Patent ID: 6862381

Claim:
A cross-connect optical switch comprising: (a) an input array of optical input paths arranged in a first direction; (b) an output array of optical output paths arranged in a second direction different from the first direction; (c) a switching region formed between an output end of the input array and an input end of the output array; (d) a mirror array of optical reflection mirrors arranged in the switching region; and (e) a mirror driver for driving electromagnetically the mirror array; wherein each of the mirrors of the mirror array has a reflection plane perpendicular to a bisector between the first and second directions and is supported in such a way as to be displaceable along the reflection plane between a standby position and an operation position; and wherein light beams emitted from the input array are reflected by the corresponding mirrors to be sent to the output array in the operation position, and pass near the corresponding mirrors in the standby position; wherein each of the mirrors is attached to an upper end of a elastic supporting member whose lower end is fixed to a base in such a way as to form a vertical cantilever; and wherein the mirror driver comprises an electromagnet fixed near each of the mirrors and a magnetic member attached to the upper end of the elastic supporting member; and wherein if an electrical current is supplied to the electromagnet, the corresponding magnetic member is magnetized to generate an attraction force; and wherein the mirror is displaceable between the standby position and the operation position using the attraction force.