A time-division multiplexed multi-window blade-type fast mechanical optical switch based on piezoelectric actuation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a time-division multiplexing multi-window vane type fast mechanical optical switch based on piezoelectric drive, comprising a metal casing, at least two aperture diaphragms are arranged in the metal casing, and the blade control rods of the aperture diaphragm are respectively It is connected with the push-pull movable frame, the top of the metal casing is provided with a tension spring, and the bottom is provided with a compression spring, and the push-pull movable frame is provided with a piezoelectric ceramic stack, and the piezoelectric ceramic stack is fixed on the metal casing and connected with the outside power connection. Its advantage is that it forms a multi-window optical switch with a composite on / off state, which greatly improves the use efficiency of the optical switch, overcomes the problem of small displacement of the piezoelectric drive in the traditional method, and is conducive to reducing production and use costs, reducing The number of external driving power sources simplifies and optimizes the optical path design, which can save a lot of resources and meet the needs of multi-field applications.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to the field of optical switches, in particular to a time-division multiplexing multi-window blade type fast mechanical optical switch based on piezoelectric drive. Background technique [0002] Optical switches are widely used in experiments and applications such as laser technology, photoelectric detection, optical communication, and quantum optics. For some experiments and applications that require laser action time, it is usually necessary to allow the laser to operate in a very short time at multiple nodes. Therefore, the response time, switching efficiency and stability of the optical switch play a key role, and even often determine the success or failure of the experiment and the accuracy of the measurement results. In practical applications, the commonly used optical switches can be divided into two categories, one is based on electro-optic modulator (EOM) or acousto-optic modulator (AOM) optical switch, this type of switc...

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Problems solved by technology

In practical applications, the commonly used optical switches can be divided into two categories, one is based on electro-optic modulator (EOM) or acousto-optic modulator (AOM) optical switch, this type of switch has many disadvantages, for example: 1. If it is completely turned off, there will always be some light leakage, which is difficult to meet the needs of precise measurement or control; second, the inevitable frequency shift and phase shift will lead to changes in optical frequency and optical path, which not only increases the complexity of the optical path, but also increases the complexity of the optical path. The cost is greatly increased; 3. The effective area of ​​the crystal is small, and the effective aperture is only 1 mm or less in most cases. Therefore, the light must use a single or multiple lens combinations to reduce the spot size before entering the EOM or AOM. This brings great inconvenience to the user and increases the complexity of the system; 4. The adverse effect on the quality of the spot. After the laser passes through the EOM or AOM, the spot usually diverges, and the beam shape will also be distorted. It is difficult to meet the requirements of the subsequent coupling fiber. and collimation and other operations and use; five, optical power loss, usually after the light beam passes through the modulator, the power will be lost by more than 10%

6. EOM and AOM also have requirements for optical power. Higher power can damage the crystal and make it unusable

At present, the mainstream mechanical optical switches also have some shortcomings of their own, mainly because the switching speed is relatively slow, usually above 10 milliseconds. This is because most mechanical optical switches are driven by electric motors, resulting in slow response speed.

In order to realize fast switching of light beams, some mechanical optical switches use thin metal sheets as action shutters, but the switching speed is limited. In addition, because they cannot withstand high-power lasers, there are obvious vibration noises when performing switching actions, which makes them in demand. The use of places with low noise and high power operation is limited

There are also mechanical optical switches that use one or more rotating motors to perform optical on / off operations. The switching speed can reach the level of microseconds, but there is a certain vibration when switching. Focusing, which requires more lenses and more detailed calibration. In addition, due to the need for multiple motors to work at the same time, the switch is too bulky and is not suitable for the current development trend of miniaturization and integration of optical paths.

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