Optical cross-connect switch with decreased polarization-dependent loss

A method of reducing polarization dependent loss in an optical cross-connect switch comprising:

• reflecting a plurality of optical beams with a first mirror array to generate a plurality of reflected optical beams substantially parallel to a first optical axis, the first mirror array having an array surface, each of the reflected optical beams having a first polarization component that is parallel to the array surface of the first mirror array and a second polarization component that is orthogonal to the first polarization component;
• and
• reflecting the reflected optical beams with a second mirror array, the second mirror array having an array surface that is parallel to the second polarization component.

An optical cross-connect switch comprising:

• a first mirror array configured to receive and reflect an array of optical beams in a first average plane of incidence;
• and
• a second mirror array in optical communication with the first mirror array and configured to receive and reflect the reflected array of optical beams in a second average plane of incidence, the first average plane of incidence being perpendicular to the second average plane of incidence.