Cascadable large optical cross-connect
AssigneeJDS Uniphase Corporation
InventorsThomas Ducellier, Robert Ian MacDonald
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A high capacity cross-connect in which a 3D switch core includes express paths that facilitate cascading of cross-connect blocks. A light beam propagates from an input waveguide 18 to a first MEMS mirror, which deflects the light beam to either an express optical path or a switching optical path. In the express optical path, the light beam propagates from the first MEMS mirror to a predetermined output waveguide, which is determined by the design of the switch core. In the switching optical path, the light beam propagates from the first MEMS mirror to a second MEMS mirror, which deflects the light beam to a selected one of a set of two or more output waveguides associated with the second MEMS mirror.
Claims24
A cascadable optical cross-connect for redirecting a light beam between one of a plurality of input ports and one of a plurality of output ports or one of a plurality of express ports comprising:
- first and second opposed optical arrays, each optical array including a plurality of mirrors for redirecting the light beam;
- and
- a first optical bypass disposed in the first optical array enabling the light beam to pass through the first optical array between one of the input ports and one of the mirrors in the second optical array;
- a second optical bypass disposed in the first optical array enabling the light beam to pass through the first optical array between one of the mirrors of the second optical array and one of the express ports;
- a third optical bypass disposed within the second optical array enabling the light beam to pass from one of the mirrors of the second optical array through the first optical array to one of the express ports;
- a third optical bypass disposed within the second optical array enabling the light beam to pass from one of the mirrors of the second optical array to one of the mirrors of the first optical array, which directs the light beam through the second optical array to one of the output ports;
- wherein the mirrors are moveable to selectively define a propagation path of a light beam between the first optical bypass and the second or third optical bypasses one of the output ports and one of the mirrors of the first optical array;
- wherein the mirrors are moveable to selectively define a propagation path of a light beam between any two optical bypasses.
An optical switch for selectively switching a light beam between an input port and one of a plurality of output ports, the optical switch comprising:
- a first input port for launching a first light beam into the optical switch:
- an cascadable optical cross-connect comprising:
- first and second opposed optical arrays, each optical array including a plurality of mirrors;
- and
- a first optical bypass disposed within the first optical array enabling the first light beam to pass through the first optical array between the first input port and a respective mirror of the second optical array, whereby the mirror of the second optical array redirects the first light beam to one of the mirrors in the first optical array;
- a second optical bypass disposed within the second optical array enabling the first light beam, which has been redirected by mirrors from the first and second optical arrays, to pass through the second optical array;
- a third optical bypass disposed within the second optical array enabling the first light beam, which has been redirected by mirrors from the first and second optical arrays, to pass through the second optical array;
- a first set of output ports, proximate the second optical bypass, for outputting the first light beam, which has been redirected by mirrors from the first and second optical arrays;
- a second set of output ports, proximate the third optical bypass, for outputting the first light beam, which has been redirected by mirrors from the first and second optical arrays;
- a controller adapted to control a respective position of each mirror to selectively define a propagation path of the first light beam between the first and the second or third optical bypasses.
An optical cross-connect switch comprising:
- a first input port for launching a first beam of light;
- a switch core including:
- a first optical bypass on a first side of the switch core for passing the first beam of light into the switch core;
- a first adjustable mirror on a second side of the switch core, opposite to the first side, for redirecting the first beam of light along one of a first set of paths;
- an array of reflectors on the first side of the switch core, each reflector disposed in one of the first set of paths, for redirecting the first beam of light to one of a second set of paths;
- a second optical bypass on the first side of the switch core disposed in one of the first set of paths for passing the first beam of light out of the first side of the switch core;
- and
- a third optical bypass on the second side of the switch core at a point of convergence of the second set of paths for passing the first beam of light out of the second side of the switch core;
- a first set of output ports adjacent the second side of the switch core for receiving the first beam of light from the third optical bypass;
- and
- a second set of output ports adjacent the first side of the switch core for receiving the first beam of light from the second optical bypass.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.