US Patent 9008484 Optical switch

An N×N switching apparatus for optical components is provided. A switching apparatus includes a first element that provides for a supply of a length of optical fiber in tension and has an interface component for maintaining an end of the optical fiber in tension at a first position. The switching apparatus further includes a second element that has a coupling component for detachably maintaining the end of the optical fiber at a second position. The first and second elements are arranged such that the end of the optical fiber is movable between the first and second elements.