An optical switching system and an optical interconnection network implementation method

Abstract

The application relates to an optical switching system and an optical interconnection network implementation method, and relates to the technical field of optical switching and optical interconnection networks, and comprises a multiplexer and demultiplexer, a symmetric multi-layer phase control element for realizing mode multiplexing and demultiplexing, one multimode optical fiber and a plurality of single-mode optical fibers arranged on the two sides of the multi-layer phase control element, an optical fiber mode converter for converting optical signals of different wavelengths of a transmitting end into optical fiber modes corresponding to the number of receiving end devices, and transmitting the optical fiber modes to the multi-layer phase control element through the multimode optical fiber, wherein the number of wavelengths corresponds to the number of the transmitting end devices, and a wavelength division device for receiving fundamental mode optical signals demultiplexed by the multi-layer phase control element through the single-mode optical fiber, separating optical signals of different wavelengths in the single-mode optical fiber, and determining the sources by identifying the wavelengths of the optical signals. The application adopts two dimensions of modes and wavelengths of light to switch the spatial positions of the light, and can meet the demands of high bandwidth, low delay and high energy efficiency of the data center which are increasing day by day.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of optical switching and optical interconnection network technology, specifically to an optical switching system and an optical interconnection network implementation method. Background Technology

[0002] The development of enterprise internet businesses and computing-intensive services represented by artificial intelligence are placing increasingly higher demands on the processing capabilities of data centers.

[0003] Currently, data centers utilize electrical switching equipment to implement various interconnected network architectures. However, the energy efficiency of electrical switches cannot be further improved as switching capacity increases, causing data centers to encounter bottlenecks in terms of energy consumption and bandwidth, making it impossible to meet the ever-growing demands of data centers for high bandwidth, low latency, and high energy efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an optical switching system and an optical interconnection network implementation method, which uses two dimensions of light mode and wavelength to switch the spatial position of light, which can meet the growing demand of data centers for high bandwidth, low latency and high energy efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an optical switching system, including:

[0006] A multiplexer and demultiplexer includes a symmetrical multilayer phase control element that performs mode multiplexing and demultiplexing on the forward and reverse optical propagation paths, wherein a multimode fiber and a plurality of single-mode fibers are respectively disposed on both sides of the multilayer phase control element.

[0007] An optical fiber mode converter is used to convert optical signals of different wavelengths at the transmitting end into optical fiber modes corresponding to the number of receiving devices, and transmit them through the multimode optical fiber to the multilayer phase control element for demultiplexing, wherein the number of wavelengths of the optical signals of different wavelengths at the transmitting end corresponds to the number of transmitting devices.

[0008] A wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device receives the fundamental mode optical signal demultiplexed by the multilayer phase control element through the single-mode optical fiber, separates optical signals of different wavelengths in the single-mode optical fiber, and determines the source of the optical signal by identifying the wavelength of the optical signal.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the multilayer phase control element includes a reflector and a phase plate, the phase plate including a plurality of symmetrically arranged phase control regions, and the reflector and the phase plate using multimode fiber and single-mode fiber for forward and reverse light propagation by reflection.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the multilayer phase control element includes multiple symmetrically spaced phase plates that transmit light forward and backward using multimode and single-mode optical fibers.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the phase plate is one of a diffractive optical element, a metasurface, or a spatial light modulator.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the wavelength division multiplexing device is one of a diffraction grating and an arrayed waveguide grating.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, the number of single-mode fibers on each side of the multilayer phase control element is 2-55.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one embodiment, a collimator is provided at the connection between the multilayer phase control element and the multimode fiber and the single-mode fiber.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for implementing an optical interconnect network, the method comprising the following steps:

[0016] Determine the required number of fiber optic modes based on the number of receiving devices;

[0017] Determine the required number of optical wavelengths based on the number of transmitting devices;

[0018] Based on the number of fiber modes and the number of optical wavelengths, and using a phase-matching algorithm with the symmetry of multilayer phase control elements as a limiting factor, the optical switching system as described in claim 1 is prepared.

