MICROELECTROMECHANICAL OPTICAL SWITCH AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF

摘要

A MEMS-based optical switch (100) having improved characteristics and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, an optical switch includes a single comb (122) drive actuator (104) having a deflecting beam structure (124) and a mirror (102) coupled to the actuator. The mirror is capable of being moved between an extended position interposed between waveguide channels (106) and a retracted position apart from the waveguide channels. The actuator applies a force capable of deflecting the beam structure and moving the mirror to one of the extended positions or the retracted position and the beam structure returns the mirror to the other of the extended position or the retracted position in the absence of the application of force.