Lockheed Martin Corporation

General Electric Company

Brian Scott Leininger

Charles John Kryzak

Rick C Stevens

William P Kornrumpf

Kevin J Thorson

Robert J Monson

Joseph Alfred Iannotti

Samhita Dasgupta

Glenn A Forman

Jianhua Yan

Gregory J Whaley

Richard L Cellini

Olga B Spahn

William D Cowan

Daryl J Dagel

Thomas Derco

The present disclosure includes apparatus, system, and method embodiments that provide micro electro mechanical system optical switching and methods of manufacturing switches. For example, one optical switch embodiment includes at least one micro electro mechanical system type pivot mirror structure disposed along a path of an optical signal, the structure having a mirror and an actuator, and the mirror having a pivot axis along a first edge and having a second edge rotatable with respect to the pivot axis, the mirror being capable of and arranged to be actuated to pivot between a position parallel to a plane of an optical signal and a position substantially normal to the plane of the optical signal.

Micro electro mechanical system optical switching

An optical network system, including multiple nodes, an optical switch, and a switch controller, is configured to achieve communication in the optical domain. Each node is configured to receive both high frequency and low frequency inputs, generally utilized for handling data and addressing information, respectively. The two types of information are combined to create an amplitude modulated optical signal. Subsequently, the two types of information are separated by examining the optical power average of the signal being transmitted. Using one portion of the signal for addressing information, the switch controller can perform necessary routing and arbitration functions. Appropriate communications can then be sent back to the nodes and the optical switch to achieve the necessary configuration. The protocol utilized allows for subsequent arbitration and data transmission cycles, allowing the system and switch controller to configure transmission paths and arbitrate any communication issues. All optical data transmission is then commenced.

Data communication network using optical power averaged multiplexing

A parallel mounted MEMs optical diagnostic switch disposed within an optical connector for directing optical signals from one or a plurality of light sources to one or a plurality of light collectors by activating a feedback loop through the use of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS). The present invention includes one or more mirrors mounted parallel to the path of optical transmission through the tool. The mirrors and can be automatically activated at power up or selectively thereafter for detecting faults in any upstream fiber optic component. When in the passive mode, the present invention retracts away from the optical path so as not to interfere with normal system operations.

Mounted MEMs optical diagnostic switch

An optical lens structure includes a substantially transparent substrate a lens array attached to the substrate with lenses of the lens array situated opposite the substrate and packaging material surrounding at least the periphery of the lens array, the packaging material including at least two alignment holes which are aligned with respect to positions of the lenses. In one example, the structure is fabricated by attaching a lens array to a substrate with lenses of the lens array situated opposite the substrate, surrounding a periphery of the lens array with a packaging material, the packaging material being attached to the substrate, planarizing the packaging material, and providing alignment holes through the packaging material.

Lens array package and fabrication method

A method of positioning an optoelectronic device, for example a vertical cavity surface emitting laser, onto an optical fiber connector and maintaining that exact alignment while testing the quality of the optical output prior to applying an adhesive to make the interface permanent. The method includes the utilization of a multi-piece fixture which clamps the elements into position, allows for testing, and provides a fixture to maintain position throughout the curing process.

Method and apparatus for assembly of an optoelectronic device with an optical connector

Growing community of inventors

Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Brian Scott Leininger