Low-voltage micromachining-based scalable optical switch

We report a fiber optic switch based on a novel MEMS technology allowing fast switch ( 50dB) and wide bandwidth. Each switch module consists of an electromagnetically actuated gold-coated silicon mirror rotating around a 100 µm diameter shaft and a miniature 5V driven coil. Enabling technology is precision EDM machining and laser cutting. The switch is scalable to 8 X 8 and allows the realization of high capacity cross-connects.