Importance

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Abstract

An analog beam-steering free-space optical switch for connecting and switching a plurality of optical signals includes a plurality of optical devices and electrostatic actuators for driving the optical devices. Each optical device is pivotally borne so as to allow rotation around a prescribed center of rotation, and each electrostatic actuator includes the substrate that holds the optical devices and a plurality of driving electrodes that are secured to the substrate. The application of electrostatic voltage between an optical device and the driving electrodes generates electrostatic driving torque for causing the optical device to tilt with respect to the substrate around the center of rotation, whereby the direction of reflection of an optical signal is changed. The plurality of driving electrodes are arranged in a radial pattern relative to the electrode center.

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First Claim