| 摘要 |
<p>An activation mechanism for an optical switch is disclosed. The mechanism is particularly suited for use with switches requiring the movement of a reflecting element into and out of an optical signal path to provide switching. The mechanism consists of a reflecting element (e.g., mirror (14)) and a means (18, 20) (e.g., magnetic, electrostatic, vacuum) for moving the reflecting element into and out of the optical signal path. In the absence of any applied signal, the reflecting element is positioned to intercept an optical signal and redirect it into the chosen output signal path. Upon the application of an external signal, the moving means will create a force of a strength sufficient to move the mirror and allow the optical signal to pass through the switch unobstructed by the reflecting element. <IMAGE></p> |
