International Business Machines Corporation

Oliver Martin

Fritz R Gfeller

Johann R Mueller

Peter L Heinzmann

This invention relates to a remotely optically powered fiber optic switch, e.g. in a fiber optic network, and a GRIN-rod (Graded-Refractive-Index-rod) lens with integrated planar mirror as a switching element, in particular suited for fiber optic switches. A distribution panel, in which the switching element, a wavelength-division demultiplexer, a light-into-current converter, and an actuator for the switching element are situated, is remotely optically powered from a station in the network. Part of this station is a laser diode which feeds a powering lightwave via a wavelength-division multiplexer into an optical fiber interconnecting the station with the distribution panel, which fiber can also be used for data transmission. The light-into-current converter receives the powering lightwave and generates an electric current for driving the actuator and moving the switching element. A GRIN-rod lens with integrated planar mirror serves as switching element by rotating it in a ferrule and establishing different light paths depending on the position of the integrated mirror with respect to lightwaves optically coupled to the end facets of the GRIN-rod.

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Adliswil, Switzerland

Oliver Martin