US 7,116,858 B1 · Optical switch elements

Abstract

An optical switch element, methods form making an optical switch element and optical switches containing the optical switch element. The optical switch element includes a housing containing a longitudinal channel therein having a channel axis defined along a length of the longitudinal channel. An elongate shuttle having a mirrored surface on at least one end thereof is disposed in the longitudinal channel for lateral movement substantially transverse to the channel axis between a first latch position and a second latch position. The shuttle contains a rare earth magnet for interacting with first and second magnetic coils in the housing to cause movement of the shuttle between the first latch position and the second latch position. At least one shuttle guide is provided for guiding movement of the shuttle between the first latch position and the second latch position.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An optical switch element comprising:

a housing containing a longitudinal channel therein having a channel axis defined along a length of the longitudinal channel, wherein the longitudinal channel contains a first machined surface on a first side of the channel, a second surface on an opposite side of the channel from the first surface, a first magnetic coil adjacent the first surface of the channel and a second magnetic coil adjacent the second surface of the channel;
an elongate shuttle having a mirrored surface on at least one end thereof, the elongate shuttle being disposed in the longitudinal channel for lateral movement substantially transverse to the channel axis between a first latch position adjacent the first machined surface and a second latch position adjacent the second surface, and containing a rare earth magnet for interacting with the first and second magnetic coils to cause movement of the shuttle between the first latch position and the second latch position;
and
at least one shuttle guide for guiding movement of the shuttle between the first latch position and the second latch position.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Optical switch elements

Life of this patent

Optical switch elements

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20