Global Patent Index - EP 0000647 A1

EP 0000647 A1 19790207 - Optical crosspoint switch.

Title (en)

Optical crosspoint switch.

Title (de)

Optischer Schalter für zwei sich kreuzende Lichtleiter.

Title (fr)

Commutateur optique pour deux guides d'ondes qui se croisent.

Publication

EP 0000647 A1 19790207 (EN)

Application

EP 78300172 A 19780720

Priority

US 81867077 A 19770725

Abstract (en)

An optical crosspoint switch has a mode-sensitive reflector (121) at the crosspoint of two crossed optical waveguide channels (36, 51). Mode switches (61, 101) are coupled to the channels, one (61) in one channel upstream of the reflector and the other (101) in the other channel downstream of the reflector. With the mode switches in a non-converting state optical energy passes through the crosspoint without being redirected. With the mode switches in a converting state the optical energy is changed in mode by one of the mode switches, reflected into the other channel, and then changed back again in mode by the other mode switch. <??>Switches according to the invention can be used in a switching array suitable for use in telecommunications switching.

IPC 1-7

G02F 1/29

IPC 8 full level

G02B 6/14 (2006.01); G02B 6/28 (2006.01); G02B 6/287 (2006.01); G02F 1/01 (2006.01); G02F 1/03 (2006.01); G02F 1/05 (2006.01); G02F 1/095 (2006.01); G02F 1/125 (2006.01); G02F 1/1339 (2006.01); G02F 1/313 (2006.01); H04Q 3/52 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP US)

G02F 1/095 (2013.01 - EP US); G02F 1/3137 (2013.01 - EP US); G02F 2201/307 (2013.01 - EP US)

Citation (search report)

  • US 3990776 A 19761109 - TSENG SAMUEL C-C, et al
  • [A] US 3764195 A 19731009 - LEVINSTEIN H, et al
  • [A] US 4011543 A 19770308 - SOREF RICHARD A, et al
  • JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS, vol. 45, no. 2, February 1974, New York, (US) S. YAMAMOTO et al.: "Circuit theory for a class of antisotropic and gyrotropic thin-film optical waveguides and design of nonreciprocal devices for integrated optics", pages 882-888

Designated contracting state (EPC)

BE DE FR GB NL SE

DOCDB simple family (publication)

EP 0000647 A1 19790207; EP 0000647 B1 19810429; CA 1105602 A 19810721; DE 2860646 D1 19810806; JP S5424048 A 19790223; JP S60184022 U 19851206; US 4153329 A 19790508

DOCDB simple family (application)

EP 78300172 A 19780720; CA 307328 A 19780713; DE 2860646 T 19780720; JP 5896685 U 19850422; JP 9007078 A 19780725; US 81867077 A 19770725