Wavelength selective cross-connect switch using a MEMS shutter array
AssigneeCorning Incorporated
InventorRobert G. Lindquist
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A wavelength selective cross-connect switch for selectively switching wavelength-separated input channels between two optical input signals. The cross-connect switch includes two dispersive elements, where each dispersive element receives an optical input signal and disperses it into a plurality of wavelength-separated input channels. The cross-connect switch also includes a switching array mechanism, such as a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) shutter array, receiving the plurality of wavelength-separated input channels from each of the dispersive elements and operative for selectively switching one or more of the wavelength-separated input channels between the optical signals.
Claims17
An optical switch having two dispersive elements for selectively switching wavelength channels between two optical signals, each of the two dispersive elements receiving an optical input signal and dispersing the optical input signal into a plurality of wavelength-separated input channels, the optical switch comprising:
- a micro-electro mechanical shutter array for receiving the plurality of wavelength-separated input channels from each of the two dispersive elements, the micro-electro mechanical shutter operative for selectively switching one or more of the plurality of wavelength-separated input channels between the two optical signals.
An optical switch for selectively switching wavelength channels between two optical signals comprising:
- a first dispersive element receiving a first optical input signal and dispersing the first optical input signal into a plurality of first wavelength-separated input channels;
- a first focusing lens receiving the plurality of first wavelength-separated input channels;
- a second dispersive element receiving a second optical input signal and dispersing the second optical signal into a plurality of second wavelength-separated input channels;
- a second focusing lens receiving the plurality of second wavelength-separated input channels;
- and
- a switching array mechanism between the first focusing element and the second focusing element for selectively switching the wavelength-separated input channels between the first optical input signal and second optical input signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.