Integrated Modeling of Optical MEMS Subsystems

Optical MEMS subsystems are complex compositions of varied components that can include optical fibers, freespace and guided wave optics, drive electronics, control systems, MEMS chips, and packaging. Good engineering practice requires that each of these components be designed with the system application in mind. In general, there are two approaches to the design of complex integrated systems. The designer can start with abstract behavioral elements, work out the interactions, and then proceed to a detailed design of individual components. This process is known as top-down design. Alternatively, the designer can, with prior knowledge from other systems, focus on key component development and then integrate each into the overall system in a bottom-up approach. The first has the advantage of providing complete flexibility in the architectures used and should provide optimum system solutions. The second has the advantage of concreteness and should provide the fastest path to system realization.