Design and development of a latching micro optical switch

We will review the initial design and development of a first-of-its-kind latching micro optical switch that can be switched from one optical state to another utilizing thermal actuation. The device is designed to remain in one position or the other without the requirement for continuous external power to keep the switch in either state. The switch uses Deep Reactive Ion Etching to form the necessary structures required to move optical fibers from one position to another.