Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Switch
Reexamination Certificate
2001-09-28
2003-09-09
Zarroli, Michael C. (Department: 2839)
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Switch
C385S016000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06618520
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of optical communications, more particularly to switches used in fiber-optic networks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Optical networks use modulated light to enable clear, rapid communication between two points. The bandwidth and efficiency provided by optical communication systems is well known. A single fiber is able to carry a great deal of information over a tremendous distance. Practical communication systems utilize large numbers of fibers networked together to form a communication web that provides at least one path between any two points on the network. Configuring the network to connect any two points requires a large number of switches.
One method of coupling optical fibers converts the optical signal carried by the input fiber to electrical signals and uses the electrical signal modulate another light beam that is transmitted along the second fiber. This method is much slower than simply switching the optical beam and may introduce noise into the transmitted optical signal. Purely optical switching, in which the optical beam from a first fiber is coupled directly to a second fiber without significant loss, is much faster and more efficient and is therefore desired.
Several types of optical switches have been developed. Some use mechanical means to physically align the input and output fibers. These mechanical switches typically are slow, large, and very expensive. What is needed is an improved optical switch that is very quick to configure and does not require the light beam to be converted to electricity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Objects and advantages will be obvious, and will in part appear hereinafter and will be accomplished by the present invention that provides a method and system for switchably coupling optical fiber communications using a micromirror device. One embodiment of the claimed invention provides an optical switch. The optical switch comprises at least one input fiber, at least one output fiber, a retro-reflective surface, and a mirror array. Each input fiber defining an input optical axis and having an exit end. Each output fiber defining an output optical axis and having an entrance end. The retro-reflective surface interleaved between the exit and entrance ends of the input and output fibers. The mirror array comprised of at least one mirror on each input and output optical axis. The mirrors on the input optical axes operable to deflect light from each input fiber to an intermediate spot on the retro-reflector. The mirrors on the output optical axes operable to reflect light from the intermediate spot of the retro-reflector to an associated output fiber sharing the output axis.
According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming an optical switch is provided. The method comprises: capturing an end of at least one input fiber in a ferrule; capturing an end of at least one output fiber in a ferrule; capturing the ferrules in a holding block; providing a retro-reflective surface between at least one of the input fibers and at least one of the output fibers; providing an array of mirrors. At least one mirror in the array of mirrors operable to direct light from the input fiber to at least one other mirror associated with an output fiber via the retro-reflecting surface. At least one other mirror associated with the output fiber operable to direct light from the retro-reflecting surface to the associated output fiber.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a 2×2 unblocked optical switch using only single axis rotatable mirrors. The optical switch comprising: a first input fiber; a second input fiber; a first output fiber; a second output fiber; a jumper fiber; and a mirror array. The mirror array is aligned with the input and output fibers to enable the mirror array to selectively deflect light from the first input fiber to either of the first and second output fibers, and from the second input fiber to the first output fiber and the jumper fiber. The jumper fiber positioned to transmit light from a first portion of the mirror array to a second portion of the mirror array. The second portion of said mirror array operable to deflect light from the jumper fiber to said second output fiber.
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Brady III Wade James
Brill Charles A.
Zarroli Michael C.
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