Zero static power optical switch

#1. The Field of the Invention

#This invention relates generally to the field of optical switching devices for use in optical networks. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a micro electromechanical magnetically controlled optical switch that is particularly useful for switching optical signals between a plurality of optical fibers.

#2. The Relevant Technology

#In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional profile view of one embodiment of an electromagnetic optical switch containing lower stops;

#FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional profile view of an alternative embodiment of an electromagnetic optical switch containing lower and upper stops;

#Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe presently preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of the presently preferred embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

#In general the present invention relates to an optical switch that utilizes ferromagnetic materials and magnetic fields for rotating and manipulating a mirror within a particular range of motion. As will be described in further detail below, the optical switch is capable of redirecting optical signals from one optical fiber to one of a plurality of other optical fibers. Also, while embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of fiber optic switching mechanisms, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to other applications as well.

#Referring first to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an electromagnetic optical switch, designated generally at 100, is shown. In this embodiment, the optical switch 100 includes a base 170, a reflection member 105, four magnetic members 115, 120, 130, 135, and two electrical assemblies 160, 165. The reflection member 105 further comprises a mirror 107 which is coupled to the top of a substrate 110, a first substrate magnetic member 115, and a second substrate magnetic member 120. The substrate magnetic members 115, 120 are coupled to the bottom of the substrate 110. The substrate magnetic members 115, 120 are formed from a hard ferromagnetic material with a high saturation point and a low coercivity, wherein the magnetic members 115, 120 have previously been magnetized so as to form permanent magnets. A pair of flexures 125, 127 elastically couple the reflection member 105 to the base 170. Flexures can be formed from any material that is capable of providing rigid yet flexible response. For example, silicon nitride is a common flexure material that can be used with the invention. Flexures 125, 127 represent one example of means for coupling the reflection member to the base in a manner that allows rotational motion of the reflection member and also represents an example of means for supporting the reflection member in any of a plurality of positions.