Fiber optic bypass switch
AssigneeUnisys Corporation
InventorsStanley J. Lins, David L. Fleming
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An optical bypass switch includes a variable diffraction element responsive to acoustical signals operable to couple light signals incident to first and second input ports to first and second output ports, respectively, for a first diffraction index and from the first and second input ports to the second and first output ports, respectively, for a second diffraction index. Acoustical signals are provided by an electro-acoustic transducer coupled to the variable diffraction element which establishes acoustical signals in response to acoustical signals coupled thereto.
Claims16
An optical switching device comprising:
- means for applying electrical signals;
- means responsive to said electrical signals for providing acoustical signals;
- and
- switch means operable in first and second modes in response to said acoustical signals for coupling light signals from a first input port to a first output port in said first mode and for coupling light signals from said first input port to said second output port and from said second input port to said first output port in said second mode.
An optical modulator comprising:
- means for applying electrical signals;
- means responsive to said electrical signals for providing acoustical signals;
- refracting means operable in first and second modes in response to said acoustical signals for coupling light signals from an input port to a reflecting port in said first mode and for coupling light signals from said input port to a first output port in said second mode;
- and
- means positioned at said reflecting port for reflecting light signals from said reflecting port to a second output port.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.