A fiber optic switch utilizing a segmented prism element, comprising a
fiber optic switch used in multi-channel optical communications networks
and having one or more arrays of micro electromechanical system (MEMS)
mirrors, wherein at least a first array of MEMS mirrors is utilized to
select & switch wavelengths from a number of input fiber ports (N) to an
output fiber port, wherein at least a second array of MEMS mirrors using
and sharing the same free space optics as the first MEMS array is
utilized to produce yet another fiber optic switch, wherein the second
switch is utilized to select individual wavelengths or spectral
components from its input fiber ports to send to its output fiber port
for optical power or other monitoring purposes, thus, enabling a cost
effective, high level of integration N.times.1 or alternatively a
1.times.N switch capable of internal feedback monitoring.