OPTICAL FIBRE SWITCH AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION OF SUCH A SWITCH

摘要

An optical fibre switch comprises first and second optical fibres (21, 31) each having region in which the core cladding is reduced to provide access to the fibre's evanescent field, these regions being placed in juxtaposition, a layer of control material having a variable refractive index between the two optical fibres at the juxtaposed regions, securing means for securing the fibres in their juxtaposed position and control means (7) for controlling the refractive index of the control material. The invention also includes a method of constructing such a switch.