OPTICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To monitor even when an optical signal is not inputted and to monitor normal/abnormal situation of a switching operation, without attenuating the optical power. SOLUTION: The position of a piezo 1 is moved upward, when a cross point CP is in a cross state in which an optical path is varied, and a pushing up member 2 is abutted against the formation region of the cross point CP. Electrode materials 6a and 6b are in a contact state. The piezo 1 is located at an original position, when the cross point is in a through state, in which the optical signal advances as it does. The pushing up member 2 is located at the original position in which the pushing member is apart from the formation region of the cross point CP and is not in contact with the piezo 1. The electrode materials 6a and 6b are in a non-contact state. The normal/abnormal state of the switching operation is monitored, by observing the magnitude of the electric current by applying an electric voltage between electrode lines 7a and 7b. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI