Flexible, modular, compact fiber optic switch

• US 6,445,844 B1
• Filed: 12/21/1999
• Issued: 09/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: RPX Clearinghouse LLC (RPX Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Xros, Inc. (Nortel Networks Corporation)
• Inventors: Clark, Steven M., Calmes, Sam, Reznick, Gregory A., Forker, John S., Downing, James P., Baughman, Tyler L., Slater, Timothy G., Ramaswami, Rajiv, Neukermans, Armand P., Schuman, Marc R., Foster, Jack D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, John D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Stahl, Michael J.
• Application Number:
  US09/446,540
• Time in Patent Office: 987 Days
• Field of Search: 385/16-19, 385/23, 385/33-35, 591/96, 592/12, 592/23, 592/24, 592/27, 592/30, 592/34, 592/36
• US Class Current: 385/18
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2006/12104 Mirror; Reflectors or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0841 the reflecting element being moved or deformed by electrostatic means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/32 having lens focusing means positioned between opposed fibre ends with lens being an integral part of the single fibre end G02B6/262
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3518 the reflective optical element being an intrinsic part of a MEMS device, i.e. fabricated together with the MEMS device MEMS devices in general B81B; manufacture of MEM devices in general B81C; micromechanical devices controlling the direction of light G02B26/0833
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3556 NxM switch, i.e. regular arrays of switches elements of matrix type constellation
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/357 Electrostatic force electrostatic forces controlling reflecting elements in general G02B26/0841
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3584 constructional details of an associated actuator having a MEMS construction, i.e. constructed using semiconductor technology such as etching MEMS per se B81B, B81C
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/359 of the position of the moving element itself during switching, i.e. without monitoring the switched beams
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4226 Positioning means for moving the elements into alignment, e.g. alignment screws, deformation of the mount

Abstract

A fiber optic switch includes a fiber optic switching module that receives and fixes ends of optical fibers. The module includes numerous reflective light beam deflectors which may be selected as pairs for coupling a beam of light between a pair of optical fibers. The module also produces orientation signals from each deflector which indicate its orientation. A portcard included in the switch supplies drive signals to the module for orienting at least one deflector. The portcard also receives the orientation signals produced by that deflector together with coordinates that specify an orientation for the deflector. The portcard compares the received coordinates with the orientation signals received from the deflector and adjusts the drive signals supplied to the module to reduce any difference between the received coordinates and the orientation signals. The switch also employs optical alignment to precisely orient pairs of deflectors coupling a beam of light between optical fibers.

Claims

1. A fiber optic switching module comprising:

a) a first and a second group of collimator receptacles which are separated from each other at opposite ends of a free space optical path, and each of which collimator receptacles is respectively adapted for receiving and fixing an optical fiber collimator assembly;

that in turn receiver and fixes an end of an optical fiber, and

which is adapted for emitting a quasi-collimated beam of light into the optical path; and

b) a first and a second set of reflective light beam deflectors that are both disposed within the optical path between the groups of collimator receptacles, each of the light beam deflectors in said first or said second set respectively being;

associated with one of the optical fiber collimator assemblies receivable in the collimator receptacles;

located so the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from the associated optical fiber collimator assembly impinges upon the light beam deflector to be reflected therefrom; and

energizable by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module to be oriented for reflecting the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from the associated optical fiber collimator assembly to also reflect off a selected one of the light beam deflectors in said second or in said first set;

said collimator receptacles of each group together with optical fiber collimator assemblies fixable therein, and said light beam deflectors that are associated with those optical fiber collimator assemblies collectively having orientations such that beams of light emittable from optical fiber collimator assemblies, upon impinging upon and reflecting from the associated light beam deflectors, substantially converge when said light beam deflectors are un-energized by drive signal supplied to said further fiber optic switching module;

whereby a pair of light beam deflectors, one light beam deflector of the pair belonging to the first set and one belonging to the second set, when selected and oriented by the drive signals supplied thereto, establish an optical coupling for at least one quasi-collimated beam of light between a pair of optical fiber collimator assemblies respectively fixable in the first and in the second group of collimator receptacles.

2. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein the first group of collimator receptacles is located at a side A of the fiber optic switching module, and the second group of collimator receptacles is located at a side B of the fiber optic switching module, side A being spaced apart from side B;

and wherein the first and second sets of light beam deflectors are also spaced apart from each other.

3. The fiber optic switching module of claim 2 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is C-shaped.

4. The fiber optic switching module of claim 2 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is Z-shaped.

5. The fiber optic switching module of claim 2 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is W-shaped.

6. The fiber optic switching module of claim 2 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

7. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

8. The fiber optic switching module of claim 7 wherein said collimator receptacles of the first and second groups and said light beam deflectors are configured so the optical coupling may be established between the optical fiber collimator assembly fixable in any one of said collimator receptacles and another optical fiber collimator assembly fixable in any other of said collimator receptacles.

9. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein the first group includes only one collimator receptacle and the second group includes the remaining collimator receptacles whereby the fiber optic switching module establishes the optical coupling between one optical fiber collimator assembly fixable in the single collimator receptacle and a selected one of the optical fiber collimator assemblies fixable in the second group of collimator receptacles.

10. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein individual collimator receptacles are conically-shaped and are adapted to receive a mating, conically-shaped optical fiber collimator assembly.

11. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 further comprising environmental housing that encloses the optical path through which the beams of light propagate.

12. The fiber optic switching module of claim 11 wherein a wall of the environmental housing is pierced by an electrical feed-through through which the drive signals pass.

13. The fiber optic switching module of claim 11 wherein the environmental housing provides temperature regulation for maintaining a stable operating environment for the fiber optic switching module.

14. The fiber optic switching module of claim 11 wherein dry gas flows through the environmental housing to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

15. The fiber optic switching module of claim 11 wherein the environmental housing is pressurized to exclude atmosphere surrounding the environmental housing from entering the fiber optic switching module.

16. The fiber optic switching module of claim 11 wherein the environmental housing includes a nonsaturable microdryer to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

17. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in one dimension (“

1D”

).

18. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in two dimensions (“

2D”

).

19. The fiber optic switching module of claim 18 wherein orientation of said collimator receptacles effects convergence of beams of light in a first dimension, and orientation of said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence in a second dimension.

20. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located behind the second or behind the first set of light beam deflectors.

21. The fiber optic switching module of claim 20 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

22. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located at the second or at the first set of light beam deflectors.

23. The fiber optic switching module of claim 22 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

24. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

25. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

26. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

27. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

28. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit minimum rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

29. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein orientation of only the collimator receptacles effects convergence of beams of light.

30. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein orientation of only said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence of beams of light.

31. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein drive signals supplied to the fiber optic switching module for energizing orientation of each light beam deflector respond to a signal produced by an orientation sensor that is coupled to the light beam deflector.

32. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein drive signals supplied to the fiber optic switching module for energizing orientation of each light beam deflector respond to a signal produced by an orientation sensor that is independent of the beam of light reflectable therefrom.

33. The fiber optic switching module of claim 1 wherein said light beam deflectors are respectively supported from a frame by torsional hinges, and each frame, torsional hinges and light beam deflector are fabricated from single crystal silicon.

34. A fiber optic switching module comprising:

a) a first and a second group of collimator receptacles which are separated from each other at opposite ends of a free space optical path, and each of which collimator receptacles is respectively adapted for receiving and fixing an optical fiber collimator assembly;

that in turn receives and fixes an end of an optical fiber, and

which is adapted for emitting a quasi-collimated beam of light into the optical path; and

b) a first and a second set of reflective light beam deflectors that are both disposed within the optical path between the groups of collimator receptacles, each of the light beam deflectors in said first or said second set respectively being;

associated with one of the optical fiber collimator assemblies receivable in the collimator receptacles;

located so the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from the associated optical fiber collimator assembly impinges upon the light beam deflector to be reflected therefrom; and

energizable by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module to be oriented for reflecting the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from the associated optical fiber collimator assembly to also reflect off a selected one of the light beam deflectors in said second or in said first set;

whereby a pair of light beam deflectors, one light beam deflector of the pair belonging to the first set and one belonging to the second set, when selected and oriented by the drive signals supplied thereto, establish an optical coupling for at least one quasi-collimated beam of light between a pair of optical fiber collimator assemblies respectively fixable in the first and in the second group of collimator receptacles; and

wherein the fiber optic switching module further comprises;

c) an environmental housing for enclosing the optical path, said environmental housing being configured so the quasi-collimated beam of light couplable between the pair of optical fiber collimator assemblies impinges only upon substantially reflective surfaces.

35. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein the first group of collimator receptacles is located at a side A of the fiber optic switching module, and the second group of collimator receptacles is located at a side B of the fiber optic switching module, side A being spaced apart from side B;

and wherein the first and second sets of light beam deflectors are also spaced apart from each other.

36. The fiber optic switching module of claim 35 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is C-shaped.

37. The fiber optic switching module of claim 35 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is Z-shaped.

38. The fiber optic switching module of claim 35 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is W-shaped.

39. The fiber optic switching module of claim 35 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

40. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

41. The fiber optic switching module of claim 40 wherein said collimator receptacles of the first and second groups and said light beam deflectors are configured so the optical coupling may be established between the optical fiber collimator assembly fixable in any one of said collimator receptacles and another optical fiber collimator assembly fixable in any other of said collimator receptacles.

42. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein the first group includes only one collimator receptacle and the second group includes the remaining collimator receptacles whereby the fiber optic switching module establishes the optical coupling between one optical fiber collimator assembly fixable in the single collimator receptacle and a selected one of the optical fiber collimator assemblies fixable in the second group of collimator receptacles.

43. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein individual collimator receptacles are conically-shaped and are adapted to receive a mating, conically-shaped optical fiber collimator assembly.

44. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein the environmental housing provides temperature regulation for maintaining a stable operating environment for the fiber optic switching module.

45. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein dry gas flows through the environmental housing to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

46. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein the environmental housing is pressurized to exclude atmosphere surrounding the environmental housing from entering the fiber optic switching module.

47. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein the environmental housing includes a nonsaturable microdryer to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

48. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein a wall of the environmental housing is pierced by an electrical feed-through through which the drive signals pass.

49. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein said collimator receptacles of each group together with optical fiber collimator assemblies fixable therein, and said light beam deflectors that are associated with those optical fiber collimator assemblies collectively have orientations such that beams of light emittable from optical fiber collimator assemblies, upon impinging upon and reflecting from the associated light beam deflectors, substantially converge when said light beam deflectors are un-energized by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module.

50. The fiber optic switching module of claim 49 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in 1D.

51. The fiber optic switching module of claim 49 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in 2D.

52. The fiber optic switching module of claim 51 wherein orientation of said collimator receptacles effects convergence of beams of light in a first dimension, and orientation of said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence in a second dimension.

53. The fiber optic switching module of claim 49 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located behind the second or behind the first set of light beam deflectors.

54. The fiber optic switching module of claim 53 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

55. The fiber optic switching module of claim 49 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located at the second or at the first set of light beam deflectors.

56. The fiber optic switching module of claim 55 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

57. The fiber optic switching module of claim 49 wherein orientation of only the collimator receptacles effects convergence of beams of light.

58. The fiber optic switching module of claim 49 wherein orientation of only said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence of beams of light.

59. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

60. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

61. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

62. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

63. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit minimum rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

64. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein drive signals supplied to the fiber optic switching module for energizing orientation of each light beam deflector respond to a signal produced by an orientation sensor that is coupled to the light beam deflector.

65. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein drive signals supplied to the fiber optic switching module for energizing orientation of each light beam deflector respond to a signal produced by an orientation sensor that is independent of the beam of light reflectable therefrom.

66. The fiber optic switching module of claim 34 wherein said light beam deflectors are respectively supported from a frame by torsional hinges, and each frame, torsional hinges and light beam deflector are fabricated from single crystal silicon.

67. A fiber optic switching module comprising:

a first and a second group of collimator receptacles which are separated from each other at opposite ends of a free space optical path, and each of which collimator receptacles is respectively adapted for receiving and fixing an optical fiber collimator assembly;

that in turn receives and fixes an end of an optical fiber, and

which is adapted for emitting a quasi-collimated beam of light into the optical path; and

b) a first and a second set of reflective light beam deflectors that are both disposed within the optical path between the groups of collimator receptacles, each of the light beam deflectors in said first or said second set respectively;

i. being;

associated with one of the optical fiber collimator assemblies receivable in the collimator receptacles;

located so the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from the associated optical fiber collimator assembly impinges upon the light beam deflector to be reflected therefrom; and

energizable by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module to be oriented for reflecting the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from the associated optical fiber collimator assembly to also reflect off a selected one of the light beam deflectors in said second or in said first set; and

ii. including an orientation sensor which produces at least one orientation signal that is independent of the beam of light reflectable therefrom;

whereby a pair of light beam deflectors, one light beam deflector of the pair belonging to the first set and one belonging to the second set, when selected and oriented by drive signals supplied to the pair that are responsive to the orientation signals produced by the pair, establish an optical coupling for at least one quasi-collimated beam of light between a pair of optical fiber collimator assemblies respectively fixable in the first and in the second group of collimator receptacles.

68. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein the first group of collimator receptacles is located at a side A of the fiber optic switching module, and the second group of collimator receptacles is located at a side B of the fiber optic switching module, side A being spaced apart from side B;

and wherein the first and second sets of light beam deflectors are also spaced apart from each other.

69. The fiber optic switching module of claim 68 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is C-shaped.

70. The fiber optic switching module of claim 68 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is Z-shaped.

71. The fiber optic switching module of claim 68 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is W-shaped.

72. The fiber optic switching module of claim 68 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

73. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

74. The fiber optic switching module of claim 73 wherein said collimator receptacles of the first and second groups and said light beam deflectors are configured so the optical coupling may be established between the optical fiber collimator assembly fixable in any one of said collimator receptacles and another optical fiber collimator assembly fixable in any other of said collimator receptacles.

75. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein the first group includes only one collimator receptacle and the second group includes the remaining collimator receptacles whereby the fiber optic switching module establishes the optical coupling between one optical fiber collimator assembly fixable in the single collimator receptacle and a selected one of the optical fiber collimator assemblies fixable in the second group of collimator receptacles.

76. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein individual collimator receptacles are conically-shaped and are adapted to receive a mating, conically-shaped optical fiber collimator assembly.

77. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein the first and second groups of collimator receptacles, the free space optical path, and the first and second sets of reflective light beam deflectors are enclosed within an environmental housing;

and the environmental housing provides temperature regulation for maintaining a stable operating environment for the fiber optic switching module.

78. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein the first and second groups of collimator receptacles, the free space optical path, and the first and second sets of reflective light beam deflectors are enclosed within an environmental housing;

and dry gas flows through the environmental housing to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

79. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein the first and second groups of collimator receptacles, the free space optical path, and the first and second sets of reflective light beam deflectors are enclosed within an environmental housing;

and the environmental housing is pressurized to exclude atmosphere surrounding the environmental housing from entering the fiber optic switching module.

80. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein the first and second groups of collimator receptacles, the free space optical path, and the first and second sets of reflective light beam deflectors are enclosed within an environmental housing;

and the environmental housing includes a nonsaturable microdryer to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

81. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein the first and second groups of collimator receptacles, the free space optical path, and the first and second sets of reflective light beam deflectors are enclosed within an environmental housing;

and a wall of the environmental housing is pierced by an electrical feed-through through which the drive signals pass.

82. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein said collimator receptacles of each group together with optical fiber collimator assemblies fixable therein, and said light beam deflectors that are associated with those optical fiber collimator assemblies collectively have orientations such that beams of light emittable from optical fiber collimator assemblies, upon impinging upon and reflecting from the associated light beam deflectors, substantially converge when said light beam deflectors are un-energized by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module.

83. The fiber optic switching module of claim 82 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in 1D.

84. The fiber optic switching module of claim 82 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in 2D.

85. The fiber optic switching module of claim 84 wherein orientation of said collimator receptacles effects convergence of beams of light in a first dimension, and orientation of said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence in a second dimension.

86. The fiber optic switching module of claim 82 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located behind the second or behind the first set of light beam deflectors.

87. The fiber optic switching module of claim 86 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

88. The fiber optic switching module of claim 82 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located at the second or at the first set of light beam deflectors.

89. The fiber optic switching module of claim 88 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

90. The fiber optic switching module of claim 82 wherein orientation of only the collimator receptacles effects convergence of beams of light.

91. The fiber optic switching module of claim 82 wherein orientation of only said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence of beams of light.

92. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

93. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

94. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

95. The fiber optic switching module of claims 67 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

96. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit minimum rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

97. The fiber optic switching module of claim 67 wherein said light beam deflectors are respectively supported from a frame by torsional hinges, and each frame, torsional hinges and light beam deflector are fabricated from single crystal silicon.

98. An optical fiber collimator assembly adapted to be received into any of a plurality of collimator receptacles included in a fiber optic switching module, the fiber optic switching module optically coupling at least one beam of light emitted thereinto between a pair of optical fiber collimator assemblies fixed in a selectable pair of the collimator receptacles, the optical fiber collimator assembly comprising:

a lens having;

a first face and a second face which adjoin each other, are not parallel, and are oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the lens, each of the first and second faces being adapted respectively to receive a beam of light emittable from an end of a duplex optical fiber at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber; and

a third face through which beams of light entering the lens respectively through the first and second faces exit the lens to enter the fiber optic switching module,

a body that receives the lens; and

a duplex optical fiber having an end received into the body adjacent to the first and second faces of the lens and from which beams of light are emittable at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, the end of the optical fiber and the first and second faces of the lens being positioned within the body so that;

within the lens two beams of light, respectively exiting or entering the end of the duplex optical fiber at differing angles with respect to the center line of the optical fiber, are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lens; and

quasi-collimated beams of light are emittable from the lens into the fiber optic switching module.

99. The optical fiber collimator assembly of claim 98 wherein two beams of light propagate through the duplex optical fiber in opposite directions.

100. The optical fiber collimator assembly of claim 98 wherein two beams of light propagate through the duplex optical fiber in a single direction.

101. The optical fiber collimator assembly of claim 98 wherein the body is conically-shaped and is thereby adapted to be received into a mating, conically-shaped collimator receptacle.

102. An optical fiber collimator assembly adapted to be received into any of a plurality of collimator receptacles included in a fiber optic switching module, the fiber optic switching module optically coupling at least one beam of light emitted thereinto between a pair of optical fiber collimator assemblies fixed in a selectable pair of the collimator receptacles, the optical fiber collimator assembly comprising:

a lens having a first face adapted to receive a beam of light emittable from an optical fiber and a second face through which the beam of light exits the lens to enter the fiber optic switching module, the lens being formed with a smaller diameter outer surface adjacent to the first face and with a larger diameter outer surface adjacent to the second face;

a body that receives the lens; and

an optical fiber having an end received into the body adjacent to the first face of the lens, the end of the optical fiber and the first face of the lens being positioned within the body so a quasi-collimated beam of light is emittable from the lens into the fiber optic switching module.

103. The optical fiber collimator assembly of claim 102 wherein the body is conically-shaped and is thereby adapted to be received into a mating, conically-shaped collimator receptacle.

