Mechanical optical switch

Details Mechanical optical switch Mechanical optical switch

1995-06-07

1996-09-24

Ngo, John

Optical waveguides

With optical coupler

Switch

385 20, 385 23, 385 65, G02B 638

Patent

active

055599095

ABSTRACT:
An improved M.times.N mechanical optical switch has opposing input and output optical fiber bundles disposed within offset ferrules forming an optical interface with the ferrules having sleeve members secured to one of the end faces thereof. The sleeve members have a hardness greater than the ferules and the optical fibers for forming respective recessed polished end face regions on the ferrules at the optical interface. Each ferrule is mounted in three-point kinematically correct V-groove holder allowing the optical fibers in each optical fiber bundle to traverse on a closed curve path during the rotation of the respective ferrules. Each V-groove holder has a spring clamp with first and second clamp members and wear resistant inserts secured to the clamp members and the sidewalls of the V-groove holder. The closed curve paths of each optical fiber in one of the optical fiber bundles intersect at least one of the closed curve paths of the optical fiber in the opposing optical fiber bundles. The intersection points of two opposing closed curve paths establish the optimum positioning locations for two opposing fibers. Offsetting the axes of rotation of the opposing optical fiber bundles and mounting the bundles in a three-point kinematically correct holder produces a mechanical optical switch having superior cycle-to-cycle repeatability, long term repeatability, and absolute alignment using loosely toleranced components.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3800388 (1974-04-01), Borner et al.
patent: 4239333 (1980-12-01), Dakss et al.
patent: 4401365 (1983-08-01), Mizokawa et al.
patent: 4896935 (1990-01-01), Lee
patent: 4953932 (1990-09-01), Mihich
patent: 4955976 (1990-09-01), Freeman et al.
patent: 5031994 (1991-07-01), Emmons
patent: 5037176 (1991-08-01), Roberts et al.

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