Importance

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Abstract

Optical cross-connect switches include input optical paths, output optical paths, and an array of electromechanical optical switches such as movable reflectors that are arranged in rows of the electromechanical optical switches and columns of the electromechanical optical switches, and that selectively move to couple the input optical paths to the output optical paths. Row address lines also are provided, a respective one of which is electromagnetically (i.e. electrically and/or optically) coupled to a respective row of the electromechanical optical switches. Column address lines also are provided, a respective one of which is electromagnetically coupled to a respective column of the electromechanical optical switches. If there are n.sup.2 electromechanical optical switches that couple n optical paths to n optical output paths, less than n.sup.2 row and column address lines may be provided. Preferably, 2n row and column address lines may be provided. The electromechanical optical switches may be configured upon selection of the respective row address line and column address line, but not selected upon selection of neither or only one of the respective row address line and column address line. Alternatively, the electromechanical optical switches may be configured to be selected except for an electromechanical optical switch that is electromagnetically coupled to the respective row address line and column address line.

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First Claim