[0019] The optical switching system is used to connect the transmitting and receiving devices, enabling optical interconnection between any two devices between the transmitting and receiving ends.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one embodiment, the multilayer phase control element includes a reflector and a phase plate, the phase plate including a plurality of symmetrically arranged phase control regions, and the reflector and the phase plate using multimode fiber and single-mode fiber for forward and reverse light propagation by reflection.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one embodiment, the multilayer phase control element includes multiple symmetrically spaced phase plates that transmit light in both forward and reverse directions using multimode and single-mode optical fibers.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include at least the following:

[0023] The optical switching system of this invention includes: a multiplexer and demultiplexer, an optical fiber mode converter, and a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device. The multiplexer and demultiplexer includes a symmetrical multilayer phase control element that performs mode multiplexing and demultiplexing on both forward and reverse optical propagation paths. A multimode fiber and multiple single-mode fibers are respectively disposed on both sides of the multilayer phase control element. The optical fiber mode converter converts optical signals of different wavelengths at the transmitting end into optical fiber modes corresponding to the number of receiving devices, and transmits them through the multimode fiber to the multilayer phase control element for demultiplexing. The number of wavelengths of the optical signals of different wavelengths at the transmitting end corresponds to the number of transmitting devices. The WDM device receives the fundamental mode optical signal demultiplexed by the multilayer phase control element through the single-mode fiber, separates the optical signals of different wavelengths in the single-mode fiber, and determines the source of the optical signal by identifying its wavelength.

[0024] The different modes input into the multimode fiber at the transmitter represent different server racks within the data center. Different server racks in the data center use different wavelengths of light for transmission, and the receiver identifies the signal source by recognizing the wavelength. The symmetric multilayer phase board fiber mode multiplexer and demultiplexer is designed using a phase-matching algorithm with symmetry constraints. The transmitter modulates the light into the multimode fiber, which serves as the uplink channel, capable of simultaneously transmitting optical signals from multiple transmitters. The receiver receives the fundamental mode light after demultiplexing from the multilayer phase board, and the single-mode fiber serves as the downlink channel, with each single-mode fiber capable of transmitting optical signals from multiple transmitters. This allows for switching of the spatial location of light using both mode and wavelength dimensions to meet the growing demands of data centers for high bandwidth, low latency, and high energy efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the multilayer phase control element of the optical switching system of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the multilayer phase control element of the optical switching system of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the design results of a phase plate and the calculation results of the optical field propagation process of a multilayer phase control element in the optical switching system of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the optical switching system of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the optical interconnect network of this application;

[0030] Figure 6This is a flowchart of the optical interconnect network implementation method of this application;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the phase matching algorithm of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0033] The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus. The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used to distinguish different objects, etc., and do not indicate a sequence, nor do they limit "first," "second," and "third" to different types.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of this application, terms such as "exemplary," "for example," or "for instance" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary," "for example," or "for instance" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary," "for example," or "for instance" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0035] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. The "and / or" in the text is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0036] In some processes described in the embodiments of this application, multiple operations or steps are included in a specific order. However, it should be understood that these operations or steps may not be executed in the order they appear in the embodiments of this application, or they may be executed in parallel. The sequence number of the operation is only used to distinguish different operations, and the sequence number itself does not represent any execution order. In addition, these processes may include more or fewer operations, and these operations or steps may be executed sequentially or in parallel, and these operations or steps may be combined.

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an optical switching system, which includes a multiplexer and demultiplexer, an optical fiber mode converter, and a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device.

[0039] The multiplexer and demultiplexer includes a symmetrical multilayer phase control element that realizes mode multiplexing and demultiplexing on the forward and reverse optical propagation paths. A multimode fiber and multiple single-mode fibers are respectively provided on both sides of the multilayer phase control element.

[0040] The fiber optic mode converter is used to convert optical signals of different wavelengths at the transmitting end into fiber optic modes corresponding to the number of receiving devices, and transmits them through the multimode fiber to the multilayer phase control element for demultiplexing. The number of wavelengths of the optical signals of different wavelengths at the transmitting end corresponds to the number of transmitting devices.

