Patent ID: 6907155

Claim:
In a three-dimensional free-space optical switch including an array of fibers, means for creating collimated optical signals, an array of dual axis micromirror, in a mirror set, the improvement comprising: a folded system with a static folding mirror such that only a single array of fibers and a single array of dual axis micromirrors are required; and a set of input micromirrors and a set of output micromirrors of said mirror set arranged in an ovoidal pattern wherein inner and outer boundaries of either the input micromirror set or the output micromirror set are disposed to define an ovoidal annulus and the complementary output micromirror set or the complmentary input micromirror set is disposed within the ovoidal annulus in order to globally minimize maximum tilt angles for a preselected locus of tilt angles of said micromirrors which are used to route optical signals.