Importance

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Abstract

An optical fiber switch (16) for alternatively directing an input beam (14) to a plurality of different locations (18A) (18B) (18C) (18D) includes an input fiber (30), a redirector (32), a redirector mover (382), a first output fiber (34), and a second output fiber (36). The input fiber (30) launches the input beam (14) along an input axis (30A). The redirector (32) is positioned in the path of the input beam (14). The redirector (32) redirects the input beam (14) so that a redirected beam (42) launches from the redirector (32) along a first redirected axis (360) that is spaced apart from the input axis (30A) when the redirector (32) is positioned at a first position (346), and launches from the redirector (32) along a second redirected axis (362) that is spaced apart from the input axis (30A) when the redirector (32) is positioned at a second position (348) that is different from the first position (346). The redirector mover (382) moves the redirector (32) about a movement axis (385) between the first position (346) and the second position (348). The first output fiber (34) has a first fiber inlet (34B) that is positioned along the first redirected axis (360). The second output fiber (36) has a second fiber inlet (36B) that is positioned along the second redirected axis (362).

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First Claim