THERMOCAPILLAR OPTIC SWITCH WITH LASER HEATERS Russian patent published in 2008 - IPC G02F1/00 

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: switch includes chute filled partially with fluid with refraction factor close to refraction factor of three light guides material. Light guides are positioned in such pattern that when fluid is in one chute half, then emission is transferred from first light guide through fluid to second light guide located at the chute end opposite to first light guide, and when fluid is in the other chute half, then emission is transferred over first light guide, reflected from chute wall at total inner reflection angle and passes to third light guide located at the same chute end as first light guide. Fluid is heated for thermocapillar transfer to required chute part by clusters of two semiconductor light diodes or lasers with their emission focused by lenses positioned in front of them, and is directed to different chute halves. Emission is transferred through transparent window, and fluid and substrate materials are selected to absorb light diode or laser emission.

EFFECT: reduced switch time.

7 dwg