Optical switching system that uses movable microstructures to switch optical signals in three dimensions

Abstract

An optical switching system that switches optical signals in three dimensions by moving an optically transmissive microstructure. The movable microstructure is “optically transmissive” because it includes structures such as waveguides and waveguide networks. The apparatus uses MEMS and micro-machining technology to build an optical switch having an optically transmissive microstructure which moves from one position to another position in a direction (e.g., laterally, vertically, rotationally) such that incoming optical signals align over a small air gap with different waveguides, or with different inputs to the waveguides, depending on the position of the movable microstructure. As a result, the optical signals travel different optical paths (e.g., straight pass through or cross over) depending on the position of the movable microstructure. By combining optical switches in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the resulting optical switching system handles switching in three dimensions.