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:
Nov. 06, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 17, 2000
Applicant:
Inventor:
Richard B. Holmes, Cameron Park, CA (US);
Assignee:
General Nutronics, Inc., Cameron Park, CA (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G02F 1/03 ; G02F 2/710 ; G02F 1/07 ; G02B 2/710 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G02F 1/03 ; G02F 2/710 ; G02F 1/07 ; G02B 2/710 ;
Abstract
A switch device and method is disclosed that is capable of switching wavelength division multiplexed optical signals. The device comprises a switch element that may include a beam splitter, a plurality of wave plates, and a plurality of micro-electromechanical mirrors. The beam splitter is adapted to transmit light in one polarization and reflect light another polarization. The wave plates are adapted to change the polarization of the light so that the beam splitter either reflects or transmits the light. The micro-electromechanical mirrors are adapted to position the beam of light so that it is directed to a selected target.