Optical cross-connect switch using a pin grid actuator

Details Optical cross-connect switch using a pin grid actuator Optical cross-connect switch using a pin grid actuator

1997-01-31

1998-11-24

Healy, Brian

Optical waveguides

With optical coupler

Switch

385 15, 385 16, 385 18, 385 20, 385 24, G02B 626

Patent

active

058419179

ABSTRACT:
An optical cross-connect switch incorporates a pin grid actuator to selectively position optical elements relative to optical beams in the switch. A high density array of aligned, optically reflective elements is attached to the ends of independently selectable and moveable pins in the pin grid actuator. The pin grid actuator is the type extensively used in dot matrix printers. Linear motion of the pins causes the reflective element attached to the pin to intercept optical beams provided by input fibers coupled to the switch. Intercepted optical beams are redirected to designated output fibers, also coupled to the switch. A staggered arrangement of the input and output fibers equalizes all of the signal pathlengths through the switch, regardless of which pin in the pin grid actuator is selected. According to an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, multiple optical cross-connect switches are cascaded using a staggered arrangement of interconnecting fibers.

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