Alcatel

Institut Fur Mikrotechnik Mainz Gmbh

Jens Schulze

Antoni Picard

Anton Ambrosy

Peter Kersten

Michel Neumeier

Sigrun Schneider

J&ouml;rg Reinhardt

This invention relates to an optical multiple circuit breaker with (N) first optical inputs (E ) (n)), whereby these inputs can be switched optionally to (N) first or (N) second optical outputs (A (n)) and/or (A (n)). Light rays (LS (n)) and LS (n)) are reflected or transmitted from two surfaces ( ), to which end the at most two recesses ( ) of a transparent base body ( ) that form these surfaces are filled optionally with an optically thinner or denser material ( ). In accordance with a first embodiment, both surfaces ( ) are so arranged that, in the reflecting switching state, the first inputs (E (n)) are optically connected to the first outputs (A (n)), and the second inputs (E (n)) are connected to the second outputs (A (n)), and that in the transmission switching state, the first input (E (n)) are optically connected to the second outputs (A (n)). Owing to low optical damping and compact structure, the above-described optical multiple circuit breakers can be used advantageously in optical communication engineering, in particular in the realization of optical bus systems.

Optical multiple circuit breaker

The invention relates to a self-centering arrangement of microstructured elements, particularly of microoptical components on a substrate serving as carrier. To provide microoptical components with projections that fit into corresponding recesses is known in the art. The invention provides a way to improve the mutual alignment of components (K,, K,) in that a deformation occurs when projections (Z,, Z,) are inserted into the recesses (A). This deformation may concern the projections or the recesses themselves or a molding material introduced between the projections and the recesses. The deformation improves the self-centering properties; in addition, manufacturing tolerances are more easily compensated. If the element cannot be provided with a suitable projection, an intermediate carrier is used, which is, for example, a plastic element produced by a LIGA process.

Self-centering arrangement of microstructured elements

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Mainz, Germany

Jens Schulze