Optical beam steering system

A switching system, for coupling information propagating as electromagnetic wave energy between selected ones of a plurality of terminals having a predetermined spatial relationship, each one of such terminals being adapted to transmit said wave energy and receive said transmitted wave energy, said system comprising:

• means, responsive to an electrical signal and positioned to receive the wave energy transmitted from one of the terminals, for changing the index of refraction of said means for providing a plurality of beam steering positions as said received wave energy passes through said means and for selectively steering simultaneously said received energy to a plurality of the spaced terminals selectively in accordance with the electrical signal.

A system for coupling information propagating in a beam of electromagnetic wave energy between selected ones of a plurality of cables having a predetermined spatial relationship, each one of such cables being adapted to transmit said wave energy and receive said transmitted wave energy, said system comprising:

• means, responsive to an electrical signal and positioned to intercept the beam of wave energy emanating from one of the cables, for changing the index of refraction of a liquid crystal material for providing a plurality of beam steering positions for simultaneously steering said intercepted beam to a plurality of the spaced cables selectively in accordance with the electrical signal.

A method for coupling information propagating as electromagnetic wave energy between selected ones of a plurality of terminals having a predetermined spatial relationship, each one of such terminals being adapted to transmit said wave energy and receive said transmitted wave energy, said method comprising:

• changing the index of refraction of a liquid crystal material for providing a plurality of beam steering positions to simultaneously steer energy to a plurality of the spaced terminals selectively in accordance with the electrical signal.

A method for coupling information propagating in a beam of electromagnetic wave energy between selected ones of a plurality of cables having a predetermined spatial relationship, each one of such cables being adapted to transmit said wave energy and receive said transmitted wave energy, said method comprising the steps of:

• intercepting the beam of wave energy emanating from one of the cables and changing the index of refraction of a liquid crystal material for providing a plurality of beam steering positions for simultaneously steering said intercepted beam to a plurality of the spaced cables selectively in accordance with an electrical signal.