Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With support
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-29
2002-05-28
Sikder, Mohammad (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With support
C359S878000, C359S199200, C359S199200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06394617
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to the field of optics, and more particularly to optical switching.
BACKGROUND
The use of optical fiber for long-distance transmission of voice and/or data is common today. The continuing demand to increase the data carrying capacity raises the need to utilize the bandwidth of existing fiber-optic cable more efficiently. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is an established method for increasing the carrying capacity of existing fiber cable where multiple information channels are independently transmitted over the same fiber using multiple wavelengths of light. Using this method, each light-wave-propagated information channel corresponds to light within a specific wavelength range or “band”.
The WDM technique significantly increases the network traffic and consequently necessitates more sophisticated optical switching and routing devices that can quickly route numerous channels among various optical communication lines and that can reliably divert network traffic to alternative routes during network failures. Routine network traffic switching requires optical devices that can perform reproducibly over many thousands of switching operations. Network failure restoration requires a long unused switching device to instantaneously perform according to specification. The present invention addresses these issues.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for optical switching devices utilizing a bimorph piezoelectric apparatus. The optical switching devices include an arm comprising a piezoelectric material, a first and a second surface and a first end and a second end, wherein the first surface is opposite the second surface, and the first end is opposite the second end; at least one electrode couple to the arm to provide a voltage difference between the first and second surface of the arm; a support coupled to the first end of the arm to firmly support the first end; an object with a convex surface coupled to the second end of the arm; an optical element coupled to the second surface of the arm capable of deflecting an optical signal traveling through; a first magnet proximately located to the object and to the first surface of the of the arm; and a second magnet proximately located to the object and to the second surface of the arm. The apparatus is employed by a switching system where the optical or composite optical signal travels from a collimator via optical fibers, the signal is directed by a reflective element such as a mirror, which is angled in order that the signal is in the path of the aforementioned optical element of the piezoelectric apparatus. The use of a reflective element allows the implementation of a 2×2 optical element such as a glass prism. Furthermore, the weight of the optical element allows a high switching speed, and the size of the optical element allows the beams to separate by as little as 1 mm. The optical devices are of a compact modular design that permits the construction of complex optical devices.
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for compact, high-speed, latched optical switching devices utilizing bimorph piezoelectric material. The apparatus employs an optical switching prism, that is capable of interchanging two parallel beams, o construct a 2×2 optical switch. In order to construct compact and high-speed switches, the prism has to be small and light-weigh, thus, the separation of the two parallel beams becomes small. A pair of reflection corner mirror capable of separating these two close parallel beams is used. The switching is performed by vertically inserting the prism into the optical path and only less than one millimeter (limited by the beam size) movement is required. Because the switching is based on beam deflection instead of reflection, it is not vulnerable to vibration.
The actuating element of the switch is a piece of bimorph material. One end of the bimorph is mounted on a fixture and the other can be moved up or down. The movement is driven by applying switching voltage onto the bimorph. The switching prism is attached on the moving end. Magnetic latching is applied in the switch. Two small steel balls are attached on the top and bottom surfaces at the moving end of the bimorph. Two small magnets are placed close to the two steel balls, respectively, and form a magnetic bi-stable latching mechanism.
The advantages of the proposed optical switches are compactness, high-speed, and low vulnerability to vibration.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6253001 (2001-06-01), Hoen
patent: 6283601 (2001-09-01), Hagelin et al.
patent: 6300665 (2001-10-01), Peeters et al.
Avanex Corporation
Fernandez & Associates LLP
Sikder Mohammad
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