MicroElectroMechanical Optical Switch
Optical interconnections can be done two ways: i) Optoelectronic, where the optical data are first converted into electronic signal, then cross-connection is accomplished by electronic circuit. The electronic output is then converted back into optical signal; ii) Direct cross-connection of optical channels. This optical (photonic domain) interconnection where the signal does not need to be converted back and forth is known as "all optical switching."
Recently a class of MEMS have been deployed as optical switches. These are tiny mirrors micromachined on a substrate to accomplish switching by reflecting optical signals. Both additive and subtractive micromachining are used to create nano parts and nanomechanics. Fig. 1 shows an example of optical switching by micro-mirros.
Fig. 1. Action of an optical switch via micro-mirror. If the micro-mirror, M, is in the down position (laying down on the floor), the incident beam, I, will go straight through the receiving fiber, T. If, however, the actuator, A, erects the mirror to up position, it will direct the beam to the other fiber, R.
© 1999 Anis Rahman
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