Patent ID: 8605374

Claim:
An optical switch, comprising: A. an input fiber for transmitting incoming optical radiation therethrough; B. a first output fiber and a second output fiber; C. a varifocal optical lens having a tunable focal length, the tunable range of said optical lens including at least a first focal length and a second focal length; and D. means for directing said incoming optical radiation onto said first output fiber when said optical lens is tuned to said first focal length, and for directing said incoming optical radiation onto said second fiber when said optical lens is tuned to said second focal length; wherein said varifocal optical lens includes a deformable membrane having a nominal curvature, and a PZT thin film deposited thereon; and wherein application of an electric voltage between a first and a second electrode disposed on said thin film induces a strain on said thin film, thereby modifying the focal length of said optical lens.