Optical switch having an impact printer head actuator

摘要

The present invention provides an NxM non-blocking optical switch using a novel switching fabric that utilizes micromirrors to switch light signals in a planar waveguide array. The optical switch uses a commercially available micromechanical actuator to actuate each micromirror. The actuator can also be an inexpensive custom made actuator. The actuator and the waveguide substrate are separate units and there are no electrical connections between them. The switch includes a unique design feature whereby the actuator and the micromirror array do not require precision alignment. The optical switch of the present invention is fabricated at low temperatures and assembled using glue.