Daniel James Gardner

US Patent:

6516107, Feb 4, 2003

Filed:

Nov 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/713869

Inventors:

Daniel C. Gardner - Richardson TX
Chris Karaguleff - Austin TX
David C. Jurbergs - Fort Worth TX

Assignee:

Optical Switch Corporation - Richardson TX

International Classification:

G02B 635

US Classification:

385 16, 385 32, 385 47

Abstract:

An optical switch includes an input member, a reflective output member coupled to the input member, and a transmissive output member. The input member supports a plurality of input waveguides, each input waveguide having a reflective surface and operable to receive a corresponding optical signal. The reflective output member supports a plurality of first output waveguides, each first output waveguide coupled to a corresponding input waveguide. The transmissive output member supports a plurality of second output waveguides and has a first position spaced apart from the input member such that the reflective surface of each input waveguide totally internally reflects a corresponding optical signal to a corresponding one of the first output waveguides, and a second position in proximal contact with the input member such that each second output waveguide frustrates the total internal reflection of a corresponding input waveguide and receives a corresponding optical signal.