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`USU’UfiZS 643 0 Hi
`
`(IE) United States Patent
`(l0) Patent No.:
`US 6,256,430 Bl
`
`Jin ct a].
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jul. 3, 2001
`
`(54) OPTICAL CROSSCONNECT SYSTEM
`COMPRISING RECONFIGURABLE LIGHT-
`REFLECTINC DEVICES
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Sungho .Iln. Miliington; Neal Henry
`Thorsten. Lebanon. billi] 01' NJ (US)
`
`(13) masignce: Age“! Systems 111$, Miami Lakes, FL
`{US}
`
`( . ) Notice:
`
`Suhjccll [0 any disclaimer: lhc MT" 0f mi?
`patent
`IS extended or adjusted under 3:»
`U.S_(f_ 1540)) by u clays.
`
`(71) Appl. No.'. 09f197,800
`
`(33)
`
`Filed:
`
`NOV. 23‘ 1993
`
`(5])
`
`Int Cl 1
`
`(30213 6;“26
`
`[52) U.S. Cl.
`
`.................................. 385118; 385.!17; 385K}?
`
`(58) Field of Search ................
`
`.. 385x16. 1?, 18,
`
`IE“. 21. 22. 23. 37
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`US. PATENT DOCUMENFS
`‘
`8.319411 Benzoni
`...........
`.. 335.516
`5,042.89“)
`
`5,531,043 ' 12.51990 w“
`335.313
`
`llli’iifili) Altsyuk ti .1 .
`..
`.. 385.324
`5974.20? “
`.. 385.33?
`5399.540 ‘ 1231909 Espindola el al.
`
`..............
`DHUUJ‘JI
`"' 1219‘)” .Im Cl ul.
`" cited by examiner
`Printm‘y £2'.\‘mniner-—Frank G. l-‘onl
`Afiistrmt Examiner—Sang, ll. Nguyen
`(74) Attorney; Agent, or Finn—Lowcnslcin Sandlcr PC
`_
`‘
`_
`‘
`‘
`(a?)
`ABS'] RACI
`In accordance with the invention‘ an optical switching
`device comprises a light—reliccling mirror containing a mag—
`nuiic component coupled to a substrate. One or more pro—
`grammable magnets are provided for moving the mirror by
`
`inleracling with the magnetic component. The program-
`mable magnets move the mirrors between or among selected
`positions and [hen maintain 1i“: mirror position withoul
`conlinuous power. Excmplary cross connects, and 2x2
`switches are described.
`
`9 Claims, IS Drawing Sheets-
`
`
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 1
`Exhibit 1024, Page 1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 6,256,430 B1
`
`
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 2
`Exhibit 1024, Page 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 01'6
`
`US 6,256,430 B1
`
`
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 3
`Exhibit 1024, Page 3
`
`to-
`mm
`
`'55.
`(a;
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`H L
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`L.
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`Ha.-
`LL:
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`§2
`
`8'22:
`
`LL.
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 6,256,430 Bl
`
`
`
`FIG.
`
`4A
`
`42!]
`
`42C
`
`42;!
`
`423
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 4
`Exhibit 1024, Page 4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 6,256,430 Bl
`
`41A
`
`413 MC
`
`410
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 5
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 5
`Exhibit 1024, Page 5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2001
`
`Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 6,256,430 Bl
`
`
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`
`BB
`
`“ S
`
`
`
`FIBERc {OUTPUII
`:10 X
`FIBER A (INPUT!
`FIBERB (OUTPUT!
`‘
`i
`FIBER B lINPUTl
`---
`”--
`y 1Bj S
`
`
`«la»-
`
`-B—
`
`
`
`FIG. 53
`O10
`$ m
`FIBERD
`FIBEHA
`—a-L:"F ---------------------H:]—F-—
`
`FIBER n
`,2,
`FIRER B
`+I:FE-----------$w4:1+
`10
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 6
`Exhibit 1024, Page 6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 6,256,430 Bl
`
`FIG. 7
`
`FIBER A .
`
`{INPUT}
`
`14
`
`
`
`FIBER C
`{INPUT}
`
`
`
`
`
`FIBER B
`IOUTPUT}
`
`\
`r
`
`x
`\ \
`
`V. \ \
`
`FIBER D
`(OUTPUT)
`
`
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 7
`Exhibit 1024, Page 7
`
`

`

`US 6,256,430 I31
`
`1
`OPTICAL CROSSCONNECT SYSTEM
`COMPRISING RECONFICURABLE LIGHT-
`REFLECTING DEVICES
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention pertains to improved optical switches for
`alluring light transmission paths, and. in particular, to mag—
`netically programmable and latchable optical switches.
