Cross-connect optical switch

Abstract

A cross-connect optical switch comprises (a) an input array of optical input paths arranged in a first direction; (b) an output array of optical output paths arranged in a second direction different from the first direction; (c) a switching region formed between an output end of the input array and an input end of the output array; (d) a mirror array of optical reflection mirrors arranged in the switching region; and (e) a mirror driver for driving electromagnetically the mirror array. Each of the mirrors of the mirror array has a reflection plane perpendicular to a bisector between the first and second directions and is supported in such a way as to be displaceable along the reflection plane between a standby position and an operation position. Light beams emitted from the input array are reflected by the corresponding mirrors to be sent to the output array in the operation state, and pass near the corresponding mirrors in the standby state. Switching operation between several hundreds of optical input paths and several hundreds of optical output paths is realized.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.