Bi-stable Optical Switch with Curved-Beam Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical switches and attenuators face challenges in miniaturization, enhancement of switching speed, and reduction of optical signal energy loss, particularly in bi-stable mechanisms and electro-thermal actuators, which require extra energy for mirror positioning and suffer from high energy loss due to multiple mirror setups.
Innovation Solution
A bi-stable optical switch with a curved-beam mechanism and electro-thermal actuators that switch between two stable modes, allowing for selective optical signal routing and variable attenuation by varying the position of reflective units using voltages, integrating optical switching and attenuation functions on a single substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a bi-stable mechanism with electro-thermal actuators is used, then energy consumption is reduced and switching speed is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to the curved-beam mechanism and multiple actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators with electro-thermal actuators that utilize thermal expansion effects. The curved-beam mechanism converts thermal expansion into mechanical displacement, enabling mirror positioning without complex mechanical linkages. This substitution reduces energy consumption while maintaining actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a bi-stable curved-beam mechanism that utilizes changes in thermal parameters to switch between two stable states. By controlling the thermal expansion coefficient and temperature distribution in the curved beam, the system achieves low-power switching between different mirror positions, resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors are used for optical signal routing, then switching functionality is achieved, but optical energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical switching functions into a single integrated optical chip. By fabricating multiple mirrors and optical pathways on one substrate, the system reduces the number of discrete components and interfaces, thereby minimizing optical energy loss while maintaining versatile switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switch device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device can perform both optical switching and optical attenuation. The integrated structure allows different optical pathways to share common components, reducing overall optical energy loss while achieving diverse optical signal routing capabilities.
3Volume of moving object
If optical switch and attenuator are integrated on a single substrate, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated optical device into distinct functional modules (mirrors, optical pathways, actuators) that can be independently fabricated and then precisely assembled. This modular segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes while maintaining the compact integrated structure, balancing device miniaturization with manufacturability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient, low-power optical switching and attenuation with reduced energy consumption, faster switching speeds, and miniaturization of optical fiber network components, while simplifying the actuation scheme and integrating optical switch and attenuator functions on a single chip.
Implementation Method 1
a first electro-thermal actuator disposed at a position adjacent to the driven portion of the bi-stable mechanism and comprised of two anchors and a first beam disposed between the anchors, wherein the first beam has a bending portion bending towards the direction of the bi-stable mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the bi-stable mechanism has a first stable mode and a second stable mode; wherein when the bi-stable mechanism is in the first stable mode, the curved-beam bends away from the driven portion, whereas when the bi-stable mechanism is in the second stable mode, the curved-beam bends towards the driven portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical switch member including a bi-stable mechanism, and first and second electro-thermal actuators. The bi-stable mechanism includes a curved-beam disposed on a bending portion of a first cantilever, one end of the first cantilever having a driven portion disposed thereon. The first electro-thermal actuator includes a first beam of a first driven arm disposed on the bending portion. The second electro-thermal actuator includes a second beam of a second driven arm disposed on the bending portion. The ends of the first and second driven arms are adjacent to first and second sides of the driven arm, respectively. Also proposed is an optical switch device including a substrate, a third thermal actuator, and the optical switch member disposed on the substrate to form an optical switch device to thereby integrate the optical switch with variable optical attenuators on the substrate.