[0041] The wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device receives the fundamental mode optical signal demultiplexed by the multilayer phase control element through the single-mode optical fiber, separates optical signals of different wavelengths in the single-mode optical fiber, and determines the source of the optical signal by identifying the wavelength of the optical signal.

[0042] In this embodiment, both the transmitting and receiving devices are racks within a data center's rack group. The overall working principle of the device in this invention is as follows:

[0043] Different modes input into the multimode fiber at the transmitting end represent different server racks within the data center. Different server racks in the data center use different wavelengths of light for transmission, and the receiving end determines the signal source by identifying the wavelength. The symmetric multilayer phase plate fiber mode multiplexer and demultiplexer is designed using a phase-matching algorithm with symmetry constraints. The transmitting end modulates the light into the multimode fiber, which serves as the uplink channel and can simultaneously transmit optical signals from multiple transmitting ends. The receiving end receives the fundamental mode light after demultiplexing from the multilayer phase plate, and the single-mode fiber serves as the downlink channel; each single-mode fiber can transmit optical signals from multiple transmitting ends.

[0044] It is known that by using the aforementioned multiplexers and demultiplexers, fiber optic mode converters, and wavelength division multiplexing devices, it is possible to switch the spatial location of light using both the mode and wavelength dimensions, thereby meeting the growing demand of data centers for high bandwidth, low latency, and high energy efficiency.

[0045] It is worth noting that the symmetrical multilayer phase control element in this invention can be implemented in various ways. The multilayer phase control element will be further described below:

[0046] See Figure 1 As shown, it is a reflective symmetric multilayer phase control element fiber mode multiplexer and demultiplexer.

[0047] exist Figure 1 Among the relevant components, 1 is the phase plate, 2 is the reflector, 3 is the multimode fiber and its input and output collimating mirrors, and 4 is the single-mode fiber and its input and output collimating mirrors.

[0048] Phase plate 1 includes multiple symmetrically arranged phase control regions. The reflector 2 and phase plate 1 utilize multimode and single-mode optical fibers for forward and reverse light propagation via reflection. Figure 1 The diagram shows a phase plate with three symmetrically arranged phase control areas, where light undergoes three reflections. It is understood that other numbers of phase control areas, such as four or five, can be used as needed, and this invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0049] exist Figure 1 The multilayer phase control element has one multimode fiber on each side and four single-mode fibers on each side. The number of single-mode fibers can be selected from 2 to 55 as needed.

[0050] See Figure 2 As shown, it is a transmissive multilayer phase control element fiber mode multiplexer and demultiplexer.

[0051] exist Figure 2 Among the relevant components, 1 is the phase plate, 2 is the multimode fiber and its input and output collimating lenses, and 3 is the single-mode fiber and its input and output collimating lenses.

[0052] exist Figure 2 In this process, light can pass through each phase plate sequentially from left to right or from right to left. Figure 2 The invention only provides a case with three phase plates. It is understood that other numbers, such as four or five, can be set as needed. This invention does not limit the number of phase plates.

[0053] See Figure 3As shown, it is a 5-layer phase control element. They are symmetrical, that is, the first phase control element is the same as the fifth phase control element, and the second phase control element is the same as the fourth phase control element.

[0054] exist Figure 3 Among the relevant components, 1 represents a 5-layer phase control element; 2 shows that when light propagates from left to right in the diagram, the four modes of light in the multimode fiber are output to four different positions; 3 shows that when light propagates from right to left in the diagram, it can obtain... Figure 3 The same effect is achieved in the second case, where the four modes of light in the multimode fiber are output to four different locations.

[0055] It is worth noting that for Figures 1 to 3 The phase plate involved can be implemented in various ways, such as diffractive optical elements, metasurfaces, and spatial light modulators.

[0056] After introducing the multilayer phase control element, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 As shown, this is a specific architecture of an optical switching system. Figure 4 In this context, 1 refers to a symmetrical multilayer phase control element, which can be understood as employing... Figures 1 to 3 It can be implemented in any of the following ways.

