Method for directing an optical beam and a method for manufacturing an apparatus for directing an optical beam

A method for directing an optical beam from a first port to a second port comprising:

• applying a first force to a cantilever to move the cantilever from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation, wherein the cantilever contacts a stop in the second angular orientation;
• and
• applying a second force between the cantilever and the stop to hold the cantilever against the stop in a plane substantially parallel to a substantially planar surface of the stop, such that the cantilever directs an optical beam from a first port to a second port.

A method for directing an optical beam from a first port to a second port using a light-reflective cantilever having a first angular orientation in the absence of an applied force and a static equilibrium position in the presence of a steady force, the method comprising:

• applying a first force to the cantilever to move the cantilever from the first angular orientation to a second angular orientation other than the static equilibrium position, wherein the cantilever contacts a stop in the second angular orientation;
• and
• applying a second force between the cantilever and the stop to hold the cantilever against the stop in a plane substantially parallel to a substantially planar surface of the stop, such that the cantilever directs an optical beam from a first port to a second port.

A method for manufacturing an apparatus for directing optical beams, comprising:

• coupling an array of cantilevers to a base assembly, each cantilever being movable between a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation;
• and
• forming an array of apertures in a stop assembly, the stop assembly being coupled to the base assembly, and each aperture being positioned to contact its respective cantilever when the cantilever is in the second angular orientation.