Optical data storage system having optical microswitch
First Claim
1. An optical data storage system comprising an input light-carrying element providing a laser beam, an optical microswitch, a plurality of output light-carrying elements, a plurality of flying heads and a plurality of optical discs having respective surfaces, each of the flying heads being movable over one of the optical disc surfaces and one of the output light-carrying elements being coupled to each of the flying heads, the optical microswitch selectively directing the laser beam to one of the output light-carrying elements.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An optical microswitch for use with a laser beam that extends along a path comprising a body having an inlet port adapted to receive the laser beam and a plurality of outlet ports. A plurality of mirrors coupled to a plurality of micromotors carried by the body. The micromotors selectively move the mirrors from a first position out of the path of the laser beam to a second position into the path of the laser beam to direct the laser beam to one of the outlet ports. Each of the micromotors has at least one electrostatically-driven comb drive assembly therein for moving the respective mirror to one of the first and second positions. A controller is electrically coupled to the micromotors for providing control signals to the micromotors.
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Citations
34 Claims
- 1. An optical data storage system comprising an input light-carrying element providing a laser beam, an optical microswitch, a plurality of output light-carrying elements, a plurality of flying heads and a plurality of optical discs having respective surfaces, each of the flying heads being movable over one of the optical disc surfaces and one of the output light-carrying elements being coupled to each of the flying heads, the optical microswitch selectively directing the laser beam to one of the output light-carrying elements.
- 25. An optical data storage system comprising a laser source providing a laser beam, an optical microswitch, a plurality of output light-carrying elements, a plurality of flying heads and a plurality of optical disc surfaces, each of the flying heads being movable over one of the optical disc surfaces and one of the output light-carrying elements being coupled to each of the flying heads, the optical microswitch selectively directing the laser beam between the laser source and the output light-carrying elements.
- 30. An optical data storage system comprising a laser source providing a laser beam that extends along a path, an optical microswitch, a plurality of output light-carrying elements, a plurality of flying heads and a plurality of optical disc surfaces, each of the flying heads being movable over one of the optical disc surfaces and one of the output light-carrying elements being coupled to each of the flying heads, the optical microswitch having a body and at least one mirror and at least one electrostatic actuator carried by the body, the plurality of output light-carrying elements being coupled to the body and the at least one electrostatic actuator being coupled to the at least one mirror for selectively moving the at least one mirror from a first position out of the path of the laser beam to a second position in the path of the laser beam so as to direct the laser beam to one of the output light-carrying elements.
Specification