Optical cross-connect switch using a pin grid actuator

An optical cross-connect switch for receiving optical beams from a series of input fibers and for routing the optical beams to a series of output fibers according to an applied control signal, the optical cross-connect switch comprising:

• a pin grid actuator, including,
• a housing having a planar top surface and a matrix of holes arranged in rows and columns,
• a plurality of pins, each pin penetrating a corresponding hole in the matrix and having a first end proximate to the planar top surface and a second end distal to the planar top surface,
• a plurality of actuators, each actuator coupled to the second end of a corresponding pin at the second end and each actuator having a control line and linearly moving the corresponding pin in a direction perpendicular to the planar top surface to one of a retracted position and an extended position, according to the applied control signal to the control line;
• at least one substrate attached to the planar top surface, securing the series of input fibers to a first edge of the housing in a parallel arrangement and in alignment with the rows of the matrix and securing the series of output fibers to a second edge of the housing adjacent to the first edge in a parallel arrangement and in alignment with the columns of the matrix;
• a plurality of aligned optical elements each having a reflective surface attached to the first end of each pin whereby the reflective surface redirects the received optical beams from the input fibers to the output fibers when the pins are in the extended position.