Mechanical optical switching devices

Details Mechanical optical switching devices Mechanical optical switching devices

1980-01-30

1982-03-30

Lee, John D.

350 9616, G02B 726

Patent

active

043221262

ABSTRACT:
A mechanical optical switching device has a plurality of input optical fibers coupled to the input side of the mechanical switching device for receiving incoming light beam signals. Individually associated with each optical fiber is an input collimating lens which is positioned to receive the incoming light beam and to convert it into parallel light beams. Optical path-switching means, having a uniform refractive index, are disposed at the rear or output of the input lens for switching the optical paths of the collimated parallel light beams emerging from the input lens means. A plurality of output optical fibers have individually associated output lenses for focusing the parallel light beams, after they have passed through the position controlled by the optical path-switching means. An electrically-controlled, mechanical switching device selectively inserts or removes the optical path-switching means into or away from a predetermined position in order to switch light from any incoming fiber to any outgoing fiber.

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