The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 29, 1991
Filed:
Mar. 08, 1990
Janet L Jackel, Holmdel, NJ (US);
Walter J Tomlinson, III, Holmdel, NJ (US);
Bell Communications Research, Inc., Livingston, NJ (US);
Abstract
An optical switch, particularly useful as a bistable cross-connect matrix. Parallel input waveguides and parallel output waveguides are formed on a substrate at perpendicular angles so as to intersect. A 45.degree. slot is formed across each intersection and is filled with a fluid having a refractive index matching the waveguide material. Electrodes are positioned adjacent the slots and are selectively activated to electrolytically convert the fluid to gaseous bubbles, thereby destroying the index matching across the slot and causing light to be reflected by the slot rather than propagating across the slot. In the presence of a catalyst, a pulse of opposite polarity or of sufficient size and of the same polarity will destroy the bubble.