Micro optical fiber display switch based on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) principle

Kun Lian; Khee-Hang Heng

doi:10.1117/12.440223

14 September 2001 Micro optical fiber display switch based on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) principle

Kun Lian, Khee-Hang Heng

Proceedings Volume 4414, International Conference on Sensor Technology (ISTC 2001); (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.440223
Event: International Conference on Sensing units and Sensor Technology, 2001, Wuhan, China

Abstract

This paper reports on a research effort to design, microfabricate and test an optical fiber display switch based on magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) principal. The switch is driven by the Lorentz force and can be used to turn on/off the light. The SU-8 photoresist and UV light source were used for prototype fabrication in order to lower the cost. With a magnetic field supplied by an external permanent magnet, and a plus electrical current supplied across the two inert sidewall electrodes, the distributed body force generated will produce a pressure difference on the fluid mercury in the switch chamber. By change the direction of current flow, the mercury can turn on or cut off the light pass in less than 10 ms. The major advantages of a MHD-based micro-switch are that it does not contain any solid moving parts and power consumption is much smaller comparing to the relay type switches. This switch can be manufactured by molding gin batch production and may have potential applications in extremely bright traffic control,, high intensity advertising display, and communication.

Citation Download Citation

Kun Lian and Khee-Hang Heng "Micro optical fiber display switch based on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) principle", Proc. SPIE 4414, International Conference on Sensor Technology (ISTC 2001), (14 September 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.440223

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