .  
         [0069]    Referring now to FIG. 3 a top view  300  of slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  with cap layer  110  removed is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The top view  300  illustrates that channel layer  120  is coupled to plurality of optical waveguides  170 , wherein each optical waveguide of plurality of optical waveguides  170  is coupled to encapsulant  275 . Channel  285  is coupled to channel layer  120  and comprises plurality of seal belts  203 , liquid metal  320 , slug  325  and plurality of vias  270 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, liquid metal  320  is coupled to two of the plurality of seal belts  203  at a given point in time. The liquid metal  320 , such as mercury or a Gallium alloy, acts as a friction-reducing lubricant. In certain embodiments of the present invention, plurality of vias  270  are collinear with corresponding plurality of optical waveguides  170 . Slug  325  is coupled to liquid metal  320 , and in certain embodiments of the present invention slug  325  is encapsulated by liquid metal  320 . Slug  325  may be solid or hollow, and may be composed of a wettable material, such as metallic compounds, ceramic or plastic. Plurality of seal belts  203  are positioned between the plurality of optical waveguides  170  as shown in FIG. 3. Plurality of vias  270  are located at one or more longitudinal ends of channel  285 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, plurality of vias  270  are located between the one or more longitudinal ends of channel  285  and the plurality of seal belts  203 . It is noted that although two optical waveguides and three seal belts are shown in FIG. 3, a greater number of optical waveguides and seal belts could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As illustrated in the figure, via layer  130  has a greater width than channel layer  120 .  
         [0070]    Referring now to FIG. 4 a top view  400  of piezoelectric substrate layer  160  of the slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The sectional view  445  illustrates an orientation of plurality of first contacts  230  and plurality of second contacts  240 . Also shown in FIG. 4 is fill port  450 . Fill port  450  is operable to be used to fill a reservoir of reservoir layer with actuating fluid  250 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, actuating fluid  250  is filled during an assembly of pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105 , after which fill port  450  is sealed.  
         [0071]    Referring now to FIG. 5 a top view  500  of actuator fluid reservoir layer  150  of slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The actuator fluid reservoir layer  150  comprises a plurality of fluid chambers  520 ,  530 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, plurality of fluid chambers  520 ,  530  have a rectangular geometry in top view  500  although other geometries such as circular, square could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. A cross-sectional view  510  is also shown in FIG. 5.  
         [0072]    Referring now to FIG. 6 a top view  600  of chamber layer  140  of slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates an orientation of plurality of membranes  295  coupled to chamber layer  140 , and a location of a corresponding plurality of fluid ports  615 . The plurality of rectangular regions  620  of chamber layer  140  have a thickness that is less than a thickness of chamber layer  140 . The plurality of fluid ports  615  are operable to provide a source of actuator fluid  250  for chamber  290  from reservoirs  520 ,  530 . It is noted that a width of plurality of fluid ports  615  is chosen so that a deflection of a membrane of plurality of membranes  295  causes a minimal amount of actuator fluid  250  to enter a port of the plurality of fluid ports  615 . More of actuator fluid  250  enters a via of plurality of vias  270  than enters the port of plurality of fluid ports  615 . It is noted that an orientation of plurality of rectangular regions  620  relative to plurality of membranes  295  may be different from that shown in FIG. 6 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As an example, a first rectangular region of plurality of rectangular regions  620  and a first via of plurality of vias  270  could be located on a long axis of a first membrane of plurality of membranes  295 .  
         [0073]    Referring now to FIG. 7 a bottom view  700  of the chamber layer  140  of slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The bottom view  700  illustrates a shape of plurality of membranes  295  relative to chamber layer  140  and plurality of vias  615 . A sectional view  705  of chamber layer  140  and a second membrane of plurality of membranes  295  is also shown. Sectional view  705  illustrates that in certain embodiments of the present invention, the second membrane is approximately centered within chamber layer  140 .  
         [0074]    Referring now to FIG. 8 a top view  800  of piezoelectric substrate layer  160  of slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The top view  800  illustrates a relative orientation of plurality of seal belts  203  and plurality of vias  270 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, a via of plurality of vias  270  is between any seal belts of plurality of seal belts  203  and a longitudinal end of channel  285 . A sectional view  805  of piezoelectric substrate layer  160  is also shown. Sectional view  805  illustrates a possible placement of plurality of seal belts  203  with respect to plurality of vias  270 .  
