Feasibility study and design of a new family of ruggedized fiber optic switches are proposed. Analytical and breadboard experiments will be conducted for evaluation of the new proposed ruggedized switches. The results of the investigations include alignment sensitivity, speed, extinction ratio, spectral sensitivity, and expected reliability performances will be presented in the final report. Also will be included in the final report is design examples for Phase II development. The operation and application ranges of this new family of ruggedized fiber optic switches, its applicability for more advanced designs such as 1xn and nxn switches will also be investigated. The results will also be included in the final report.