`BACKGROUND 0]" THE. INVEN'I'IUN
`
`In modern lightwave telecommunication systems such as
`wavelength-division-mulliplcxed (WUM) optical
`fiber
`systems.
`it is often necessary to switch the path of trans-
`mitted light. A number of different approaches have been
`utilized. Switching has been efl‘ected by mechanical move-
`ment of optical fibers (see I’. G. llale et al..!:‘icc.rmnic Left,
`vol. 12, p. 388.1976, and Y. Ohmori e! al..App-’. Optics, vol.
`17, p. 3531, 19T8). Switching can also be based Faraday
`relation (see M. Shirasaki et al.. Appl. Optics, Vol. 23, p.
`3271, 1984).
`Switching based on reflecting mirrors is particularly
`attractive for communication systems but has not yet
`achieved its potential.
`(see Tanaka ct at. U.S. Pat. No.
`4,498,130, L. Y. Lin ct al, [EEK Photonics I'ecfmoiogjt'Lerh,
`Vol. II], p. 525,1998, R. A. Miller et al., Opticni Eng“ “:31.
`36, p. 1399, 1997, and by J. W. Judy et a1., Sensors and
`Actuators. Vol. A53, p. 392, 1996). Switches using reflecting
`mirrors are convenient
`in that
`they use free—space light
`transmission and are potentially expandable to a large—scale
`optical crossconncct system. They typically employ
`electrostatic. piezoelectric or electromagnetic actuation
`means to move or rotate the mirrors and alter the light paths.
`The problem with these devices is that they either require the
`use of continuous application of power to maintain the
`shifted mirror position or their position is unstable. For
`example eletarostatic devices are prone to charge build up
`and leakage, and hence are very sensitive to environment.
`Accordingly there is a need for latchable optical switches in
`which power is not required once the light path is shifted to
`a desired direction and [or which the latched position is
`stably maintained.
`SUMMARY ()1: THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with the invention. an optical switching
`device comprises a light—reflecting minor containing a mag—
`netic component movably coupled to a substrate. One or
`more programmable magnets are provided for moving the
`mirror by interacting with the magnetic component. The
`programmable magnets move the mirrors between or among
`selected positions and then maintain the mirror position
`without continuous power. Exemplary cross connects and
`2x2 switches are described.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The advantages, nature and additional features of the
`invention will appear more fully upon consideration of the
`illustrative embodimean described in the accompanying
`drawings. In the drawings:
`three—
`FIG.
`1 schematically illustrates an exemplary.
`dimensionally programmable and latchable optical switch;
`l-"IGS. 2(n)—(c)
`a graphical
`representations, useful
`in
`understanding the invention,of mag lirali M (or correspond-
`ing mirror displacement
`21 vs applied field curves for a
`latchable magnet:
`FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of
`programmable, free-space, optical switch with a plurality of
`light reflecting mirrors;
`
`llil
`
`[5
`
`3L]
`
`an
`
`45
`
`SI]
`
`55
`
`bf]
`
`65
`
`2
`FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)illustrate a programmable and latch-
`able optical cross connect system in two and three dimen-
`sions respectively;
`FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative programmable and latch-
`ablc optical switch;
`FIGS. 6(rt)and 6(b) schematically illustrate a program-
`mable and latcltable 2x2 optical switch; and
`FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative 2x2 optical switch.
`It is to be understood that these drawings are for purposes
`of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not to
`scale. The same reference numerals are used to designate
`similar elements throughout the drawings.
`DE’I'A] [ .El) DESCRIPTION
`
`Refening to the drawings, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates
`an exemplary programmable and latehable, light—reflecting
`switch 9 comprising a mirror 10 including a magnetizablc
`component 11. The mirror is movably coupled to substrate
`12 by a movable support 13, and one or more programmable
`and latchahle magnets 14 (here three magneLs: 14A, 143,
`and 14C) are provided for controlling the mirror position.
`Each programmable magnet 14 comprises a magnet com-
`ponent 15 and a controlling solenoid 16. The mirror Ill
`changes the path of an incoming light signal, e.g.. a beam
`from a laser or a waveguide,
`toward a desired output
`direction, such as to a specific waveguide channel, an optical
`amplifier or a photodetector.
