Optical switch with an array of offset angled micro-mirrors

摘要

An optical network element uses steerable mirrors in an optical switch to couple optical inputs and optical outputs. An optical switch has at least one array of the steerable mirrors, which can be oriented so as to reflect an optical signal between an input and an output. A shorter optical path between the input and the output reduces optical losses because optical losses in an optical switch using mirrors are directly proportional to the total length of the optical path. Reducing the optical path depends upon the switching tilt angle used in steering the mirrors. But tilting the micro-mirrors near their critical tilt angle or repeatedly across large tilt angles will degrade reliability or control. However, the total optical path can be shortened and the reliability of steerable mirrors can be maintained or increased if at least some of the micro-mirrors in an array are offset angled.