Low loss optical switching system

An optical switching system comprising:

• (a) an input port comprising a stationary input light guiding structure adapted to receive a first optical signal, the stationary input light guiding structure being aligned to transmit the first optical signal to one of a plurality of optical switching devices;
• (b) a plurality of output ports;
• and
• (c) the plurality of optical switching devices coupled to the input port and adapted to receive the first optical signal from the stationary input light guiding structure and switch the first optical signal to one of the plurality of output ports, each optical switching device comprising:
• (i) a substrate;
• (ii) a movable microstructure formed by a semiconductor process on the substrate, the movable microstructure being suspended at a distance from the substrate and being adapted to move relative to the substrate;
• (iii) an actuator adapted to cause the movable microstructure to move from a first position to a second position relative to the substrate;
• (iv) a light-guiding structure mounted to the movable microstructure such that the light-guiding structure moves with the movable microstructure, wherein the light-guiding structure comprises a first set of optical oaths and a second set of optical paths, such that when the movable microstructure is in a first position, the first optical signal travels alone the first set of optical oaths in the light-guiding structure, and when the movable microstructure is in a second position, the first optical signal travels along the second set of optical paths in the light-guiding structure;
• (v) a gap formed between and defined by a first face of the stationary input light guiding structure and a second face of the first set of optical paths of the movable microstructure, wherein the gap causes the first optical signal to exit the stationary input light guiding structure at an oblique angle and to enter the first set of optical paths at an oblique angle;
• and
• (vi) a notch in a first edge portion of the movable microstructure, the first edge portion extending in a Y direction, the microstructure having a second edge portion which extends in an X direction, the X and Y directions being substantially perpendicular to each other, the notch having a third edge portion and a fourth edge portion, wherein the fourth edge portion extends substantially parallel to the X direction, and wherein the first optical signal enters the first set of optical paths at the fourth edge portion of the notch, wherein the gap is located adjacent to the fourth edge portion of the notch.