Jeffrey E Reed

US Patent:

6542654, Apr 1, 2003

Filed:

Jul 10, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/902908

Inventors:

Robert O. Miller - Carrollton TX
Jeffrey A. Reed - Garland TX

Assignee:

Optical Switch Corporation - Richardson TX

International Classification:

G02B 626

US Classification:

385 16, 385 15, 385 17, 385122

Abstract:

A method for reconfiguring an optical switch includes selecting a first path through a photonic crystal. The crystal includes the first path having a plurality of first regions and a second path having a plurality of second regions. The crystal also includes a third path that provides an optical signal for propagation through one of the first and second paths. The method also includes heating at least one of the first regions and at least one of the second regions. The method further includes cooling the first region at a first rate to place the first region in a first state. The first state allows propagation of the optical signal through at least a portion of the crystal. In addition, the method includes cooling the second region at a second rate to place the second region in a second state. The second state reduces the propagation of the optical signal through at least a portion of the crystal.

US Patent:

D504284, Apr 26, 2005

Filed:

Nov 10, 2003

Appl. No.:

29/193534

Inventors:

Gary L. Corona - Dallas TX, US
Danny E. Swindler - Round Rock TX, US
Jeffrey A. Reed - Austin TX, US

Assignee:

DGC Enterprises, LLC - Dallas TX

International Classification:

0706

US Classification:

D 76004, D7707, D7708