Optical switching element having movable optically transmissive microstructure
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Feb 10, 2004
Grant Date -
Apr 4, 2002
app pub date -
Apr 17, 2001
filing date -
Sep 19, 2000
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
An optical switching element has a movable optically transmissive microstructure to change the optical paths of the optical signals. The movable microstructure is 'optically transmissive' because it includes structures such as waveguides and waveguide networks which transmit optical signals. The apparatus uses MEMS and micromachining 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.
First Claim
Family
International Classification(s)
Cited Art Landscape
Patent Citation Ranking
Recipient Email Address
Recipient Email Address
Comment
Recipient Email Address
Add to Portfolio(s)
To add this patent to one, or more, of your portfolios, simply click the add button.
This Patent is in these Portfolios:
Add to additional portfolios:
Last Refreshed On:
Changes done successfully