Angular-precision enhancement in free-space micromachined optical switches
    1.
    发明授权
    Angular-precision enhancement in free-space micromachined optical switches 有权
    自由空间微加工光开关的角度精度增强

    公开(公告)号:US06606428B2

    公开(公告)日:2003-08-12

    申请号:US09933726

    申请日:2001-08-22

    IPC分类号: G02B626

    摘要: Integrated mechanical angular alignment-enhancement structures for incorporation into free-space micromachined optical switches are capable of achieving better than 0.1° micro-mirror angular precision and repeatability with the optical switches. The structures open the path to high port-count crossconnects with sufficiently low loss for deployment in practical optical-communications networks.

    摘要翻译: 用于结合到自由空间微加工光开关中的集成机械角度对准增强结构能够实现比光开关更好的0.1°微镜角度精度和重复性。 该结构打开了高端口数交叉连接的路径,具有足够低的损耗,用于实际的光通信网络中的部署。

    Angular-precision enhancement in free-space micromachined optical switches
    2.
    发明授权
    Angular-precision enhancement in free-space micromachined optical switches 有权
    自由空间微加工光开关的角度精度增强

    公开(公告)号:US06292600B1

    公开(公告)日:2001-09-18

    申请号:US09472724

    申请日:1999-12-27

    IPC分类号: G02B626

    摘要: Integrated mechanical angular alignment-enhancement structures for incorporation into free-space micromachined optical switches are capable of achieving better than 0.1° micro-mirror angular precision and repeatability with the optical switches. The structures open the path to high port-count crossconnects with sufficiently low loss for deployment in practical optical-communications networks.

    摘要翻译: 用于结合到自由空间微加工光开关中的集成机械角度对准增强结构能够实现比光开关更好的0.1°微镜角度精度和重复性。 该结构打开了高端口数交叉连接的路径,具有足够低的损耗,用于实际的光通信网络中的部署。

    Method and apparatus for low loss via geometrical optimization in free-space micro-machined optical switches
    3.
    发明授权
    Method and apparatus for low loss via geometrical optimization in free-space micro-machined optical switches 有权
    自由空间微加工光开关几何优化的低损耗方法和装置

    公开(公告)号:US06317532B1

    公开(公告)日:2001-11-13

    申请号:US09429786

    申请日:1999-10-29

    IPC分类号: G02B626

    摘要: A method and apparatus for minimizing optical loss associated with light beam divergence in a free-space micro-machined optical switch is presented. The coupling efficiency of a free-space micro-machined optical switch, that is, how efficiently the switch transfers an optical light beam from an emitting optical fiber to a receiving optical fiber, is obtained by calculating the overlap integral of the wave functions of an optical beam taken in a free-space mode at an entry point in the switch and in a fiber mode at a receiving fiber facet of the optical switch. Since the optical light beam diverges as it propagates through the optical switch, and the propagation distance increases with mirror size, that coupling efficiency is limited by the ratio of the optical light beam radius and the mirror radius of the switch. Thus, through careful measurements it becomes clear that an optimal value, for a given switch, of the ratio of the size of the beam in relation to the size of the mirror of the optical switch can be determined to optimize coupling efficiency and minimize data loss.

    摘要翻译: 提出了一种用于最小化与自由空间微加工光开关中的光束发散相关联的光损耗的方法和装置。 通过计算自由空间微加工光开关的耦合效率,即开关将光束从发射光纤传递到接收光纤的效率是有效的, 在光开关的接收光纤面处,在开关的入口点处以光纤模式以自由空间模式拍摄的光束。 由于光学光束在通过光学开关传播时发散,并且传播距离随着镜面尺寸而增加,所以耦合效率受到光束半径与开关镜面半径的比率的限制。 因此,通过仔细测量,可以清楚的是,可以确定给定开关的光束尺寸与光开关的反射镜尺寸之比的最佳值,以优化耦合效率并最小化数据丢失 。

