Elastomeric Waveguide Switch Body for Low-Loss Optical Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical switches face challenges with high loss, crosstalk, and power consumption, particularly in large matrix switches that require continuous power and have additive losses due to free-space propagation and multiple switching elements.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch design featuring an optical waveguide with a notch and an elastomeric waveguide switch body that moves between positions to direct light between a feed optical waveguide and a longitudinal or transverse optical waveguide section, minimizing reflections and losses by matching refractive indices and reducing air interfaces, and using a bi-stable actuator for low power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beam steering or reflection optics based on MEMS mirrors are used in large matrix switches, then light can be directed from any input port to any output port without passing through intervening switching elements (inherently non-blocking), but the switch requires continuous power to operate and has losses from recapturing light into fiber waveguide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bi-stable actuator that consumes power only during switching transitions rather than continuously. The actuator moves the elastomeric waveguide switch body between two stable positions (first position for connecting feed waveguide to longitudinal waveguide section, second position for connecting feed waveguide to transverse waveguide section), and maintains these positions without power consumption, thereby eliminating the continuous power requirement while preserving non-blocking switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical MEMS mirror reflection system with an elastomeric waveguide switch body that directs light through waveguide coupling. Instead of using mirrors to reflect and steer light in free space, the elastomeric waveguide switch body physically couples light from the feed optical waveguide to either the longitudinal or transverse optical waveguide section through index-matched elastomeric material, eliminating the need for continuous power-driven mechanical mirror steering
2Reliability
If free-space propagation and collimation optics are used in large matrix switches, then light can be directed between any input and output ports, but losses occur from recapturing light into fiber waveguide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guiding function directly into the switching mechanism by using the elastomeric waveguide switch body as both the switching element and the light transmission medium. The elastomeric material with index of refraction between 1.4 and 1.6 matches the optical waveguide core, creating an index-matched transition that eliminates air interfaces and minimizes reflection losses when light is coupled from the feed optical waveguide to the output waveguide sections
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric waveguide switch body acts as an intermediary between the feed optical waveguide and the output waveguide sections. This elastomeric intermediary provides index-matched coupling that facilitates efficient light transfer without the losses associated with free-space propagation and recapture, as the light remains confined within the waveguide structure throughout the switching process
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching elements are used in optical matrix switches, then routing flexibility is achieved, but additive losses increase due to each switching element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical switching function into modular elastomeric waveguide switch bodies, each capable of independently directing light to different output waveguide sections. Each switch body is a self-contained unit with feed optical waveguide, longitudinal optical waveguide section, and transverse optical waveguide section, allowing flexible routing configurations while maintaining low loss through waveguide coupling rather than free-space propagation at each switching stage
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 achieves reduced optical loss, decreased power consumption, and lower costs by minimizing reflections and maintaining light within guiding optics, while allowing for non-blocking switching without continuous power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
minimizing reflections and losses by matching refractive indices and reducing air interfaces
Implementation Method 2
In its undeflected state, the optical signal is reflected from the angled face of the optical path by internal reflection
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical device may include a substrate and an optical waveguide carried by the substrate and having a notch therein defining a feed optical waveguide and a longitudinal optical waveguide section on opposite longitudinal sides of the notch. The optical device may also include a transverse optical waveguide section carried by the substrate and transversely aligned with the feed optical waveguide adjacent the notch. The optical device may further include an elastomeric waveguide switch body configured to be moved between a first position within the notch and operative to switch light from the feed optical waveguide to the longitudinal optical waveguide section, and a second position removed from the notch and operative to switch light from the optical waveguide to the transverse optical waveguide section.