OPTICAL SERVICEABILITY-CONTROLLED SELECTOR SWITCH USING ELECTROCAPILLARITY PRINCIPLE Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: optical communication networks, optics, and optoelectronics. SUBSTANCE: selector switch has two groups of light-emitting diodes whose optical paths are intersecting. One group is used for switching over optical channels and other one, for serviceability control of selector switch. Closed channel is partially filled with liquid electrolyte whose index of refraction is close to that of light-emitting diode material so that when electrolyte occurs in vicinity of path intersection by one group of light-emitting diodes, gas appears in area of path intersection by other group of diodes. Movable member used to displace electrolyte is mercury droplet disposed in channel; this droplet is displaced by feeding voltage of respective polarity to two electrodes isolated from electrolyte. Grids are provided in channel upstream of areas of path intersection of light-emitting diodes; channel is expanded upstream of each grid. Coating non-wetted by electrolyte is applied to channel walls downstream of these areas. Two groups of light-emitting diodes enable serviceability control of selector switch without branching off part of light signal being switched over. EFFECT: reduces change-over time and power requirement for this operation. 1 cl, 6 dwg