Optical: systems and elements – Optical modulator – Light wave directional modulation
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-28
2002-06-25
Spyrou, Cassandra (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Optical modulator
Light wave directional modulation
C359S224200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06411427
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
For optical telecommunication systems it is often necessary to switch the path of the transmitted light. Numerous different approaches have been suggested. Optical switching based on micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors is particularly attractive for communication systems. Optical switches using reflecting MEMS mirrors are convenient because free-space light transmission is used and scaling to a large-scale optical cross-connect system is possible. This is important because of current demand for optical cross-connect systems on the order of 1000×1000. Actuation to move the MEMS mirrors in an optical cross-connect system is typically electrostatic, electromagnetic, piezoelectric or thermal.
SUMMARY
Optical cross-connect systems in accordance with an embodiment of the invention involve the general concept of a two dimensional array of MEMS tilt mirrors being used to direct light coming from a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber. Each MEMS tilt mirror in the two dimensional array can tilt about two non-colinear axes and is suspended by a plurality of suspension arms attached to a glass substrate.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6061323 (2000-05-01), Jerman et al.
patent: 6267605 (2001-07-01), Biegelsen
patent: 6283601 (2001-09-01), Hagelin et al.
Fork David K.
Peeters Eric
Rosa Michel A.
Robinson Mark A.
Spyrou Cassandra
Xerox Corporation
LandOfFree
Structure for an optical switch on a glass substrate does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Structure for an optical switch on a glass substrate, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Structure for an optical switch on a glass substrate will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2892772