A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch
is
disclosed. A "piano"-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally
mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of
the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width
of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these "piano" MEMs devices can
be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only
a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention specially designed for wavelength switching applications, a greater range
of arcuate motion for a mirror mounted thereon is provided by enabling the platform
to rotate about two perpendicular axes. The MEMs mirror device according to the
preferred embodiment of the present invention enables the mirror to tilt about
two perpendicular axes, by the use of an "internal" gimbal ring construction, which
ensures that a plurality of adjacent mirror devices have a high fill factor, without
having to rely on complicated and costly manufacturing processes.