Photonic Concepts, Inc.

Lanhopper System, Inc.

James C Baugh

R James Bateman

A switch for optically coupling a first optical channel to a selected one of a plurality of second optical channels includes a frame that defines a central passage, through which a beam coupled to the first optical channel may pass, and a plurality of peripheral passages, through which a beam coupled to a selected second optical channel may pass. A rotational object is capable of rotating about an axis. A beam redirector allows a first optical path to be optically coupled to a second optical path extending from a preselected position adjacent the peripheral area of the rotational object. A turning mechanism causes the rotational object to rotate to a position where the second optical path is in alignment with the selected one of the plurality of second optical channels.

Rotating fiber optic switch

In a frequency-controlled optical switching system, a first light source generates a data signal having a first wavelength. A second light source generates a control signal having a second wavelength, which is different from the first wavelength. A first wavelength division multiplexer, optically coupled to both the first light source and the second light source, couples an optical signal received from the first light source and an optical signal received from the second light source onto a single optical fiber. A second wavelength division multiplexer, optically coupled to the single optical fiber and spaced apart from the first wavelength division multiplexer, separates a signal having the first wavelength from a signal having the second wavelength. The second wavelength division multiplexer couples the signal having the first wavelength onto a second optical fiber and couples the signal having the second wavelength onto a third optical fiber. An optical sensor, optically coupled to the third optical fiber, and sensitive to light of the second wavelength, asserts an electrical signal when the optical sensor senses light of the second wavelength. A switch, that is responsive to the electrical signal, is in a first state when the electrical signal is not asserted and is in a second state when the electrical signal is asserted.

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Norcross, GA, United States of America

James C Baugh