`The mirror 10 can he completely reflective (cg, made
`with a thick metallic coating on a substrate) or semi-
`transparent (e.g., made with a thin coating on a transparent
`substrate) allowing a part of the incoming light signal to pass
`and propagate straight. The mirrors can be macroscopic or
`microscopic in size depending on specific applications. They
`can be made by micromachining similar to the fabrication of
`mieroelectromechanical systems (MEMs). Each mirror is
`made magnetizable, either by attaching (e.g., epoxying) or
`depositing (as by sputtering or electroplating) at least one
`magnetizable component 11 on a portion of the front or
`backside surface of the mirror 10.
`The movable support 13 between the ntirror Ill and the
`substrate 12 is prepared in such a way that the mirror is
`three—dimensionally movable. The support can allow tilting,
`rotating, sliding, or twisting displacement of the mirror
`light-reflecting plane. The suppon 13 can be a mechanical
`hinge, a spring, a ball and socket, or a resilient membersuch
`as an elastically compliant extension of the substrate.
`At least one programmable and latchable magnet is pro-
`vided in the vicinity of each mirror 10. The programmable
`magnet typically consists of an elongated magnet 15 with
`specilic desired magnetization and demagnetization
`characteristics. and a solenoid 16 comprising a winding
`surrounding the magnet. The solenoid can be a pre-ntade
`winding on a hobin, insulated wires directly wound around
`the magnet 15, or a thin, lilhographically—dclined thin film
`conductor pattern helically placed around the magnet (with
`a thin insulating layer placed between the conductor and the
`magnet). The solenoid 16, upon passing a predetermined
`amount ofcleclrical current, supplies a magnetic Iield which
`is then amplified by the elongated magnet 15. In operation,
`the magnetic field from each 01‘ the programmable magnets
`14A, 14B, 14C attracts or repels the mirror through mag-
`netoslalic interaction with the magnetizahle component ll
`placed on the mirror.
`FIGS. 2(nt—(cl are graphical illustrations useful itt under-
`standing the programmable and latching behavior of the
`switch. They showI M-l-I magnetic hysteresis loop charac‘
`terislics.
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 8
`Exhibit 1024, Page 8
`
`

`

`US 6,256,430 Bl
`
`3
`FIG. 2(a) illustrates a “square" hysteresis loop. With
`magnets exhibiting a square hysteresis loop, one can make
`bistable devices that switch between two magnetization
`levels. cg, a mirror position corresponding to zero magnetic
`force and a saturation displacement position achieved with
`the maximum magnetic force. The zero magnetic force is
`achieved by applying an AC or DC demagnetizing field. The
`saturation displacement is achieved by a DC pulse current
`sufficient to saturate the magnets. However. for continuous
`tuning of the mirror position in any x, y or z direction, the
`square loop characteristic is not always desirable as the steep
`side of the curve in FIG. 2(a) can pose a control problem
`when a certain intermediate tiber displacement (is) is desired.
`FIG. 2(3)) illustrates a skewed hysteresis loop. For ease of
`control, the M-H and Bid-I loop can be skewed as shown in
`FIG. 2(b). This is achieved by increasing the selfdemagnc-
`tizing Iield of the magnets e.g., by either increasing etIective
`diameter of the magnet,
`reducing the length {and thus
`decreasing the magnet lengthwto-diameter aspect ratio), or
`by subdividing the magnet
`length with inserted gaps
`between divided magnet parts. The optimal skewing of the
`loop is as illustrated in l-‘lti. 2(b). i.e.. the remanent mag~
`nctization or the remanent mirror displacement when the
`applied field is removed is still essentially the same as the
`saturation value (at least 90%), and the onset Iield of rapid
`decrease of M or E5 when the field is reversed is near zero
`fleld and preferably in the range of:5lt% the coercive force,
`even more preferably in the range of 210% of the coercive
`force (He). "the desired degree of skewing of the loop is
`preferably a maximum loop shift by Sfl'fiwlfitt‘ib of tie.
`f'lfi. 2((?) illustrates an excessively skewed hysteresis
`loop. An excessive skewing of the M-H or h-l-I loop is not
`desirable as this causes a deterioration of the latchability of
`the fiber displacement. Such a deterioration in latchable
`displacement is indicated by arrows in FIG. 2(c).
`For applied magnetic fields of l I, and Hz, the correspond-
`ing magnetization is latchably retained after the Iield is
`removed. and the corresponding displacement of the mirror
`position. b, and 6:. is also latchably retained. Therefore the
`device can be operated after actuation without continuous
`power. rl‘he degree of mirror displacement
`is altered and
`latched by changing the magnetization in the programmable
`magnets. This can be achieved by either increasing the
`applied Iield or by demagnetizjng first and remagnetizing to
`a new Iield level. For example. to shift from :51
`to a: an
`applied Iield of H2 is used. To shift the mirror position from
`it: back to 6,, a reverse polarity magnetic field is utilized.
