Abstract:
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren und eine Anordnung zum Übertragen von von im Pulsbetrieb betriebenen LEDs emittierter Strahlung über zumindest einen Lichtleiter, wobei jeder LED (12, 14) ein erster Lichtleiter (16, 18) mit ersten und zweiten Koppelflächen (20, 22, 24, 26) zugeordnet ist, die ersten Lichtleiter jeweils mit ihren ersten Koppelflächen auf eine zugeordnete stationäre LED ausgerichtet sind, die zweiten Koppelflächen auf einer geschlossenen Bahn angeordnet sind und den zweiten Koppelflächen eine Koppelfläche (44) eines zweiten Lichtleiters (42) zugeordnet ist. Damit mittels der LEDs eine hohe Lichtleistung in den zweiten Lichtleiter eingekoppelt werden kann, ist vorgesehen, dass der zweite Lichtleiter (42) entsprechend der Taktung der eingeschalteten LEDs (12, 14) auf die zweite Koppelfläche (24, 26) eines ersten Lichtleiters (16, 18) von zumindest einer eingeschalteten LED ausrichtbar ist.
Abstract:
A wavelength tunable laser includes a distributed feedback (DFB) array with first and second DFB laser diodes that generates first and second beams of light in first and second wavelength ranges. A microelectromechanical (MEMS) optical element selectively couples one of the first and second beams of light from the DFB laser array into an optical waveguide. The MEMS optical element includes a collimating lens and a thermal or electrostatic MEMS actuator for moving the collimating lens to select the one of the first and second beams of light. A focusing lens is located between the collimating lens and the optical waveguide. Alternately, the MEMS opticall element includes a fixed collimating lens that collimates the first and second beams of light, a mirror, and a MEMS actuator for tilting the mirror to select the one of the first and second beams of light.
Abstract:
A bi-stable magnetic switch assembly (100, 200) is provided that comprises a stator (102, 202, 400) and a rotor (104, 204, 300), which is configured for rotation with respect to the stator between a first latched position and a second latched position. The stator and the rotor cooperate to form a first magnetic path and a magnetic path having a shared portion. A spring (118), which is coupled to the rotor, biases the rotor toward the first and second latched positions when the rotor is in the second and first latched positions, respectively. At least one magnet (120, 122, 124, 212, 232, 420) is fixedly coupled to either the stator or the rotor. The magnet is included within the first magnetic path and configured to produce a magnetic latching force that biases the rotor toward first latched position when the rotor is closer to the first latched position than to the second latched position, and toward the second latched position when the rotor is closer to the second latched position than to the first latched position. At least one coil (424) is fixedly coupled to either the stator or the rotor and, when energized, alters the flux in the second magnetic path to reduce the magnetic latching force.
Abstract:
A microstructure switch (10, 50) having a main body (13), a moveable switching element (17), one or more membranes (26, 52) which connect the moveable switching element (17) to the main body (13) and an actuator (30) which moves the moveable switching element (17) from a first position (72) to at least one activated position (74). The membranes may be either or both of a primary membrane (26) or a secondary membrane (52). A primary membrane (26) may be used as a temporary membrane (32) which serves to position the moveable switching element (17) until it is permanently positioned by a secondary membrane (52), or by an actuator (30). At this point the temporary membrane (32) is removed. Also an optical system (100) which uses various directing components (76) in conjunction with a microstructure switch (10, 50) to direct signals (92) to various channels (86). Also a switching array (200) which includes a number of microstructure switches (10, 50) which use various directing components (76) in conjunction with a microstructure switch (10, 50) to direct signals (92) to various channels (86).
Abstract:
A switching arrangement is disclosed for switching and coupling a light beam irradiated by at least one optical element, such as an input fibre (2), into at least one output fibre among a number of output fibres (6). A beam deflecting and collimating optic (1) connected to an adjusting device with an adjusting element (10) is associated with the irradiated light beam or input fibre (2). Depending on an adjustment signal, the adjusting element (10) laterally shifts the input fibre (2) and the beam deflecting and collimating optic (1) in relation to one another, so that the collimated beam may be coupled via a deflecting optic (4) and a focusing optic (5) into at least one output fibre among a number of output fibres (6) arranged at a distance from the beam deflecting and collimating optic.(1).
Abstract:
An optical interconnection device and a spot displacement device are presented. In optical interconnection device of the present invention, a spot displacement device is employed to cause a light beam to shift positions, thereby making available output positions not previously available for a light beam having bounced so few times.
Abstract:
The systems and methods described herein are directed to motion transformers (80) as well as their integration and/or assembly, for use in directing optical beams and positioning of small optical elements (82) 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 (85).
Abstract:
Electrostatic levitation and positioning of a charged, spherical micro-lens to steer an optical beam from a transmit fiber to a receive lens/fiber pair. Bundled arrays of N fibers and lenses provide a switch having a switch count that scales linearly in the port count N.
Abstract:
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) elements, optical switches and fabrication methods are described. A MEMS element comprises a crystalline moveable element moveably attached to a substrate for motion substantially perpendicular to a plane of the substrate. The moveable element includes a perpendicular portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the substrate. In at least one position, a part of the perpendicular portion projects beyond a surface of the substrate. The perpendicular portion and substrate have substantially similar crystal structures. The perpendicular portion may be formed from the substrate. An array of such structures can implement an optical switch. MEMS elements may be fabricated by forming one or more trenches in a substrate to define a perpendicular portion; attaching a moveable element to a first surface of the substrate; and removing a portion of the substrate such that at least a part of the perpendicular portion projects beyond a second surface.