A high fill factor linear mirror array for a wavelength selective switch

Abstract

Optical networks require optical switching systems with high linear fill factor mirror arrays for wavelength add/drop nodes. The mirrors presented here use coils attached to the mirrors interacting with the field from a permanent magnet array. Results of magnetic and mechanical FEA modeling are presented. Fill factors in excess of 90% were achieved, and mirror rotation in excess of 5° (mechanical angle) with less than 10 mA current was demonstrated. Mirrors operated in excess of 2.8 billion cycles with no fatigue or failures.