`The magnitude of the field is selected so that the magneti-
`zation is reduced to the level corresponding to the displace—
`ment iii. When this field is removed the displacement it. is
`latched. For magnetization of the magnets using a solenoid.
`a pulse field (a pulse current
`in the solenoid) can conve-
`niently be used for high-speed, low-power operation. The
`desired duration or speed of the pulse field is typically in the
`range of IUAIU'“ seconds. preferably 10—10"' seconds. The
`shape of the current pulse applied can be sinusoidal, rect-
`angular or irregular.
`The preferred programmable magnet materials for the
`latchable mirror devices are those whose magnetic proper-
`ties are modifiable by a pulse magnetic field. Some examples
`of suitable magnets are Fe—Cr—Co, Fc—Al—Ni—Co
`(Alnico), Cu—Ni—Fe (Cunife), and Co—Fe—V
`(Vicalloy). The desired range of the coercivity for the
`programmable magnet is typically below 500 Oe and pref-
`erably below IOU 0c for the ease of programming by
`rcmagnetization using solenoid pulse field. The ooercivity is
`typically above 10 0c and preferably above 30 Do for
`
`10
`
`15
`
`3t}
`
`an
`
`45
`
`St}
`
`55
`
`(all
`
`65
`
`4
`maintaining the stability of the remanent magnetization and
`also for stability against demagnetization due to stray mag-
`netic fields. For satisfactory latchability of the shifted mirror
`position when the Iield is removed,
`the programmable
`magnet should preferably have a parallelogram-shaped mag-
`netization hysteresis loop with the squareness ratio (defined
`as a
`ratio of remanent magnetizationfisaturation
`magnetization) of at least [1.85. preferably at least 0.90, even
`more preferably at least 0.95. For ease of control. the loop
`is desirably skewed by at least 50% of He. Mechanically
`ductile and easily formable or machineable magnet alloys
`such as FeiCriCo, CuiNigFe, CeriV are particui
`larly desirable for shaping into desired rod—like geometry
`shown in FIG. 1. Stable permanent magnets with high
`coercive forces (e.g.,
`llc> [(100 (Je), such as Sm—Co,
`Nd—Fc—B ,or Ba ferrite. are less desirable (unless modi—
`lied to exhibit lower coercive forces) because of the diffi-
`culty in reprogramming the remanent magnetization using
`desirably low magnetic field.
`Apreferred magnet material is Fc—28‘Ii-Cr—T‘3t-Co alloy
`which is deformation aged to yield a M-I-I loop with l-Ir of
`TltOe. 'l'he Mwl-l loop is skewed by about ()0 ('le, producing
`a M—ll loop similar to FIG. 2(h).
`The number of programmable magnets 14A, 1413, 14C
`can be om, two, three or even more than three, depending
`on the nature of the device and the required degree of
`freedom for mirror repositioning. In general, three program-
`mable magnets or more are preferred in order to provide a
`three dimensional degree of freedom in the movement of the
`mirror.
`l-Iowever, use of spring components or two—
`dimcnsional confinement of mirror movement can reduce
`the number of programmable magnets.
`A feedback system (not shown) can optionally be utilized
`to control the precise mirror position shill. Positional infor-
`mation can be used to activate additional. incremental. or
`reduced pulse current to one or more of the solenoids so as
`to obtain a revised latchable magnetization level and mirror
`position. This feedback and adjustment process can be
`repeated a number of times. it' necessary. until the desired
`mirror position or angle is achieved.
`The optical switch can also be utilized for intentional
`misalignment of light so as to completely cut off the optical
`information from the light path {basically serving as an
`on-ofi‘ switch). It can also he used to partially misalign the
`paths to provide a desired level of signal
`intensity to
`receiving optical path (thus serving as a
`latchable
`attenuator). The performance of the switch as a latchable
`attenuator depends on the control provided by the program-
`mable and latchable magnets.
`"the magnetic component 11 attached or deposited on the
`mirror (preferably on the backside) can be made of a
`permanent magnet material such as Nd—Fe—ll. Sm—Co,
`Al—Ni—Co, lie—Cr—Co or fin—ferrite. Altemativeiy. the
`magnetic component can be made of a soft magnetic mate—
`rial such as Ni—Fe (permalloy), Si-steel or metglas mate-
`rial. If a permanent magnet material is employed, magnetic
`attraction to as well as magnetic repulsion from the pro—
`grammable magnet can be utilized to induce a two—way
`movement of the mirror.
