Afn, LLC

Other

Fiber, LLC

David A Krozier

Herzel Laor

Leo A Plouffe

An optical switch device includes a first array () of reflectors (), each associated with a separate optical fiber input (), and a second array () of reflectors (), each associated with a separate fiber output (). The reflectors (and) are positionable to direct an optical signal from any one of the fiber inputs () to any one of the fiber outputs (). The optical signal is directed along an optical pathway between the desired fiber output () and its associated reflector that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the fiber output. Preferably, symmetrical fiber beam forming units for forming the optical signal into a focused beam are included between the fiber inputs () and the first array as well as between the second array () and the fiber outputs (). A method for switching optical signals between an input and an output optical fiber end involves forming the optical signal emitted from the input fiber end into a focused beam wherein rays from a point on the input fiber end are convergent. The focused beam is directed towards the output fiber end using at least two positionable reflectors oriented to direct the signal so that, prior to reaching the fiber output, it propagates along an optical pathway that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the output fiber end.

Planar array optical switch and method

An optical matrix switch station () is shown mounting a plurality of optical switch units (), each of which includes a mirror (), moveable in two axes, for purpose of switching light beams from one optical fiber to another. A mirror assembly () is formed from a single body of silicon and comprises a frame portion (), gimbals (), mirror portion (), and related hinges (). Magnets () and air coils () are utilized to position the central mirror surface () to a selected orientation. The moveable mirror and associated magnets along with control LED's () are hermetically packaged in a header () and mounted with the air coils on mounting bracket () to form a micromirror assembly package () mounted in each optical switch unit.

Optical switching apparatus

An optical switch device includes a first array ( ) of reflectors ( ), each associated with a separate optical fiber input ( ), and a second array ( ) of reflectors ( ), each associated with a separate fiber output ( ). The reflectors ( and ) are positionable to direct an optical signal from any one of the fiber inputs ( ) to any one of the fiber outputs ( ). The optical signal is directed along an optical pathway between the desired fiber output ( ) and its associated reflector that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the fiber output. Preferably, symmetrical fiber beam forming units for forming the optical signal into a focused beam are included between the fiber inputs ( ) and the first array as well as between the second array ( ) and the fiber outputs ( ). A method for switching optical signals between an input and an output optical fiber end involves forming the optical signal emitted from the input fiber end into a focused beam wherein rays from a point on the input fiber end are convergent. The focused beam is directed towards the output fiber end using at least two positionable reflectors oriented to direct the signal so that, prior to reaching the fiber output, it propagates along an optical pathway that is substantially aligned with an axis extending centrally from the output fiber end.

An optical matrix switch station ( ) is shown mounting a plurality of optical switch units ( ), each of which includes a mirror ( ), moveable in two axes, for purpose of switching light beams from one optical fiber to another. A mirror assembly ( ) is formed from a single body of silicon and comprises a frame portion ( ), gimbals ( ), mirror portion ( ), and related hinges ( ). Magnets ( ) and air coils ( ) are utilized to position the central mirror surface ( ) to a selected orientation. The moveable mirror and associated magnets along with control LED's ( ) are hermetically packaged in a header ( ) and mounted with the air coils on mounting bracket ( ) to form a micromirror assembly package ( ) mounted in each optical switch unit.

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N. Attleboro, MA, United States of America

David A Krozier