Thermal actuator and an optical waveguide switch including...

Details Thermal actuator and an optical waveguide switch including... Thermal actuator and an optical waveguide switch including...

2006-01-10

2006-01-10

Font, Frank G. (Department: 2883)

Optical waveguides

With optical coupler

Switch

C385S014000, C385S018000, C385S019000, C385S025000, C385S040000, C337S014000, C337S123000, C337S298000, C337S305000, C337S306000, C337S382000, C337S397000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06985650

ABSTRACT:
A thermal actuator comprises a substantially straight beam. The beam has a beam length and a beam mid-point. The beam comprises a plurality of beam segments. Each beam segment has a beam segment width, the beam thus forming a corresponding plurality of beam segment widths. The beam segment widths vary along the beam length based on a predetermined pattern. As the beam is heated by an included heating means, the beam buckles. The buckling of the beam, in turn, causes the beam mid-point to translate or move in a predetermined direction. The beam mid-point movement, in turn, operates an included optical waveguide switch. The heating means comprises any of Joule heating, eddy current heating, conduction heating, convection heating and radiation heating.

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