Methods and apparatus for selectively coupling optical paths
First Claim
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1. An optical cross connect apparatus, comprising:
- a first planar layer comprising m optical paths formed on oppositely disposed surfaces of the first planar layer;
a second planar layer comprising n optical paths formed on oppositely disposed surfaces of the second planar layer; and
an optical switch array comprising a plurality of optical switches, wherein the optical switches permit optically coupling any optical path of the first planar layer with any optical path of the second planar layer, and control signals communicate to the optical switches to change the optical switches between a transparent state that permits signal transmission and an opaque state that prevents signal transmission.
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Abstract
An optical cross connect includes first and second planar layers having m and n optical path(s), respectively. An optical switch array comprising a plurality of optical switches is disposed to enable optically coupling any optical path of the first planar layer with any optical path of the second planar layer. Techniques for creating a variety of optical path types are provided.
19 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An optical cross connect apparatus, comprising:
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a first planar layer comprising m optical paths formed on oppositely disposed surfaces of the first planar layer; a second planar layer comprising n optical paths formed on oppositely disposed surfaces of the second planar layer; and an optical switch array comprising a plurality of optical switches, wherein the optical switches permit optically coupling any optical path of the first planar layer with any optical path of the second planar layer, and control signals communicate to the optical switches to change the optical switches between a transparent state that permits signal transmission and an opaque state that prevents signal transmission. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An optical cross connect apparatus, comprising:
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a first planar layer comprising plural optical paths formed on two sides of the first planar layer; a second planar layer comprising plural optical paths formed on two sides of the second planar layer; and an optical switch array comprising optical switches that optically couple the plural optical paths of the first planar layer with the plural optical paths of the second planar layer, wherein control signals communicate to the optical switches to change the optical switches between a transparent state that permits signal transmission and an opaque state that prevents signal transmission. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification