Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Switch
Patent
1998-12-24
2000-11-28
Font, Frank G.
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Switch
385 22, G02B 626
Patent
active
061545864
ABSTRACT:
An optical switch mechanism for reflecting an input light beam from an input port to a reflection output port in a first state and for transmitting an input light beam to a transmission output port in a second state is disclosed. The switch mechanism comprises a block made of a light transmissive substrate. The block contains a cavity, which is divided by a light transmissive diaphragm into a reflective portion and a transmissive portion. At the input port a light beam is coupled into the block such that the light beam encounters a reflective surface at an angle greater than a critical angle determined by the refractive indices of the substrate and a reflective fluid retained in the reflective portion of the cavity. When the reflective fluid is in contact with the reflective surface the light beam is totally reflected to a reflection output port. Changing hydrostatic pressure moves the transmissive diaphragm into a position where it is in a touching relationship with the reflective surface and the light beam is then transmitted to a transmission output port. The switch mechanism is simple, reliable, fast and easy to manufacture.
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MacDonald Robert I.
Mala Mohiuddin
Stauss Karen
Font Frank G.
JDS Fitel Inc.
Nguyen Tu T.
Teitelbaum Neil
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