List of Optical Switches

Optical switches are devices that route or block optical signals without converting them to electrical signals, available in mechanical, MEMS, and thermal types from multiple manufacturers.Types of Optical SwitchesMechanical Optical Switches: Switch the optical path by physically moving an input/output element or optical component using an electrical actuator. Suitable for applications requiring high reliability and low insertion loss .MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) Switches: Use micromechanical mirrors controlled by electrostatic forces to redirect light. They are compact, fast, and ideal for multi-channel switching in telecommunications and quantum networking .Thermal/Bending Optical Switches: Operate by heating one side of an optical waveguide to change its refractive index, thereby altering the light path. Common in integrated photonics and optical test setups .ApplicationsTelecommunications: Dynamic routing in ROADM networks, fiber cross-connects, and protection switching .Laser Systems: Q-switches for pulse generation and pulse pickers .Test & Measurement: Automating connections between devices under test and light sources or analyzers .Quantum Networking: Routing single photons with minimal loss .Safety & Shutters: Beam blocking for high-power lasers .Notable Manufacturers and SuppliersAgiltron Inc.: Offers low insertion loss (0.2 dB), fast switching (10 ns), broad wavelength range (300–2400 nm), and high optical power handling (50 W) for medical, quantum, and space applications .Broadcom, Omron, onsemi, Sharp Micro, TT Electronics, Vishay: Available through distributors like Mouser Electronics, providing a wide selection of optical switches for various applications .DiCon: MEMS-based 1xN and NxM matrix switches with high durability and Telcordia GR-1221 compliance .Pickering: PXI/PXIe fiber optic MEMS switching modules for automated test systems .SummaryOptical switches are essential for high-speed optical communications and precision applications. They are available in mechanical, MEMS, and thermal types, with a variety of manufacturers offering solutions for telecom, laser systems, quantum computing, and automated testing. Selection depends on switching speed, insertion loss, wavelength range, and application requirements .