Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method and an optical cross connect (OXC) package which minimizes optical loss and crosstalk while also reducing the size of the package. The method includes directing a light beam from a first collimator of a plurality of collimators to a first micromirror of a plurality of micromirrors; folding the light beam from the first micromirror onto a second micromirror of the plurality of micromirrors; and directing the light beam from the second micromirror to a second collimator of the plurality of collimators, wherein a uniform redirection length is provided between each of the plurality of collimators and each of the plurality of micromirror. In the preferred embodiment, the OXC package comprises a first cap with reflecting surfaces and a second cap. With the first cap, only a short distance is used in redirecting the light. This allows for the major portion of the light to be available for scanning. With the second cap, the light beam is folded during the switching operation, resulting in a smaller switch package.

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First Claim