Beam-steering optical switching apparatus
AssigneeContinuum Photonics, Inc.
InventorsNesbitt W. Hagood, Kamyar Ghandi, Bob Cloutier, Mike Borgen
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Abstract
The systems and methods described herein are directed to motion transformers as well as their integration and/or assembly, for use in directing optical beams and positioning of small optical elements for creating a variety of tunable optical components. More particularly, the systems and methods can be applied to a free-space optical cross-connect switching apparatus with piezoelectric actuation.
Claims15
An optical positioning device, comprising
- an actuator for generating a mechanical movement,
- a moveable optical component, and
- a unitary assembly having,
- a first connection to an actuator,
- a second connection to the optical component, and
- a third connection to a support housing,
- the unitary assembly imparting motion to the optical element relative to the support housing, in response to motion of the actuator.
An optical switch with an optical positioning device, the optical positioning device comprising
- an actuator for generating a mechanical movement,
- a moveable optical component, and
- a unitary assembly having,
- a first connection to an actuator,
- a second connection to the optical component, and
- a third connection to a support housing,
- the unitary assembly imparting motion to the optical element relative to the support housing, in response to motion of the actuator.
An optical positioning device of the type that employs an actuator for moving an optical component, comprising
- a unitary assembly having,
- a first connection to an actuator,
- a second connection to the optical component, and
- a third connection to a support housing,
- the unitary assembly imparting motion to the optical element relative to the support housing, in response to motion of the actuator.
A unitary assembly for use in an optical positioning device that employs an actuator for moving an optical component, comprising
- a first connection to an actuator,
- a second connection to the optical component, and
- a third connection to a support housing,
- the unitary assembly imparting motion to the optical element relative to the support housing, in response to motion of the actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.