Optical switch

A spatial light modulator (SLM) array for directing an optical signal, comprising:

• a micromachined supporting assembly;
• a plurality of first optical ports arranged in the supporting assembly;
• a plurality of SLM reflector assemblies, each SLM reflector assembly comprising one or more electrically controllable microelectromechanical movable reflectors arranged along an SLM axis, each movable reflector having a reflective surface electrically pivotable in a selectable one of a plurality of discrete switching orientations, a first movable reflector optically coupled to one of the first optical ports to receive an optical signal from the one of the first optical ports, a last movable reflector optically coupled to a preceding movable reflector to receive the optical signal reflected by the preceding movable reflector;
• and
• a plurality of second optical ports in the supporting assembly, each second optical port optically coupled to the last movable reflector of one of the SLM reflector assemblies to receive the optical signal.

A method for directing an optical signal, comprising:

• inputting an optical signal at an optical input;
• pivoting each of a plurality of microelectromechanical movable reflectors arranged along an axis into one of a plurality of discrete switching orientations in response to electrical switching signals;
• propagating the optical signal impinging upon one of the movable reflectors to a successive one of the movable reflectors;
• and
• outputting the optical signal reflected from the successive one of the movable reflectors at an optical output.