    Connection-verification in optical MEMS crossconnects via mirror-dither
    4.
    发明授权
    Connection-verification in optical MEMS crossconnects via mirror-dither 有权
    通过镜像抖动在光学MEMS交叉连接中进行连接验证

    公开(公告)号:US06243507B1

    公开(公告)日:2001-06-05

    申请号:US09472682

    申请日:1999-12-27

    IPC分类号: G02B612

    摘要: Integrated connection-verification system for use in a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) crossconnect device. The system uses application of a dithering signal such as a sinusoidal bias to an electrode plate associated with a micro-mirror switching element to dither the micro-mirror. The optical signal from the dithering micro-mirror is fed through a beam splitter, a portion of the optical signal thus being directed to a photodetector. If intensity modulation in the optical signal corresponding to the frequency of the dithering signal is detected by the photodetector associated with the micro-mirror, the connection path between the desired input and output ports is verified.

    摘要翻译: 用于微机电系统(MEMS)交叉连接装置的集成连接验证系统。 该系统使用诸如正弦偏压的抖动信号施加到与微镜开关元件相关联的电极板来抖动微反射镜。 来自抖动微镜的光信号通过分束器馈送,因此光信号的一部分被引导到光电检测器。 如果由与微镜相关联的光电检测器检测到与抖动信号的频率相对应的光信号中的强度调制,则验证所需输入和输出端口之间的连接路径。

    Non-blocking crossconnect apparatus
    5.
    发明授权
    Non-blocking crossconnect apparatus 失效
    非阻塞交叉连接装置

    公开(公告)号:US06337859B1

    公开(公告)日:2002-01-08

    申请号:US09002241

    申请日:1997-12-31

    IPC分类号: H04Q116

    摘要: A non-blocking crossconnect apparatus includes a primary bi-directional crossconnect device and a plurality of secondary bi-directional crossconnect devices. The primary crossconnect device has a plurality of pairs of bi-directional signal ports. A first one of each of the plurality of pairs of the bi-directional signal ports are arranged in a first set and a corresponding second one of each of the plurality of pairs of the bi-directional signal ports are arranged in a second set. Each secondary crossconnect device is associated with a respective one of the plurality of pairs of bi-directional signal ports and has a pair of secondary bi-directional signal ports and a pair of bi-directional signal leads. A first one of each pair of the bi-directional signal leads is operably connected to a respective one of the bi-directional signal ports in the first set and a second one of each pair of the bi-directional signal leads is operably connected to a respective one of the bi-directional signal ports in the second set. By utilizing symmetry and the bi-directional nature of communication lines, the present invention yields a rearrangeably non-blocking crossconnect apparatus as well as a strictly non-blocking crossconnect apparatus.

    摘要翻译: 非阻塞交叉连接装置包括主要双向交叉连接装置和多个次级双向交叉连接装置。 主交叉连接装置具有多对双向信号端口。 多对双向信号端口中的每一对中的第一个布置在第一组中,并且多对双向信号端口中的每一对双向信号端口中的相应的第二组布置在第二组中。 每个次级交叉连接装置与多对双向信号端口中的相应一个相关联并且具有一对辅助双向信号端口和一对双向信号引线。 每对双向信号引线中的第一个可操作地连接到第一组中的双向信号端口中的相应一个,并且每对双向信号引线中的第二个可操作地连接到 相应的第二组中的双向信号端口之一。 通过利用通信线路的对称性和双向性,本发明产生了可重新布置的非阻塞交叉连接装置以及严格无阻塞的交叉连接装置。

    Method and apparatus for curvature-resistant micro-mirror structures to reduce light beam loss in free-space micro-machined optical switches
    6.
    发明授权
    Method and apparatus for curvature-resistant micro-mirror structures to reduce light beam loss in free-space micro-machined optical switches 有权
    用于减小自由空间微加工光开关中的光束损耗的抗弯曲微镜结构的方法和装置

    公开(公告)号:US06271958B1

    公开(公告)日:2001-08-07

    申请号:US09429789

    申请日:1999-10-29

    IPC分类号: B02B2608

    摘要: A method and apparatus for curvature-resistant micro-mirror structures to reduce light beam coupling loss due to mirror curvature in free-space micro-machined optical switches is presented. As a significant contributor to light beam coupling loss is the curvature of the micro-mirrors in these cross-connect systems, an improved thick mirror slab utilizing a phosopho-silicate glass (PSG) core is constructed. The PSG core is sandwiched between two poly-silicon layers, thus providing an enhanced, bending-resistant structure which protects the PSG core from the release etchant used in surface micro-machining and substantially reduces mirror curvature. The reflective layer is laid down on top of the enhanced, bending-resistant structure.