         [0075]    Referring now to FIG. 9 a top view  900  of channel layer  120  of slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The top view  900  illustrates an orientation of plurality of optical waveguides  170  and encapsulant  275  relative to plurality of seal belts  203  and chamber  285 . Side view  905  illustrates that encapsulant  275  and plurality of optical waveguides  170  are coupled to channel layer  120  using a V-shaped channel in channel layer  120 . The V-shaped channel has a sufficient depth to accommodate plurality of optical waveguides  170  and encapsulant  275 . As illustrated in FIG. 9, the plurality of seal belts  203  are oriented with respect to channel  285  so that there is a gap between a first longitudinal end of channel  285  and a seal belt of plurality of seal belts  203 . This gap is operable to enable a placement of a via of plurality of vias  270  at the longitudinal end of channel  285 .  
         [0076]    Referring now to FIG. 10 a bottom view  1000  of cap layer  110  of slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is shown, according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The bottom view  1000  is shown with plurality of seal belts  203 .  
         [0077]    Certain embodiments of the present invention use a pressurization of actuator liquid  250  by actuation of the plurality of piezoelectric elements  245  against plurality of membranes  295  to drive liquid metal  320  and slug  325  from a first two wetting seal belts of plurality of seal belts  203  to a second two wetting seal belts of plurality of seal belts  203 , thereby causing one or more optical waveguides of the plurality of optical waveguides  170  to be blocked or unblocked and changing a state of the slug assisted pusher-mode liquid metal optical switch  105 . The slug  325  assists in the blocking of the one or more optical waveguides  170 . The slug assisted pusher-mode liquid metal optical switch  105  latches by a wetting of the one or more seal belts of the plurality of seal belts  203  and a surface tension of the liquid metal  320  causing the liquid metal  320  to stay in a stable position. The slug  325  is wettable and so may be maintained in a stable position due to the surface tension of the liquid metal and the coupling of the slug  326  to one or more of the plurality of seal belts  203 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of optical waveguides  170  have faces that are not wettable by the liquid metal  320  in order to preserve an optical clarity of a signal path of the plurality of optical waveguides  170 . The method described here uses the plurality of piezoelectric elements  245  in a pushing mode. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a power consumption of slug assisted pusher-mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is much lower than a device that uses heated gas to push the liquid metal  320  to a new position since the plurality of piezoelectric elements  245  stores energy rather than dissipating energy. One or more of the plurality of piezoelectric elements  245  may be used to pull as well as push, so there is a double-acting effect not available with an actuator that is driven solely by a pushing effect of expanding gas. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the use of pushing piezoelectric elements and pulling piezoelectric elements is operable to decrease a switching time of slug assisted pusher-mode liquid metal optical switch  105 . As an example, a first piezoelectric element of plurality of piezoelectric elements  245  may be used to push actuator fluid  250  and slug  325  while a second piezoelectric element of plurality of piezoelectric elements  245  may be used to pull actuator fluid  250  and slug  325 . The pushing and pulling may be timed so that a switching time of slug assisted pusher-mode liquid metal optical switch  105  is decreased.  
         [0078]    Liquid metal  320  is contained within the channel  285  of the liquid metal channel layer  120  and contacts two of the plurality of seal belt pads  203 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, an amount and location of the liquid metal  320  in the channel  285  is such that only two seal belt pads of plurality of seal belt pads  203  are connected at a time. In certain embodiments of the present invention, slug  325  has a length operable to couple slug  325  to two seal belt pads of plurality of seal belt pads  203 . The liquid metal  320  can be moved to contact a different set of two seal belt pads of the plurality of seal belt pads  203  by creating an increase in pressure between a first seal belt pad and a second seal belt pad such that the liquid metal  320  breaks and part of the liquid metal moves to couple to the second seal belt pad and a third seal belt pad. The slug  325  is also moved by the increase in pressure, said increase in pressure operable to be conveyed by the plurality of vias  270 . This is a stable configuration (i.e. latching) because the liquid metal  320  wets the plurality of seal belt pads  203  and is held in place by a surface tension. Slug  325  is wettable and in certain embodiments of the present invention liquid metal  320  and slug  325  may be moved within the channel  285  substantially more easily than only liquid metal  320 .  
         [0079]    In certain embodiments of the present invention, actuator fluid  250  is an inert and electrically nonconductive liquid that fills a remaining space in the slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105 . The plurality of membranes  295  is made of metal, although other materials are possible such as polymers without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The plurality of fluid ports  615  that connects the chamber  290  with the plurality of actuator fluid reservoirs are smaller than plurality of vias  270  and assist in causing a pressure pulse to move the liquid metal  320  by directing most of an actuator fluid flow from an actuator action into the channel  285  rather than into a fluid reservoir at a high fluid flow rate, but allows the chamber  285  to refill without disturbing the position of liquid metal  320  at low fluid speeds. Slug  325  may be solid or hollow depending upon the switching requirements of slug assisted pusher mode liquid metal optical switch  105 . It is noted that liquid metal  320  may be present in channel  285  in a plurality of locations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0080]    While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.