Shape memory alloy optical fiber switch

Details Shape memory alloy optical fiber switch Shape memory alloy optical fiber switch

1989-02-15

1991-06-18

Sikes, William L.

350 9613, 350 9615, G02B 636

Patent

active

050244973

ABSTRACT:
An optical fiber switch in which a switchable fiber is switched to a first position by a first member inside the housing made of a shape memory material. This first member attempts to restore itself to an original shape heated above a first temperature and, in so doing, exerts a switching force on the switchable fiber. In a preferred embodiment, biasing means push the switchable fiber into a second position when the first means is below a second temperature. The first member exerts a force on the switchable fiber in a direction opposite to that of the biasing means of sufficient force to overcome the biasing force when the first member is above the first temperature. When the shape memory member is cooled, it assumes a distorted shape which allows the biasing means to control the position of the switchable fiber. In one embodiment, the biasing means is a second member also made of a shape memory material. In this embodiment, the first and second shape memory members are heated and cooled in opposite phases to achieve switch operation and release.

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J. D. Crow, Fiber-Optical Switch, IBM TDB vol. 21, No. 11, Apr. 1979, p. 4686.

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