The Need

Generally, an optical interconnection or a cross-connection device, such as a white cell optical switch, comprises a plurality of optical elements disposed in a predetermined spatial three dimensional pattern for directing one or more light beams from an input through a plurality of reflections to an output. Typically, the interconnection device allows a set of N_in optical inputs to be switched among N_out outputs in a free-space approach in which light beams bounce multiple times in a white cell. On each bounce a given beam can be switched between different paths, and thus transferred to different outputs.In some applications, an optical stage is included in the interconnection device to shift the position of a light beam in a particular plane which displaces the illuminating spot image. This spot displacement stage could be used in the optical interconnection device to shift spot images of the light beams to different outputs. The number of outputs that can be reached is controlled by the switching mechanism of the White Cell and the particular spot shifting stage. In a binary design, the number of outputs is proportional to 2^m, where m is the number of bounces.

The Technology

The Ohio State University researches, led by Dr. Betty Lise Anderson, developed an optical spot displacement apparatus, which is comprised of a face divided into a plurality of columns; each column of the plurality includes a predetermined number of prisms, the predetermined number of prisms of the same column configured within the corresponding column displace at least one incident light beam, a common predetermined distance from incidence and the predetermined number of prisms of different columns configured within each corresponding column displace at least one incident light beam a different predetermined distance from incidence. The optical elements of current spot displacement stages are not without improvement. The present invention provides for optical spot displacement apparatus that is easily modified to produce small as well as large spot displacements, rendering an improved scaling of the displacement.

Commercial Applications

• All-optical communication systems
• Optical switches

Benefits/Advantages