Beam-steering optical switching apparatus
AssigneePolatis Photonics, Inc.
InventorsNesbitt W. Hagood, Kamyar Ghandi, Bob Cloutier, Michael Borgen
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Abstract
The systems and methods described herein are directed to motion transformers as well as their integration and/or assembly, for use in directing optical beams and positioning of small optical elements for creating a variety of tunable optical components. More particularly, the systems and methods can be applied to a free-space optical cross-connect switching apparatus with piezoelectric actuation.
Claims22
An optical positioning device, comprising
- an actuator for generating a mechanical movement, an optical component, and
- a unitary assembly formed of components separate from the actuator and having, a first connection to the actuator,
- a second connection to the optical component, and
- a third connection to a support housing radially outward from and substantially parallel to the second connection with respect to the optical component, the unitary assembly imparting motion to the optical component relative to the support housing, in amplified response to motion of the actuator.
An optical switch with an optical positioning device, the optical positioning device comprising
- an actuator for generating a mechanical movement,
- an optical component, and
- a unitary assembly formed of components separate from the actuator and having,
- a first connection to an the actuator,
- a second connection to the optical component, and
- a third connection to a support housing radially outward from and substantially parallel to the second connection with respect to the optical component,
- the unitary assembly imparting motion to the optical component relative to the support housing, in amplified response to motion of the actuator.
An optical positioning device of the type that employs an actuator for moving an optical component, comprising
- a unitary assembly having,
- a first connection to an actuator,
- a second connection to the optical component, and
- a third connection to a support housing radially outward from and substantially parallel to e second connection with respect to the optical component,
- the unitary assembly imparting motion no the optical component relative to the support housing, in amplified response to motion of the actuator.
A unitary assembly for use in an optical positioning device that employs an actuator for moving an optic component, comprising
- a first connection to an actuator,
- a second connection to the optical component, and
- a third connection to a support housing radially outward from and substantially parallel to the second connection with respect to the optical component, the unitary assembly imparting motion to the optical component relative to the support housing, in amplified response to motion of the actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.