Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Switch
Patent
1997-10-23
1998-11-17
Palmer, Phan T. H.
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Switch
385 16, 385 20, G02B 626
Patent
active
058388478
ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides improved optic switches in which the optic fibers and optical pathways need not move. Advantageously, the switches of the present invention generally rely on a combination of a moveable reflective element and at least one fixed collimating lens. The collimating lens typically expands the light signal from a single mode fiber to a substantially larger optic path. When the reflective element is disposed out of this large optic path, the light signals continue on to a first output fiber, often through another collimating lens. However, when the reflective element is disposed within the expanded optic path from the collimating lens, the signal is reflected back through that same collimating lens into an alternative output fiber which is parallel and in close proximity to the input fiber. Conveniently, the reflective element can move across the optic path without changing the position of the input or output fibers relative to each other. Surprisingly, a thin planar reflector which is aligned to reflect one of a pair of signals crossing between two collimating lenses can also reflect the other crossing signal, thereby providing highly efficient multiple signal switching. Hence, by carefully locating a number of optic fibers parallel to each other about the center line of the collimating lens, a wide variety of highly efficient, multiple input and multiple output switching structures can be constructed.
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Pan Jing-Jong
Xu Jing-Yu
Yang Charlene Jia-Ling
E-Tek Dynamics, Inc.
Palmer Phan T. H.
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