Photonic switching apparatus for optical communication network

Abstract

A photonic switch for an optical communication network includes a matrix of actuator-mirror assemblies and a corresponding matrix of optical ports. A first one of the actuator-mirror assemblies directs a beam of light received from an input optical port to a reference mirror, where it is reflected to a second actuator-mirror assembly that redirects the beam to an output optical port. Each of the actuator-mirror assemblies includes a mirror-coil assembly mounted to a gimbal, with stationary magnets being positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a force is generated that causes the mirror-coil assembly to tilt. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

1 - 22 . (cancelled)  
   
   
       23 . A photonic switch for an optical communication network, comprising: 
 a first matrix of actuator-mirror assemblies;    a first array of optical ports, each of which is aligned to a corresponding one of the actuator-mirror assemblies of the first matrix;    a second matrix of actuator-mirror assemblies;    a second array of optical ports, each of which is aligned to a corresponding one of the actuator-mirror assemblies of the second matrix;    the actuator-mirror assemblies of the first and second matrixes each comprising: 
 a gimbal;  
 a mirror mounted to the gimbal;  
 a plurality of coils, each of the coils being fixedly attached to the mirror;  
 a plurality of magnets, each magnet being positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a force is generated that causes the mirror to tilt; and  
   wherein each actuator-mirror assembly of the first matrix functions to direct a beam of light received from an input optical port of the first array to a target actuator-mirror assembly of the second matrix, the target actuator-mirror assembly functioning to redirect the beam of light to an output optical port of the second array.    
   
   
       24 . The photonic switch according to  claim 23  wherein each of the optical ports comprises an optical fiber coupler and a lens.  
   
   
       25 . The photonic switch according to  claim 23  further comprising an intensity monitoring loop that includes a photodiode to detect a portion of the beam of light, and an optical fiber coupler having a first end connected to an optical fiber and a second end connected to the photodiode.  
   
   
       26 . The photonic switch according to  claim 23  further comprising control circuitry for controlling the movement of the actuator-mirror assemblies.  
   
   
       27 . The photonic switch according to  claim 26  wherein at least a portion of the control circuitry is located behind the actuator-mirror assemblies.  
   
   
       28 . (cancelled)  
   
   
       29 . The photonic switch according to  claim 26  wherein the control circuitry comprises an open loop control system, which includes a compensation algorithm that functions to maintain a maximum intensity of the beam of light between the input and output optical ports.  
   
   
       30 . A photonic switch comprising: 
 first and second matrixes of actuator-mirror assemblies, the actuator-mirror assemblies each including: 
 a gimbal of two or more of pieces of material that provides at least one electrically conductive path;  
 a mirror mounted to the gimbal;  
 at least one coil fixedly attached to the mirror and having wires coupled to the gimbal such that current through the at least one coil flows through the at least one electrically conductive path;  
   one or more magnets positioned adjacent the at least one coil such that when current flows through the at least one coil a force is generated that causes the mirror to tilt, such that each actuator-mirror assembly of the first matrix directs an input beam of light to a target actuator-mirror assembly of the second matrix.    
   
   
       31 . The photonic switch according to  claim 30  wherein the two or more pieces of material comprise a metal.  
   
   
       32 . The photonic switch according to  claim 30  wherein the conductive path is integral with the two or more pieces of material.  
   
   
       33 . The photonic switch according to  claim 30  wherein the at least one coil is to a back side of the mirror.  
   
   
       34 . A photonic switch comprising: 
 a plurality of input optical ports;    a plurality of output optical ports;    a first plurality of actuator-mirror assemblies positioned in alignment with the input optical ports;    a second plurality of actuator-mirror assemblies positioned in alignment with the output optical ports;    wherein the actuator-mirror assemblies each include: 
 a mirror;  
 a gimbal of two or more pieces of substantially planar conductive material that support the mirror;  
 at least one coil mounted to the mirror and having wires coupled to the gimbal such that current through the at least one coil flows through the conductive material of the gimbal, current flow through the at least one coil in the presence of a magnetic field causing the mirror to tilt;  
 one or more magnets positioned adjacent the at least one coil; and  
   wherein light beams received from the input optical ports are directed by the first plurality of actuator-mirror assemblies to the second plurality of actuator-mirror assemblies, the second plurality of actuator-mirror assemblies redirecting the light beams to the output optical ports.    
   
   
       35 . The photonic switch according to  claim 34  further comprising a mount, and wherein the gimbal comprises first and second beams, each having a first end attached to the mirror and a second end attached to the mount.  
   
   
       36 . The photonic switch according to  claim 34  wherein the at least one coil is mounted to a back side of the mirror.