    摘要翻译: 提出了一种用于减小由自由空间微加工光开关中的镜面曲率引起的光束耦合损耗的曲率抵抗微镜结构的方法和装置。 作为光束耦合损耗的重要原因之一是在这些交叉连接系统中的微反射镜的曲率,构建了利用磷硅酸盐玻璃(PSG)芯的改进的厚镜面板。 PSG芯夹在两个多晶硅层之间,因此提供了一种增强的抗弯曲结构,可保护PSG芯免受表面微加工中使用的剥离蚀刻剂的影响,并大大降低镜面曲率。 反射层放置在增强的抗弯结构的顶部。

    Symmetrical optical matrix crossconnect apparatus and method therefor
    7.
    发明授权
    Symmetrical optical matrix crossconnect apparatus and method therefor 失效
    对称光学矩阵交叉连接装置及其方法

    公开(公告)号:US6144781A

    公开(公告)日:2000-11-07

    申请号:US2240

    申请日:1997-12-31

    摘要: A symmetrical optical matrix crossconnect apparatus includes a plurality of optical switch devices with each comprising a first pair of fiber optic ports, a second pair of fiber optic ports and a reflective element. The first pair of fiber optic ports are disposed apart from one another and aligned coextensively along a first optical path. One of the first pair of fiber optic ports emits a first light beam that travels along the first optical path in free space while the remaining one of the first pair of fiber optic ports receives the first light beam. The second pair of fiber optic ports are disposed apart from one another and aligned coextensively along a second optical path. A first one of the second pair of fiber optic ports emits a second light beam that travels along the second optical path in free space while a remaining one of the second pair of fiber optic ports receives the second light beam. The first optical path and the second optical path crisscross each other at an intersection. The reflective element has a first and an opposite second reflective surface and moves between a non-reflective state and a reflective state. In the non-reflective state, the reflective element is disposed away from the first and second optical paths. In the reflective state, the reflective element is interposed into the first and second optical paths at the intersection to reflect the first light beam to a light receiving one of the second pair of fiber optic ports while reflecting the second light beam to the light receiving one of the first pair of fiber optic ports.

    摘要翻译: 对称光学矩阵交叉连接装置包括多个光学开关装置,每个光学开关装置包括第一对光纤端口对,第二对光纤端口和反射元件。 第一对光纤端口彼此分开设置,并沿着第一光路共同对准。 第一对光纤端口之一发射沿着第一光路在自由空间中行进的第一光束,而第一对光纤端口中的剩余的一个光纤端口接收第一光束。 第二对光纤端口彼此分开设置,并沿第二光路共同对准。 第二对光纤端口中的第一个发射在自由空间中沿着第二光路行进的第二光束,而第二对光纤端口中的剩余的一个光纤端口接收第二光束。 第一光路和第二光路在十字交叉处十字交叉。 反射元件具有第一和相对的第二反射表面,并且在非反射状态和反射状态之间移动。 在非反射状态下,反射元件远离第一和第二光路设置。 在反射状态下,反射元件在相交处被插入到第一和第二光路中,以将第一光束反射到第二对光纤端口中的一个光,同时将第二光束反射到接收光的一个 的第一对光纤端口。

    Bridging apparatus and method for an optical crossconnect device
    8.
    发明授权
    Bridging apparatus and method for an optical crossconnect device 失效
    光交叉连接装置的桥接装置和方法

