Available Technologies
Free-Space Optical Interconnection Device
Summary
Ohio State researchers have developed a new optical interconnection device that may be useful in routing information for communications systems. Currently, fiber optic systems use electronic switches, requiring downconversion, switching, and upconversion that causes the opto-electronic-optical (OEO) bottleneck.. This invention will process signals at a much greater speed while facilitating easy operation and requiring less space than electronic alternatives. Further, this invention avoids highly complex optical MEMS alignment and continuous feedback typical of other optical switches, making this optical approach far cheaper, smaller, and easier to implement.
Main Advantages of Technical Approach
- Compact design
- Simple to setup and operate
- Simple, inexpensive hardware
Market Potential
- Optical routing and switching
- Optical interconnections
- Replacement of electronic switches in fiber-optic backbones
Inventor(s)
Betty Lise AndersonStuart A Collins
Intellectual Property Status
US Patent #: 6,266,176Contact Information
Demian Phillipsphillips.631@osu.edu | 614-688-5744
Technology Licensing & Commercialization
The Ohio State University
1216 Kinnear Road
Columbus, OH 43212-1154
Reference #
99034
Printed on: 11/23/2009
