MAGNETOSTRICTION ACTUATOR AND ITS DRIVING METHOD AS WELL AS OPTICAL SWITCH EMPLOYING SAME

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-size magnetostriction actuator obtainable of a predetermined amount of deflection by applying a weak magnetic field, and its driving method as well as an optical switch utilizing the magnetostriction actuator. SOLUTION: In the magnetostriction actuator, a magnetic field is applied on a magnetostriction element piece arranged on a cantilever in a gap, for example, employing a magnetic field application device. In this case, the magnetic field is applied on the magnetostriction element piece in a direction orthogonal to the contracting direction of a magnetostriction film of the magnetostriction element piece. The magnetostriction film of the magnetostriction element piece is elongated or contracted by the application of a magnetic field whereby a shear stress is generated between the substrate of the magnetostriction element piece and the magnetostriction film. According to this phenomenon, the magnetostriction element piece is deflected into either upward or downward vertical direction with respect to the surface of the element piece. Further, the switching of light is effected by employing the magnetostriction actuator. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO