Patent attributes
An optical switch, which makes an optical path length or optical characteristics equal among polarized lights passing through different paths, eliminates the need for the optical path and the optical characteristics to be adjusted, reduces the signal deterioration, and improves the operation speed. The optical switch includes polarized light separation/combination means (1); at least two reflection means (2); and polarization control means (3) for controlling the polarization direction. The polarized light separation/combination means (1) and the reflection means (2) are arranged in such a manner that the two polarized components, separated by the polarized light separation/combination means (1), travel through the same optical path in different directions, re-enter the polarized light separation/combination means (1), and combined. At the same time, the polarization control means (3) is provided in the optical path to cause the polarization control means (3) to control the polarization direction of each polarization component.
