Modular three-dimensional optical switch

A method of switching an optical input channel to an optical output channel, comprising the steps of:

• directing a light beam that originates from the optical input channel toward a first moveable optical redirecting device;
• reflecting the light beam off of the first moveable optical redirecting device and onto a second moveable optical redirecting device;
• reflecting the light beam off of the second moveable optical redirecting device;
• directing the light beam reflected off of the second moveable optical redirecting device into the optical output channel;
• and
• directing a first monitor beam along at least a portion of a same path traveled by the light beam.

A method of switching an optical input channel to an optical output channel, comprising the steps of:

• directing a light beam received from the optical input channel toward a first wavelength selective optical redirecting device;
• reflecting the light beam off of the first wavelength selective optical redirecting device and onto a first moveable optical redirecting device;
• adjusting the first moveable optical redirecting device so that the light beam reflects therefrom and impinges upon a second moveable optical redirecting device;
• adjusting the second moveable optical redirecting device so that the light beam reflects therefrom and impinges upon a second wavelength selective optical redirecting device;
• and
• reflecting a first portion of the light beam off of the second wavelength selective optical redirecting device and into the optical output channel and coupling a second portion of the light beam to a detector via the second wavelength selective optical redirecting device.

An apparatus for use in optical switching, comprising:

• a first switch module that includes
• an optical input channel,
• a first moveable optical redirecting device, and
• a first wavelength selective optical redirecting device positioned to reflect a light beam received from the optical input channel onto the first moveable optical redirecting device, and
• a first detector capable of receiving at least a portion of a light beam passing through the first wavelength selective optical redirecting device;
• and
• a second switch module that includes an optical output channel, a second moveable optical redirecting device, and a second wavelength selective optical redirecting device positioned to reflect the light beam received from the second moveable optical redirecting device into the optical output channel;
• wherein the first switch module and the second switch module are positioned so that the light beam can be reflected from the first moveable optical redirecting device and impinge upon the second moveable optical redirecting device.

An apparatus for use in optical switching, comprising:

• a first switch module that includes,
• an optical input channel;
• a first moveable optical redirecting device;
• a first wavelength selective optical redirecting device positioned to reflect a light beam received from the optical input channel onto the first moveable optical redirecting device;
• and
• a detector configured to detect a position of a first monitor beam that is reflected off of the first moveable optical redirecting device and that at least a portion of which is transmitted through the first wavelength selective optical redirecting device.