Optical switch with vertically-aligned mirrors
OwnerTsung-Yi Yanginventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An optical switch includes a plurality of beam directing elements. Each of the beam directing elements includes a mirror that is hinged vertically within a housing so that the attitude of the mirror is angularly adjustable within the horizontal plane of the housing. At least one input port is provided for receiving an input light beam while a plurality of output ports is provided with each being associated with one of the mirrors. A hook is provided for coupling each mirror to a mirror driver that is selectively-energizable by a controller.
Claims27
An optical switch comprising, in combination:
- a) a plurality of mirrors, each of said mirrors including a reflective surface portion;
- b) each of said mirrors having an associated elongated hinge, said hinge being within a plane including at least a portion of the reflective surface portion of said mirror;
- c) the hinges of each of said mirrors being substantially vertical;
- d) said mirrors being arranged into at least one row;
- e) a selectively-actuable mirror driver being coupled to each of said mirrors;
- and
- f ) a controller for selectively energizing said plurality of mirror drivers whereby the attitudes of said mirrors are responsive to said controller.
A beam directing element for an optical switch comprising, in combination:
- a) a mirror including a reflective surface portion;
- b) said mirror having an associated elongated hinge, said hinge being within a plane including at least a portion of the reflective surface portion of said mirror;
- c) a selectively-actuable mirror driver coupled to said mirror;
- and
- d) a controller for selectively energizing said mirror driver to control the attitude of said mirror.
An optical switch comprising, in combination:
- a) a housing;
- b) a plurality of mirrors being arranged within said housing, each of said mirrors including a reflective surface portion;
- c) each of said mirrors having an associated elongated hinge, said hinge being within a plane including at least a portion of the reflective surface portion of said mirror;
- d) the hinges of each of said mirrors being fixed substantially vertical within said housing;
- e) said mirrors being arranged into at least one row within said housing;
- f) said housing having at least one port for receiving an input optical beam and a plurality of output ports, each of said output ports being aligned with one of said plurality of mirrors;
- g) a selectively-actuable mirror driver being coupled to each of said mirrors;
- and
- h) a controller for selectively energizing said plurality of mirror drivers whereby the attitudes of said mirrors are responsive to said controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.