Neptec Optical Solutions, Inc.

Roy Guynn

John Carberry

Michael L Smith

Vincent J Tekippe

Reddy Urimindi

Donald A Kenagy

An apparatus for directing a light path sequentially between multiple positions. A rotary switch rotates a light beam from a prism relative to a plurality of optical elements arranged radially on a switch body. In one embodiment, a prism rotates in the switch body, causing the light beam to sweep through the optical elements. In another embodiment, the switch body rotates about a prism transmitting the light beam. In various embodiments, the optical elements include a photodetector, a filter and a photodetector pair, a reflector, and a filter and a reflector.

Rotary optical switch

An apparatus for routing a plurality of optical input signals to a plurality of optical output connections. In one embodiment, a plurality of optical switches are combined to route a number of optical signals that exceed the number of optical inputs for a single switch. The switch array includes a plurality of input switches optically connected to a plurality of intermediate switches, which are optically connected to a plurality of output switches. In the embodiments in which the number of input switches exceed the number of optical outputs of a single input switch, the input switches, intermediate switches, and output switches are arranged in groups or sets.

Optical switch array for routing multiple optical signals

An apparatus for switching optical signals. An optical bench includes a plurality of through-openings for receiving a plurality of collimators and a plurality of actuators. The actuators include a mirror for redirecting an optical signal from one collimator to another. The collimators and actuators are secured to the optical bench by an adhesive system that includes opposing longitudinal slots containing adhesive securing the collimators and actuators to the optical bench.

Optical switch assembly

An optical switch actuator moving an optical element into or out of an optical pathway. The optical element is coupled to a movable shuttle and driven by a motor between two rest positions. The motor includes two stationary coils and a magnet attached to the shuttle. The shuttle is magnetically latched in the rest positions. The optical element's position at the extended rest position is controlled with a stop that contacts the shuttle to provide accuracy and precision about multiple axes. The material used to construct the actuator's components aids in repeatedly positioning the optical element with precision.

Optical switch actuator

An optical switch actuator moving an optical element into or out of an optical pathway. The optical element is coupled to a movable shuttle and driven by a motor between two rest positions. The motor includes two stationary coils and a magnet. The shuttle is magnetically latched in the rest positions. The optical element's position at the extended rest position is controlled with a stop that contacts the shuttle to provide accuracy and precision about multiple axes. The material used to construct the actuator's components aids in repeatedly positioning the optical element with precision.

Fiber optic switch actuator

An apparatus for switching a single optical signal to any one of several outputs. An input collimator transmits an optical signal that is reflected from two mirrors on an optical bench into an output collimator. Between the two mirrors is an actuator that interrupts the optical signal and effects another signal from an end collimator into one mirror and the output collimator. The alignment of the collimators and actuators relative to the optical bench is achieved by actively aligning the elements, which includes monitoring an optical signal passing through the collimator and using the signal as feedback for positioning control.

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Blacksburg, VA, United States of America

Roy Guynn