Self-hold and precisely controllable optical cross-connect switches using ultrasonic micro motors

In this paper, we propose new optical cross-connect switches using ultrasonic micro motors, whose features are self-hold, precise control, and low electric power consumption. Two methods are examined for optical beam deflection. One method is moving the lens and the other is rotating the mirror by using ultrasonic micro motors. The light from the optical fiber is collimated using a self-focusing (SELFOC) lens and is deflected by moving the lens, with an ultrasonic linear motor, perpendicularly to the fiber axis. The light is then coupled to another fiber. Another proposed method is to use reflection mirrors. This structure is composed of a magnetized material attached to a micro mirror and a permanent magnet mounted on a shaft of an ultrasonic rotation motor. The reflected beam is deflected by rotating the mirror. In both methods, precise beam deflection is demonstrated, and optical switching characteristics are confirmed.