Getter for atmospheric gases in optical switch working fluid

A method of making an optical switch comprising:

• providing an optical switch having a core and a fluid reservoir, the core including a base, a matrix controller substrate mounted on the base, and a planar lightwave circuit mounted on the matrix controller substrate, the planar lightwave circuit having a plurality of intersecting waveguides and a plurality of trenches, the fluid reservoir being coupled to the core via a tube;
• inserting a getter into the fluid reservoir;
• activating the getter in the fluid reservoir by connecting the fluid reservoir to a vacuum source and heating the getter;
• supplying fluid from a fill station to the fluid reservoir via a supply tube;
• and
• sealing the fluid reservoir.

A method of making an optical switch comprising:

• providing an optical switch having a core and a fluid reservoir, the core including a base, a matrix controller substrate mounted on the base, and a planar lightwave circuit mounted on the matrix controller substrate, the planar lightwave circuit having a plurality of intersecting waveguides and a plurality of trenches, the fluid reservoir being coupled to the core via a tube;
• connecting the fluid reservoir via a supply tube to a fill station, the fill station including fluid;
• inserting a getter into the fill station;
• activating the getter in the fill station under a vacuum;
• and
• supplying the fluid from the fill station through the supply tube and into the fluid reservoir.