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. 31, 2006
Filed:
Sep. 19, 2002
Tomohiko Kanie, Yokohama, JP;
Makoto Katayama, Yokohama, JP;
Masayuki Nishimura, Yokohama, JP;
Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Osaka, JP;
Abstract
An optical switch according to this invention has a planar waveguide in which an optical path is formed. A trench is formed in the upper surface of this planar waveguide. A cantilevered movable member is mounted on the planar waveguide. A comb is formed in the end portion of this movable member. A mirror which intercepts light propagating on the optical path is fixed to the end of the movable member. An electrode opposing the movable member is formed on the planar waveguide. A comb is formed in that portion of this electrode, which opposes the comb of the movable member. The movable member and electrode are connected via a voltage source. When this voltage source generates electrostatic force between the movable member and electrode, the movable member bends, and the mirror moves along the bottom surface of the trench accordingly.