104. A fiber optic switching module comprising:

a) a first and a second group of optical fiber receptacles, said groups of optical fiber receptacles being separated from each other at opposite ends of a free space optical path, and each optical fiber receptacle being adapted for receiving and fixing an end of an optical fiber;

b) lenses one of which is fixed respectively at each of the optical fiber receptacles of the first and second groups so the end of the optical fiber fixable in that optical fiber receptacle is juxtaposed with said lens fixed thereat, each said lens being adapted for receiving a beam of light emittable from the juxtaposed end of the optical fiber and for emitting a quasi-collimated beam of light into the optical path of the fiber optic switching module; and

c) a first and a second set of reflective light beam deflectors that are both disposed within the optical path between the groups of optical fiber receptacles, each of the light beam deflectors in said first or said second set respectively being;

associated with one of said lenses fixed at each of the optical fiber receptacles;

located so the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from said associated lens impinges upon the light beam deflector to be reflected therefrom; and

energizable by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module to be oriented for reflecting the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from said associated lens to also reflect off a selected one of the light beam deflectors in said second or in said first set;

said light beam deflectors of each set together with said lenses and optical fiber receptacles respectively associated therewith collectively having orientations such that beams of light emittable from lenses, upon impinging upon and reflecting from the associated light beam deflectors, substantially converge when said light beam deflectors are un-energized by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module;

whereby a pair of light beam deflectors, one light beam deflector of the pair belonging to the first set and one belonging to the second set, when selected and oriented by the drive signals supplied thereto, establish an optical coupling for at least one quasi-collimated beam of light between a pair of lenses respectively fixable at the first and at the second group of optical fiber receptacles.

105. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein the first group of optical fiber receptacles is located at a side A of the fiber optic switching module, and the second group of optical fiber receptacles is located at a side B of the fiber optic switching module, side A being spaced apart from side B;

and wherein the first and second sets of light beam deflectors are also spaced apart from each other.

106. The fiber optic switching module of claim 105 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is C-shaped.

107. The fiber optic switching module of claim 105 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is Z-shaped.

108. The fiber optic switching module of claim 105 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is W-shaped.

109. The fiber optic switching module of claim 105 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

110. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

111. The fiber optic switching module of claim 110 wherein said optical fiber receptacles of the first and second groups and said light beam deflectors are configured so the optical coupling may be established between said lens fixed at any one of said optical fiber receptacles and another lens fixed at any other of said optical fiber receptacles.

112. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein the first group includes only one optical fiber receptacle and the second group includes the remaining optical fiber receptacles whereby the fiber optic switching module establishes the optical coupling between one lens fixed at the single optical fiber receptacle and one of said lenses fixed at the second group of optical fiber receptacles.

113. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 further comprising environmental housing that encloses the optical path through which the beams of light propagate.

114. The fiber optic switching module of claim 113 wherein the environmental housing provides temperature regulation for maintaining a stable operating environment for the fiber optic switching module.

115. The fiber optic switching module of claim 113 wherein dry gas flows through the environmental housing to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

116. The fiber optic switching module of claim 113 wherein the environmental housing is pressurized to exclude atmosphere surrounding the environmental housing from entering the fiber optic switching module.

117. The fiber optic switching module of claim 113 wherein the environmental housing includes a nonsaturable microdryer to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

118. The fiber optic switching module of claim 113 wherein a wall of the environmental housing is pierced by an electrical feed-through through which the drive signals pass.

119. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in 1D.

120. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in 2D.

121. The fiber optic switching module of claim 120 wherein orientation of said optical fiber receptacles and said lenses effects convergence of beams of light in a first dimension, and orientation of said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence in a second dimension.

122. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located behind the second or behind the first set of light beam deflectors.

123. The fiber optic switching module of claim 122 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

124. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located at the second or at the first set of light beam deflectors.

125. The fiber optic switching module of claim 124 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

126. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

127. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

128. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

129. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

130. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit minimum rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

131. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein orientation of only said optical fiber receptacles and said lenses effects convergence of beams of light.

132. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein orientation of only said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence of beams of light.

133. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein drive signals supplied to the fiber optic switching module for energizing orientation of each light beam deflector respond to a signal produced by an orientation sensor that is coupled to the light beam deflector.

134. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein drive signals supplied to the fiber optic switching module for energizing orientation of each light beam deflector respond to a signal produced by an orientation sensor that is independent of the beam of light reflectable therefrom.

135. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein said light beam deflectors are respectively supported from a frame by torsional hinges, and each frame, torsional hinges and light beam deflector are fabricated from single crystal silicon.

136. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein ends of optical fibers receivable into optical fiber receptacles emit a beam of light at an angle with respect to a center line of the optical fiber, and first faces of lenses respectively associated therewith are oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the lens so that within each lens the beam of light is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lens.

137. The fiber optic switching module of claim 136 wherein each lens has a focal point located substantially at the obliquely angled face thereof, and the end of the optical fiber receivable into the optical fiber receptacle associated therewith is positioned one Rayleigh range of the beam of light from the obliquely angled face.

