Optical waveguides – With optical coupler – Switch
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-10
2002-04-16
Ullah, Akm E. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With optical coupler
Switch
C385S016000, C385S021000, C385S022000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06374009
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of fiber optics and, more specifically, to fiber optical switches.
BACKGROUND
Fiber optic switches are used in fiber optic networks to switch signals between different optical fibers. The optical fibers used in these networks typically consist of a core surrounded by a cladding, and one or more layers of protective coatings. The core and cladding are typically made of glass or polymer materials. Core diameters are typically in the range of 5 to 10 &mgr;m with an outside fiber diameter of 125 &mgr;m.
One prior art optical switch used a glass plate and a lens to switch light from an input optical fiber to a group of single optical fibers positioned opposite to the input fiber. One problem with such an optical switch is that distance between the cores of the group of single optical fibers may be large, requiring a thick glass plate and a large lens in order to focus light from the input fiber into one of the group of single optical fibers. The thicker plate and larger lens undesirably increases the size of the optical switch.
In one prior art optical switch, the switching operation is effectuated by the movement of an input optical fiber relative to the ends of a group of single optical fibers positioned opposite to the input fiber. To form an optical path a motor is used to move the end of the input optical fiber until it is aligned with the end of a selected fiber from the group of single optical fibers.
One problem with such an optical switch is that it has a slow switching speed and consumes large amounts of power to move the end of the single optical fiber across the entire width of the input ends of the group of single fibers. Furthermore, since the width of the input ends of the group of single fibers is large, alignment of single optical fiber with the group may be difficult. Any alignment inaccuracies between the fibers result in higher insertion loss and lower immunity from cross-talk.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for switching optical signals. The optical switch including a TEMC fiber and a displacement plate. The TEMC fiber having an input core and a plurality of output cores. The displacement plate coupled to the TEMC fiber to receive a light beam from the input core. The displacement plate to direct the light beam to one of the plurality of output cores.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4178073 (1979-12-01), Uchida et al.
patent: 4626066 (1986-12-01), Levinson
patent: 4653852 (1987-03-01), Suzuki et al.
patent: 4974944 (1990-12-01), Chang
patent: 5268979 (1993-12-01), Weidman
patent: 5355426 (1994-10-01), Daniel et al.
patent: 5381503 (1995-01-01), Kanamori et al.
patent: 5444801 (1995-08-01), Laughlin
patent: 5446578 (1995-08-01), Chang et al.
patent: 5471340 (1995-11-01), Cheng et al.
patent: 5481631 (1996-01-01), Cahill et al.
patent: 5574596 (1996-11-01), Cheng
patent: 5594821 (1997-01-01), Cheng
patent: 5644666 (1997-07-01), Campbell et al.
patent: 5734763 (1998-03-01), Chang
patent: 5768005 (1998-06-01), Cheng et al.
patent: 5825950 (1998-10-01), Cheng
patent: 6002818 (1999-12-01), Fatchi et al.
Cai Bo
Chang Kok Wai
Mao Hongwei
Doan Jennifer
Greene Kevin E.
JDS Uniphase Corporation
Lacasse Randy W.
Lacasse & Associates
LandOfFree
TEMC fiber based optical switch does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with TEMC fiber based optical switch, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and TEMC fiber based optical switch will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2842688