Optical cross connect switch based on tip/tilt micromirrors in a White cell

We present a new approach to optical interconnections, based on microelectromechanical system tip/tilt mirror technology and the White cell. This is a free-space approach in which many beams circulate simultaneously in the device, each beam forming a unique spot pattern on the micromirror array. On each bounce, each beam can be switched to any of several White cells, each of which has a different effect on the spot pattern. By appropriate combinations of these White cells, any input beam can be directed to any output. A simple proof-of-concept prototype has been demonstrated, and output coupling loss addressed.