138. The fiber optic switching module of claim 136 wherein optical fibers receivable into optical fiber receptacles are duplex optical fibers and lenses respectively associated therewith further have a second face that:

is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of each lens; and

intersects with and is not parallel to the first face thereof, so that within each lens two beams of light, respectively exiting or entering the end of the duplex optical fiber respectively associated therewith at differing angles with respect to the center line of the optical fiber, are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lens.

139. The fiber optic switching module of claim 138 wherein two beams of light propagate through the duplex optical fiber in opposite directions.

140. The fiber optic switching module of claim 138 wherein two beams of light propagate through the duplex optical fiber in a single direction.

141. The fiber optic switching module of claim 104 wherein lenses included in the fiber optic switching module are respectively formed with a smaller diameter outer surface which is disposed nearer to the end of said optical fiber receivable into the optical fiber receptacle associated therewith, the lenses also being formed with a larger diameter outer surface which is disposed further from the end of said optical fiber receivable into the optical fiber receptacle associated therewith than the smaller diameter outer surface of the lens.

142. A fiber optic switching module comprising:

a) a first and a second group of optical fiber receptacles, said groups of optical fiber receptacles being separated from each other at opposite ends of a free space optical path, and each optical fiber receptacle being adapted for receiving and fixing an end of an optical fiber;

b) lenses one of which is fixed respectively at each of the optical fiber receptacles of the first and second groups so the end of the optical fiber fixable in that optical fiber receptacle is juxtaposed with said lens fixed thereat, each said lens being adapted for receiving a beam of light emittable from the juxtaposed end of the optical fiber and for emitting a quasi-collimated beam of light into the optical path of the fiber optic switching module; and

c) a first and a second set of reflective light beam deflectors that are both disposed within the optical path between the groups of optical fiber receptacles, each of the light beam deflectors in said first or said second set respectively being;

associated with one of said lenses fixed at each of the optical fiber receptacles;

located so the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from said associated lens impinges upon the light beam deflector to be reflected therefrom; and

energizable by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module to be oriented for reflecting the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from said associated lens to also reflect off a selected one of the light beam deflectors in said second or in said first set;

whereby a pair of light beam deflectors, one light beam deflector of the pair belonging to the first set and one belonging to the second set, when selected and oriented by the drive signals supplied thereto, establish an optical coupling for at least one quasi-collimated beam of light between a pair of lenses respectively fixable at the first and at the second group of optical fiber receptacles; and

wherein the fiber optic switching module further comprises;

d) an environmental housing for enclosing the optical path, said environmental housing being configured so the quasi-collimated beam of light couplable between the pair of lenses impinges only upon substantially reflective surfaces.

143. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein the first group of optical fiber receptacles is located at a side A of the fiber optic switching module, and the second group of optical fiber receptacles is located at a side B of the fiber optic switching module, side A being spaced apart from side B;

and wherein the first and second sets of light beam deflectors are also spaced apart from each other.

144. The fiber optic switching module of claim 143 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is C-shaped.

145. The fiber optic switching module of claim 143 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is Z-shaped.

146. The fiber optic switching module of claim 143 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is W-shaped.

147. The fiber optic switching module of claims 143 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

148. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

149. The fiber optic switching module of claim 148 wherein said optical fiber receptacles of the first and second groups and said light beam deflectors are configured so the optical coupling may be established between said lens fixed at any one of said optical fiber receptacles and another lens fixed at any other of said optical fiber receptacles.

150. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein the first group includes only one optical fiber receptacle and the second group includes the remaining optical fiber receptacles whereby the fiber optic switching module establishes the optical coupling between one lens fixed at the single optical fiber receptacle and one of said lenses fixed at the second group of optical fiber receptacles.

151. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein the environmental housing provides temperature regulation for maintaining a stable operating environment for the fiber optic switching module.

152. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein dry gas flows through the environmental housing to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

153. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein the environmental housing is pressurized to exclude atmosphere surrounding the environmental housing from entering the fiber optic switching module.

154. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein the environmental housing includes a nonsaturable microdryer to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

155. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein a wall of the environmental housing is pierced by an electrical feed-through through which the drive signals pass.

156. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein said light beam deflectors of each set together with said lenses and optical fiber receptacles respectively associated therewith collectively have orientations such that beams of light emittable from lenses, upon impinging upon and reflecting from the associated light beam deflectors, substantially converge when said light beam deflectors are un-energized by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module.

157. The fiber optic switching module of claim 156 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in 1D.

158. The fiber optic switching module of claim 156 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in 2D.

159. The fiber optic switching module of claim 156 wherein orientation of said optical fiber receptacles and said lenses effects convergence of beams of light in a first dimension, and orientation of said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence in a second dimension.

160. The fiber optic switching module of claim 156 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located behind the second or behind the first set of light beam deflectors.

161. The fiber optic switching module of claim 160 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

162. The fiber optic switching module of claim 156 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located at the second or at the first set of light beam deflectors.