    公开(公告)号:US5982554A

    公开(公告)日:1999-11-09

    申请号:US1675

    申请日:1997-12-31

    摘要: A bridging apparatus is used with an optical matrix crossconnect mechanism that has an array of reflective panels that are disposed in a plurality of columns and rows and are selectively operative between reflective states and non-reflective states. The bridging apparatus includes at least one light beam splitting device that is peripherally disposed in the array of reflective panels adjacent to an entry position of a light beam. The at least one light beam splitting device is operative in a retracted state to permit the light beam to enter into the optical matrix crossconnect mechanism in an undivided manner. The at least one light beam splitting device is operative in a beam splitting state so that the light beam entering into the optical matrix crossconnect mechanism can be divided into a first light beam portion and a second light beam portion which are directed into the optical matrix crossconnect mechanism in different directions.

    摘要翻译: 桥接装置与光学矩阵交叉连接机构一起使用,所述光学矩阵交叉连接机构具有布置在多个列和行中的反射板阵列,并且可选择性地在反射状态和非反射状态之间工作。 桥接装置包括至少一个光束分离装置,其周边地设置在与光束的入口位置相邻的反射板阵列中。 所述至少一个光束分离装置在缩回状态下工作,以允许光束以不分割的方式进入光学矩阵交叉连接机构。 所述至少一个光束分离装置以分束状态操作,使得进入光学矩阵交叉连接机构的光束可以被划分为被引导到光学矩阵交叉连接中的第一光束部分和第二光束部分 机制不同。

    Method and apparatus for signal and switch monitoring in an optical cross connect
    9.
    发明授权
    Method and apparatus for signal and switch monitoring in an optical cross connect 有权
    光交叉连接中信号和开关监控的方法和装置

    公开(公告)号:US06556318B1

    公开(公告)日:2003-04-29

    申请号:US09198684

    申请日:1998-11-24

    IPC分类号: H04B1008

    摘要: The present invention provides a variety of methods and apparatus for monitoring signal quality and switch operation for optical switches in an optical cross connect. The signal quality can be checked by using a beamsplitter to reflect a portion of the light beam carrying the signal onto a photodetector which is connected to a device which can monitor loss of signal, loss of frame, and other transmission characteristics. The position of a switch or waveguide can be monitored by circuits which detect variable levels of resistance and capacitance based on the switch's position or by reflecting probe light beams off the back of the switching mirror. The present invention also provides a method for determining if the signal quality photodetector is functioning correctly.

    摘要翻译: 本发明提供了用于在光交叉连接中监视光开关的信号质量和开关操作的各种方法和装置。 可以通过使用分束器来检查信号质量,以将携带信号的光束的一部分反射到连接到可以监视信号丢失,帧丢失和其它传输特性的设备的光电检测器上。 开关或波导的位置可以通过检测基于开关位置的可变电平和电容水平或通过将探测光束从反射镜背面反射的电路来监测。 本发明还提供了一种用于确定信号质量光电检测器是否正常工作的方法。

    Undersea trunk-and-branch logical ring networks
    10.
    发明授权
    Undersea trunk-and-branch logical ring networks 有权
    海底干线和分支逻辑环网

    公开(公告)号:US06355886B1

    公开(公告)日:2002-03-12

    申请号:US09353296

    申请日:1999-05-21

    IPC分类号: G02B628

    CPC分类号: H04L12/437 H04J3/085

    摘要: A trunk and branch logical ring network includes a plurality of nodes that are coupled to a ring backbone by a plurality of branching units. The connections to the ring backbone are such that physically adjacent nodes are not adjacent to one another logically in the network. By providing this alternating branching arrangement the maximum length of any unregenerated span along the ring is significantly reduced. This reduces repeater spacing in the network.

    摘要翻译: 中继线和分支逻辑环网包括通过多个分支单元耦合到环主干的多个节点。 与环形骨干网的连接使得物理上相邻的节点在逻辑上不与网络相邻。 通过提供这种交替的分支装置,沿着环的任何未再生跨度的最大长度显着减小。 这减少了网络中的中继器间距。