Abstract:
A passive optical fiber switch includes: a housing defining a plurality of ports configured to receive fiber optic connectors; a substrate positioned within the housing, the substrate defining a plurality of waveguide paths; and an arm positioned relative to one of the plurality of ports such that the arm moves as a fiber optic connector is positioned in the one port, movement of the arm causing the waveguide paths to shift to break a normal through configuration.
Abstract:
A bi-stable magnetic switch assembly comprises a stator (602) having an axis (112) and first and second magnetic portions (622) angularly disposed there around, and a rotor (604) having at least one magnetic region (630, 632) attracted to the first and second portions (622). The rotor (604) is configured for rotation about the axis (112) between (1) a first latched position wherein the region (630, 632) resides proximate to, but is spaced apart from, the first portion (622); and (2) a second latched position wherein the region (630, 632) resides proximate to, but is spaced apart from, the second portion (622). A spring (118) biases the rotor (604) to a position where the region (630, 632) resides intermediate the first and second portions (622). A coil (626), which is associated with at least one of the first portion (622), the second portion (622), and the region (630, 632), may be energized to reduce the force of attraction between the region (630, 632) and the first and second portions (622) when in the first and second latched positions, respectively.
Abstract:
A method and apparatuses are provided for switching an optical element (110) into and out of an optical path. The apparatus comprises an arm assembly having an axis (116), first and second arms (112, 114), first and second latch mechanisms (l06a, 106b), a stop element (108), and a solenoid (104). The first and second arms (112, 114) are coupled to the axis (116), and one of the arms is configured to selectively rotate relative to the other between first and second rotational positions. The latch mechanisms (l06a, l06b) are mounted to the first arm (112) at first and second mounting positions. The stop element (108) is coupled to the second arm (114) and positioned between and capable of contacting the latch mechanisms (l06a, 106b). The solenoid (104) is coupled to the arm assembly and configured to provide kinetic energy to the one of the first and second arms (112, 114) configured to rotate to thereby cause the stop element (108) to selectively contact the first latch mechanism (l06a) and the second latch mechanism (106b).
Abstract:
A reflective optical switch includes a chamber housed within a solid material and a plurality of piezoelectric elements within the chamber. A slug coupled to a liquid metal within the chamber may be coupled to one or more of the piezoelectric elements. Actuating one or more piezoelectric elements causes the slug to move from a first number of wetting pads to a second number of wetting pads. The slug moves from the first number of wetting pads to the second number of wetting pads breaking a liquid metal surface tension between the slug and the first number of wetting pads and couples the slug and the second number of wetting pads. The movement of the slug and the presence of the liquid metal creates a reflective surface routing one or more signals from the first one or more optical waveguides to the second one or more optical waveguides.
Abstract:
A pressure actuated optical relay (100) containing a transparent mirror housing (108), located at the intersection of two optical paths (103, 106). A liquid metal slug (110) is moved within a channel (118) passing through the transparent mirror housing by the action of pressure exerted by an actuation fluid. The liquid metal slug (110) is moved in or out of the transparent mirror housing (108) to select between the optical paths. When the liquid metal slug is within the optical path, an incoming optical signal is reflected from a reflective surface of the slug. The liquid metal of the slug adheres to wettable metal surfaces (114) within the channel to provide a latching mechanism.
Abstract:
A pressure actuated optical relay containing a transparent mirror housing (210), located at the intersection of two optical paths. A solid slug (302) is moved within a channel (404) passing through the transparent mirror housing by the action of pressure exerted by an actuation fluid. The solid slug (302) is moved in or out of the transparent mirror housing to select between the optical paths and is wetted by a liquid metal (304). When the solid slug (302) is within the optical path, an incoming optical signal is reflected from a wetted surface of the slug. The liquid metal (304) forms a surface tension bond between the slug and wettable metal surfaces (406) within the channel (404) to provide a latching mechanism.
Abstract:
An optical switch actuator (10) moving an optical element (132) into or out of an optical pathway. The optical element (132) is coupled to a movable shuttle (112) and driven by a motor between two rest positions. The motor includes two stationary coils (214, 224) and a magnet (318). The shuttle (112) is magnetically latched in the rest positions. The optical element's position at the extended rest position is controlled with a stop that contacts the shuttle (112) to provide accuracy and precision about multiple axes. The material used to construct the actuator's components aids in repeatedly positioning the optical element (132) with precision.
Abstract:
A MEMS-based device to steer and manipulate beams of light traveling in free-space in an optical switch. The optical switch is based on a rotating vertical micro-mirror constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one input optical fiber is arranged to direct at least one optical signal through free-space along a first optical path parallel to the surface of the substrate. A plurality of output optical fibers are arranged to receive the optical signal traveling through free-space along other optical paths not co-linear with the first optical path. At least one substantially vertical, rotating micro-mirror assembly is constructed on the substrate. The assembly includes a rotating micro-mirror with a vertical centerline and an axis of rotation both perpendicular to the surface, but not co-linear. The rotating micro-mirror is rotatable between a first position not in the first optical path and at least a second position redirecting the optical signal to one of the output optical fibers.