Patent ID: 7184618

Claim:
A switch array for routing multiple optical signals, said switch array comprising: a plurality of input switches each having a plurality of optical inputs and an equal number of a plurality of optical outputs; a plurality of output switches each having a plurality of optical inputs and an equal number of a plurality of optical outputs; and a plurality of intermediate switches each having a plurality of optical inputs and an equal number of a plurality of optical outputs, each of said plurality of intermediate switches positioned in an optical path between said plurality of input switches and said plurality of output switches, each of said plurality of optical outputs from each one of said plurality of input switches connected to one of said plurality of optical inputs of each one of said plurality of intermediate switches, each one of said plurality of optical inputs from each one of said plurality of intermediate switches connected to one of said plurality of optical outputs from each one of said plurality of input switches, each one of said plurality of input switches having at least one connection to each one of said plurality of intermediate switches, each of said plurality of optical outputs from each one of said plurality of intermediate switches connected to one of said plurality of optical inputs of each one of said plurality of output switches in one said at least one set of output switches, each one of said plurality of optical inputs from each one of said plurality of output switches connected to one of said plurality of optical outputs from each one of said plurality of intermediate switches, each one of said plurality of output switches having at least one connection to each one of said plurality of intermediate switches, each of said plurality of input switches, said plurality of output switches, and said plurality of intermediate switches being an optical switch including: a plurality of input collimators each adapted to receive an optical signal; a plurality of output collimators each adapted to transmit said optical signal; a plurality of actuators, each of said actuators having a mirror movable between a retracted position and an extended position; and an optical bench with a plurality of actuator openings for receiving said plurality of actuators in an array defined by said plurality of input collimators and said plurality of output collimators, said optical bench having a plurality of collimator openings for receiving said plurality of input collimators and said plurality of output collimators; whereby any one of said plurality of optical inputs of said plurality of input switches is selectively optically connected to any one of said plurality of optical outputs from said plurality of output switches.