×

Longitudinal mode optical latching relay

  • US 20040201322A1
  • Filed: 04/14/2003
  • Published: 10/14/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/14/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A piezoelectric optical relay array of one or more array elements, wherein an array element of the one or more array elements comprises:

  • a first input optical path;

    a first output optical path, optically aligned with the first input optical path to form a direct optical path;

    a second output optical path intersecting the first input optical path;

    a transparent mirror housing, located at the intersection of the first input optical path and the second output optical path;

    a liquid metal slug adapted to move within a channel passing through the transparent mirror housing, the liquid metal slug having a reflective surface;

    a first piezoelectric actuator operable to move the liquid metal slug within the channel so that it blocks the direct optical path and completes a reflected optical path from the first input optical path to the second output optical path; and

    a second piezoelectric actuator operable to move the liquid metal slug within the channel to remove it from the direct optical path.

View all claims
  • 5 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×