163. The fiber optic switching module of claim 162 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

164. The fiber optic switching module of claim 156 wherein orientation of only the'"'"'optical fiber receptacles and said lenses effects convergence of beams of light.

165. The fiber optic switching module of claim 156 wherein orientation of only said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence of beams of light.

166. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

167. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

168. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting abeam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

169. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

170. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit minimum rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

171. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein drive signals supplied to the fiber optic switching module for energizing orientation of each light beam deflector respond to a signal produced by an orientation sensor that is coupled to the light beam deflector.

172. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein drive signals supplied to the fiber optic switching module for energizing orientation of each light beam deflector respond to a signal produced by an orientation sensor that is independent of the beam of light reflectable therefrom.

173. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein said light beam deflectors are respectively supported from a frame by torsional hinges, and each frame, torsional hinges and light beam deflector are fabricated from single crystal silicon.

174. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein ends of optical fibers receivable into optical fiber receptacles emit a beam of light at an angle with respect to a center line of the optical fiber, and first faces of lenses respectively associated therewith are oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the lens so that within each lens the beam of light is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lens.

175. The fiber optic switching module of claim 174 wherein each lens has a focal point located substantially at the obliquely angled face thereof, and the end of the optical fiber receivable into the optical fiber receptacle associated therewith is positioned one Rayleigh range of the beam of light from the obliquely angled face.

176. The fiber optic switching module of claim 174 wherein optical fibers receivable into optical fiber receptacles are duplex optical fibers and lenses respectively associated therewith further have a second face that:

is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of each lens; and

intersects with and is not parallel to the first face thereof, so that within each lens two beams of light, respectively exiting or entering the end of the duplex optical fiber respectively associated therewith at differing angles with respect to the center line of the optical fiber, are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lens.

177. The fiber optic switching module of claim 176 wherein two beams of light propagate through the duplex optical fiber in opposite directions.

178. The fiber optic switching module of claim 176 wherein two beams of light propagate through the duplex optical fiber in a single direction.

179. The fiber optic switching module of claim 142 wherein lenses included in the fiber optic switching module are respectively formed with smaller diameter outer surface which is disposed nearer to the end of said optical fiber receivable into the optical fiber receptacle associated therewith, the lenses also being formed with larger diameter outer surface which is disposed further from the end of said optical fiber receivable into the optical fiber receptacle associated therewith than the smaller diameter outer surface of the lens.

180. A fiber optic switching module comprising:

a) a first and a second group of optical fiber receptacles, said groups of optical fiber receptacles being separated from each other at opposite ends of a free space optical path, and each optical fiber receptacle being adapted for receiving and fixing an end of an optical fiber;

b) lenses one of which is fixed respectively at each of the optical fiber receptacles of the first and second groups so the end of the optical fiber fixable in that optical fiber receptacle is juxtaposed with said lens fixed thereat, each said lens being adapted for receiving a beam of light emittable from the juxtaposed end of the optical fiber and for emitting a quasi-collimated beam of light into the optical path of the fiber optic switching module; and

c) a first and a second set of reflective light beam deflectors that are both disposed within the optical path between the groups of optical fiber receptacles, each of the light beam deflectors in said first or said second set respectively;

i. being;

associated with one of said lenses fixed at each of the optical fiber receptacles;

located so the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from said associated lens impinges upon the light beam deflector to be reflected therefrom; and

energizable by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module to be oriented for reflecting the quasi-collimated beam of light emittable from said associated lens to also reflect off a selected one of the light beam deflectors in said second or in said first set and

ii. including an orientation sensor which produces at least one orientation signal that is independent of the beam of light reflectable therefrom;

whereby a pair of light beam deflectors, one light beam deflector of the pair belonging to the first set and one belonging to the second set, when selected and oriented by drive signals supplied to the pair that are responsive to the orientation signals produced by the pair, establish an optical coupling for at least one quasi-collimated beam, of light between a pair of lenses respectively fixable at the first and at the second group of optical fiber receptacles.

181. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein the first group of optical fiber receptacles is located at a side A of the fiber optic switching module, and the second group of optical fiber receptacles is located at a side B of the fiber optic switching module, side A being spaced apart from side B;

and wherein the first and second sets of light beam deflectors are also spaced apart from each other.

182. The fiber optic switching module of claim 181 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is C-shaped.

183. The fiber optic switching module of claim 181 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is Z-shaped.

184. The fiber optic switching module of claim 181 wherein the optical path between side A and side B is W-shaped.

185. The fiber optic switching module of claim 181 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

186. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein to fold the optical path between said sets of light beam deflectors the fiber optic switching module further comprises a mirror disposed therebetween.

187. The fiber optic switching module of claim 186 wherein said optical fiber receptacles of the first and second groups and said light beam deflectors are configured so the optical coupling may be established between said lens fixed at any one of said optical fiber receptacles and another lens fixed at any other of said optical fiber receptacles.

188. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein the first group includes only one optical fiber receptacle and the second group includes the remaining optical fiber receptacles whereby the fiber optic switching module establishes the optical coupling between one lens fixed at the single optical fiber receptacle and one of said lenses fixed at the second group of optical fiber receptacles.

189. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein the first and second groups of optical fiber receptacles, the free space optical path, the lenses, and the first and second sets of reflective light beam deflectors are enclosed within an environmental housing;

and the environmental housing provides temperature regulation for maintaining a stable operating environment for the fiber optic switching module.

190. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein the first and second groups of optical fiber receptacles, the free space optical path, the lenses, and the first and second sets of reflective light beam deflectors are enclosed within an environmental housing;

and dry gas flows through the environmental housing to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

191. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein the first and second groups of optical fiber receptacles, the free space optical path, the lenses, and the first and second sets of reflective light beam deflectors are enclosed within an environmental housing;

and the environmental housing is pressurized to exclude atmosphere surrounding the environmental housing from entering the fiber optic switching module.

192. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein the first and second groups of optical fiber receptacles, the free space optical path, the lenses, and the first and second sets of reflective light beam deflectors are enclosed within an environmental housing;

and the environmental housing includes a nonsaturable microdryer to hinder moisture from condensing within the fiber optic switching module.

193. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein the first and second groups of optical fiber receptacles, the free space optical path, the lenses, and the first and second sets of reflective light beam deflectors are enclosed within an environmental housing;

and a wall of the environmental housing is pierced by an electrical feed-through through which the drive signals pass.

194. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein said light beam deflectors of each set together with said lenses and optical fiber receptacles respectively associated therewith collectively have orientations such that beams of light emittable from lenses, upon impinging upon and reflecting from the associated light beam deflectors, substantially converge when said light beam deflectors are un-energized by drive signals supplied to said fiber optic switching module.

195. The fiber optic switching module of claim 194 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in 1D.

196. The fiber optic switching module of claim 194 wherein, when light beam deflectors are un-energized, beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge in 2D.

197. The fiber optic switching module of claim 194 wherein orientation of said optical fiber receptacles and said lenses effects convergence of beams of light in a first dimension, and orientation of said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence in a second dimension.

198. The fiber optic switching module of claim 194 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located behind the second or behind the first set of light beam deflectors.

199. The fiber optic switching module of claim 198 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

200. The fiber optic switching module of claim 194 wherein, when light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set are un-energized, the beams of light reflecting therefrom substantially converge at a point that is located at the second or at the first set of light beam deflectors.

201. The fiber optic switching module of claim 200 wherein the second or the first set of light beam deflectors lacks a light beam deflector upon which impinge the beams of light reflected from the un-energized first or the second set of light beam deflectors.

202. The fiber optic switching module of claim 194 wherein orientation of only the optical fiber receptacles and said lenses effects convergence of beams of light.

203. The fiber optic switching module of claim 194 wherein orientation of only said light beam deflectors when un-energized effects convergence of beams of light.

204. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

205. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

206. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

207. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set:

rotate about two non-parallel axes; and

exhibit substantially equal bi-polar rotation angles about at least one of the axes from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

208. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein light beam deflectors of the first or of the second set that require the greatest movement in reflecting a beam of light to any of the light beam deflectors in the second or in the first set exhibit minimum rotation angles from an un-energized orientation of such light beam deflectors.

209. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein said light beam deflectors are respectively supported from a frame by torsional hinges, and each frame, torsional hinges and light beam deflector are fabricated from single crystal silicon.

210. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein ends of optical fibers receivable into optical fiber receptacles emit a beam of light at an angle with respect to a center line of the optical fiber, and first faces of lenses respectively associated therewith are oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the lens so that within each lens the beam of light is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lens.

211. The fiber optic switching module of claim 210 wherein each lens has a focal point located substantially at the obliquely angled face thereof, and the end of the optical fiber receivable into the optical fiber receptacle associated therewith is positioned one Rayleigh range of the beam of light from the obliquely angled face.

212. The fiber optic switching module of claim 207 wherein optical fibers receivable into optical fiber receptacles are duplex optical fibers and lenses respectively associated therewith further have a second face that:

is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of each lens; and

intersects with and is not parallel to the first face thereof, so that within each lens two beams of light, respectively exiting or entering the end of the duplex optical fiber respectively associated therewith at differing angles with respect to the center line of the optical fiber, are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lens.

213. The fiber optic switching module of claim 212 wherein two beams of light propagate through the duplex optical fiber in opposite directions.

214. The fiber optic switching module of claim 212 wherein two beams of light propagate through the duplex optical fiber in a single direction.

215. The fiber optic switching module of claim 180 wherein lenses included in the fiber optic switching module are respectively formed with smaller diameter outer surface which is disposed nearer to the end of said optical fiber receivable into the optical fiber receptacle associated therewith, the lenses also being formed with larger diameter outer surface which is disposed further from the end of said optical fiber receivable into the optical fiber receptacle associated therewith than the smaller diameter outer surface of the lens.