Strictly non-blocking scalable matrix optical switch

Abstract

A scalable, non-blocking fiber optic matrix switch has two arrays of light beam collimators arranged to face one another in free space, and a number of optical fibers coupled to each of the arrays. Each collimator has a tubular body with a fiber receiving part at one end, and a lens mounting part at an opposite end of the body. A lens fixed in the mounting part produces a collimated light beam from light emitted from an end of an optical fiber inserted in the fiber receiving part. First and second motor assemblies with corresponding positioning elements displace the collimator body so that its light beam is steered to a desired position along 'X' and 'Y' axes in response to operation of the motor assemblies. A signal carried on a fiber entering a first collimator in one array can be switched into a fiber of a second collimator in the opposite array, by displacing the collimators so as to direct the beam of the first collimator to align with a lens axis of the second. For an N.times.N matrix switch, N collimators are used at each array, and up to N optical signals can be cross-connected without blocking.