`As exemplary operation. the mirror lfl can take a 45
`degree inclined angle as the default position in the absence
`of actuation of any of the three programmable magnets 14A.
`[48, 14C. If the programmable and latchable magnets 14A
`and 1413 are evenly magnetized, the mirror will be magneti-
`caliy attracted and bend toward right to be more upright. If
`they are unequally magnetized, the mirror will bend to the
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 9
`Exhibit 1024, Page 9
`
`

`

`US 6,256,430 Bl
`
`llil
`
`[5
`
`3t]
`
`40
`
`5
`right but also with some torsional displacement allowing the
`mirror to take a different light-reflecting angle. If only the
`programmable magnet 14C is actuated, the mirror will bend
`downward, the degree of which is controlled by [he latchable
`magnetization induced in the magnet 14(3. 11' the program-
`mable magneLs 14A and 14B are unevenly magnetized at the
`same time 14C is magnetized, the downward mirror move—
`ment will occur with some angle twist, giving rise to a varied
`tight-reflecting angle. Thus the mirror can take up many
`different reflecting angles in three dimensions.
`FIG. 3 is a schematic cross~scclional view of a two
`dimensional array of programmable optical switches. An
`array 30 of light—reflecting mirrors 10A, 1013,
`.
`.
`. are
`mounted on a common substrate 12 such as a silicon
`substrate. An array 31A of programmable magnets 14A,
`1413..... at least one magnet for each tnirror (and preferably
`three magnets for each mirror if a tttrecdimensional control
`is desired), are mounted on separate holders 32. The magnets
`can be as small as a line wire, and the respective solenoids
`can be either wound directly on the magnet wire or pre-made
`and slipped onto the wire. In a preferred embodiment, two
`such magnet arrays, one as the upper array 31A and the other
`as the lower array 313 (magneLs 14A', 14B‘,
`.
`.
`. ) beneath
`the substrate are pre-assembted. brought close to the sub-
`strate 12. and aligned for ease of device construction.
`Alternatively, utiliring mirror supporLs 13 having spring .
`force for counter-balancing force, only one set of magnet
`arrays, either 31A or 31B, may be used for mirror recon—
`liguration.
`FIG. 4(a) shows a two-dimensional optical crwni connect
`41} comprising an array ot'optical input paths 4111.411} . .
`.
`. ,
`an array of output paths 42A, 42B ,
`.
`.
`. and an array of
`programmable. latchabie mirrors 10 similar to FIG. 1. Typi-
`cally the inputs and outpuLs arc respective linear arrays and
`the mirrors are disposed in a two—dimensional array. The
`programmable magneLs are not shown for simplicity of
`description. ‘l‘he input optical signals from various input
`light sources 41A, 41B ,
`.
`.
`. such as lasers, libcrs, planar
`wave guides, arnpliliers, are sent into the optical switching
`cross connect 40, and are reflected by prograntmable and
`latchable mirrors ll] toward desired output signal lines 42A,
`4213 , .
`.
`. Light focusing tenses (not shown) may optionally
`be utilized for improved optical coupling to the receiving
`lines.
`FIG. 4b shows an analogous three—dimensional cross
`connect. The arrangement of input and output lines com—
`bined with magnetically programmable mirrors ll] conve-
`niently allows the optical signals to be reflected to any of the
`six faces of a cube-shaped crossconnecl system for three-
`dimensional, high-capacity optical routing. The crosscon-
`nect system can be optionally designed to be reversible in
`that
`the direction of the optical signal
`flow can he the
`opposite of what
`is shown in FIG. 4(1))
`for additional
`flexibility of light traflic control.
`FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an alternative program-
`mable and latchablc optical switch 51}. An optical input line
`41 (cg. fiber. planar waveguide, laser, etc) can be arranged
`in an essentially parallel manner together with output lines
`42A, 423. Each line is tipped with a focusing lens 51.
`Alternatively, each of the output
`lines 42A, 423 can be
`positioned at appropriately tilted orientation so as to receive
`the reflected light signal directly in line with the output line
`orientation, with a minimal use of light focusing lenses. The
`magnetic tuning and latching of the mirror 11] allows the
`input beam to be selectively rerouted to one of the output
`lines. The mirror [I] can be alt
`isolated body with a flat
`geometry and can he magnetically tilted, rotated or twisted
`so that the optical signal is reflected to a desired transmission
`line.
