Title :
MEMS wavelength-selective switch incorporating liquid crystal shutters for attenuation and hitless operation
Author :
Arad, U. ; Corem, Yossi ; Frenkel, Boris ; Deich, Valery ; Dunayevsky, J. ; Harel, R. ; Janosik, Peter ; Cohen, G. ; Marom, Dan M.
Author_Institution :
Oclaro Corp., Jerusalem, Israel
Abstract :
We present the technological merits of combining a high fill factor, one-dimensional, MEMS micro-mirror array for switching and liquid crystal shutters for amplitude control within a wavelength-selective switch (WSS). The combination allows for simplified MEMS actuator design, support for high port counts, high attenuation accuracy, high natural frequency, mechanical robustness against shock & vibrations, and fast switching times. The complexity associated with dual modulating elements at the focal plane is addressed by design choices and optimization of the depth of focus. The WSS is fully Telcordia qualified and carrying live traffic in deployed networks.
Keywords :
focal planes; liquid crystal devices; micro-optomechanical devices; microactuators; micromirrors; microswitches; optical arrays; optical communication equipment; optical design techniques; optical modulation; optical switches; MEMS actuator design; MEMS wavelength-selective switch; Telcordia qualified wavelength-selective switch; amplitude control; attenuation accuracy; attenuation operation; dual modulating elements; focal plane; high fill factor one-dimensional MEMS micromirror array; hitless operation; liquid crystal shutters; mechanical robustness; natural frequency; port counts; shock; switching time; vibrations; Actuators; Arrays; Attenuation; Micromechanical devices; Mirrors; Optical switches;
Conference_Titel :
Optical MEMS and Nanophotonics (OMN), 2013 International Conference on
Conference_Location :
Kanazawa
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4799-1512-5
DOI :
10.1109/OMN.2013.6659065