`
`45
`
`SE]
`
`55
`
`of]
`
`65
`
`6
`Alternatively one can employ a cylinder configuration
`with a tlat-end ntirror surface positioned at a tilted angle
`with respect to the cylinder axis, with the cylinder magneti-
`cally rotated around its axis so that the reflected beam is
`directed to one of the circularly arranged transmission lines
`around the input line.
`FIG. 6(a) shows a 2x2 optical switch 61] (programmable
`magnets not shown}. The switch 60 comprises at least two
`pairs of aligned optical paths, e.g. fibers A and (7 form one
`aligned pair and fibers 13 and I),
`the other. The switch
`controls transmission among a plurality of fiber paths A. B.
`C, D. Depending on how the 4 minors 10 are magnetically
`arranged,
`the switch may operate as a reflection mode
`optical connection of fiber A to fiber B and fiber D to fiber
`C Alternatively as illustrated in FIG. 6(3)), the switch may
`operate as a transmission tnode connection of fiber A to fiber
`(7 and fiber D to fiber 15.
`FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative 2>2 optical switch 70
`comprising only one magnetically programmable mirror 113.
`Fiber B and liber C are positioned slightly oil—centered to
`accommodate the mirror thickness for a reflective-mode,
`beam connection of fiber A to B and fiber C to D. This
`displacement also prevents the collision of the two ligltt
`beams when the mirror 10 (dashed sketched) is displaced out
`of the beam paths and the switch is operated in a
`transmission-mode.beam connection. Transmission mode
`provides connection of fiber A to l) and fiber C to B. One or
`more light focusing lenses (or mirrors) may be utilized to
`move the beam from the input fiber C‘ toward the output liber
`B.
`
`It is to be understood that the above-described embodi-
`ments are illustrative of only a few of ntany possible specific
`embodimean which can represent applications ol‘ the inven—
`tion. Numerous and varied other arrangemean can be made
`by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit
`and scope of the invention.
`What is claimed:
`1. An optical switching device comprising:
`at least one optical input path;
`at least one optical output path; and
`disposed between said input path and said output path, an
`optical switch comprising a light-reflecting mirror
`including a magnetic component, said mirror movahly
`coupled to a substrate, and at least one programmable,
`latchable magnet for interacting with said magnetic
`component to move said mirror between a first ponsition
`reflecting light from said input path to said output path
`and at least a second position reflecting light from said
`input path away from said output path, said program-
`mable magnet maintaining said mirror positions with-
`out continuous power.
`2. The switching device of claim 1 wherein said optical
`input path comprises an optical fiber.
`3. The switching device of claim I wherein said at least
`one optical input path comprises a plurality of optical fibers.
`4. The switching device of claim 1 wherein said at least
`one optical input path comprises a plurality ofoptical fibers.
`5. The switching device of claim 1 wherein said mirror is
`rnovably coupled to said substrate by a resilient support
`member.
`6. The switching device of claim 1 wherein said second
`position is misaligned with said optical output path to
`attenuate the signal to said output path.
`7. The switching device of claim 1 wherein said at least
`one optical output path comprises a first output path and a
`second output path and said mirror in the said second
`position reflects light from said input path to said second
`output path.
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 10
`Exhibit 1024, Page 10
`
`

`

`US 6,256,430 Bl
`
`7
`8. An optical crosscmnect switching device comprising:
`an array 01' nPlical I'"P‘J' P311“:
`an array of optical output palhs:
`
`disposed belwecn said inpul and oulpul path arrays. an ‘
`array of light reflecting mirrors. cach mirror including .
`a magnetic component and movably mounted on a
`substrate, and.
`[or each mirror, one or more
`programmable. latchahle magnets For moving said mir-
`mr by interaclion with said magnetic componenl,
`whereby the pnsiliort 01' [he mirror can ht: mnlmlled 1“
`without mnlinunus power.
`
`8
`9. The cross connect switching device of claim 8 wherein:
`said array of optical inpul palhs comprises a linear array
`uf (‘JplicuI fibers;
`.
`,
`_
`_
`satd array ofopttcal output paths comprises a llncar array
`of optical fibers; and
`said array of light relleming mirrors comprises a two
`
`“mm-“(mill “”3." 01331" mlfr‘mi-
`
`at
`
`a
`
`a:
`
`a
`
`*
`
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATION
`Exhibit 1024, Page 11
`Exhibit 1024, Page 11
`
`