[0057] Figure 4 In the diagram, 2 represents single-mode fiber, used as the downlink channel. Each side of the multilayer phase control element 1 has four single-mode fibers; in practice, there can be 2-55 single-mode fibers. 3 represents multimode fiber, used as the uplink channel. Each side of the multilayer phase control element 1 has one multimode fiber. 4 is a fiber optic mode converter, which can convert the optical signal into any mode according to its destination. Different modes will be... Figure 4 The multi-layer phase control element 1 in the middle is switched to the rack that is not available. Figure 4 5 is a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device, which can be implemented using diffraction gratings, arrayed waveguide gratings, etc. The WDM device 5 can separate optical signals of different wavelengths in single-mode fiber 2, and determine the source of the optical signal by identifying its wavelength.

[0058] Figure 4 In the diagram, rack 6 forms a group of racks, and the racks within this group cannot communicate with each other. Rack 7 forms another group of racks, and the racks within this group cannot communicate with each other, but any rack in rack 7 can communicate with any rack in rack 6. Furthermore, the optical signal transmitted by each rack in both racks 6 and 7 can only be of one wavelength.

[0059] exist Figure 4 Based on this, further derivatives and extensions can be made; see [link / reference]. Figure 5 As shown, it is a kind of... Figure 4The specific implementation method of an optical interconnect network composed of optical switching devices.

[0060] exist Figure 5 In the diagram, each 1 represents... Figure 4 The optical switching system in the middle, Figure 5 The diagram shows six optical switching systems, but in actual implementation, there may be multiple systems. Figure 5 2 is Figure 4 In this context, 6 or 7 represents a group of server racks. Figure 5 The system shows seven server racks, but in practice, more may be used. It's worth noting that... Figure 5 The network is scalable, allowing any two cabinets to be interconnected. This enables the formation of an optical interconnect network using optical switching devices.

[0061] In summary, the optical switching system of this invention includes: a multiplexer and demultiplexer, an optical fiber mode converter, and a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device. The multiplexer and demultiplexer includes a symmetrical multilayer phase control element that performs mode multiplexing and demultiplexing on both forward and reverse optical propagation paths. A multimode fiber and multiple single-mode fibers are respectively disposed on both sides of the multilayer phase control element. The optical fiber mode converter converts optical signals of different wavelengths at the transmitting end into optical fiber modes corresponding to the number of receiving devices, and transmits them through the multimode fiber to the multilayer phase control element for demultiplexing. The number of wavelengths of the optical signals of different wavelengths at the transmitting end corresponds to the number of transmitting devices. The WDM device receives the fundamental mode optical signal demultiplexed by the multilayer phase control element through the single-mode fiber, separates the optical signals of different wavelengths in the single-mode fiber, and determines the source of the optical signal by identifying its wavelength.

[0062] The different modes input into the multimode fiber at the transmitter represent different server racks within the data center. Different server racks in the data center use different wavelengths of light for transmission, and the receiver identifies the signal source by recognizing the wavelength. The symmetric multilayer phase board fiber mode multiplexer and demultiplexer is designed using a phase-matching algorithm with symmetry constraints. The transmitter modulates the light into the multimode fiber, which serves as the uplink channel, capable of simultaneously transmitting optical signals from multiple transmitters. The receiver receives the fundamental mode light after demultiplexing from the multilayer phase board, and the single-mode fiber serves as the downlink channel, with each single-mode fiber capable of transmitting optical signals from multiple transmitters. This allows for switching of the spatial location of light using both mode and wavelength dimensions to meet the growing demands of data centers for high bandwidth, low latency, and high energy efficiency.

[0063] Secondly, based on Figure 4 In addition to the optical switching system in this application, this embodiment also provides a method for implementing an optical interconnect network.

[0064] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart of one embodiment of the optical interconnect network implementation method of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the method for implementing an optical interconnect network includes the following steps:

[0065] S1. Determine the required number of fiber optic modes based on the number of receiving devices.

[0066] S2. Determine the required number of optical wavelengths based on the number of transmitting devices.

[0067] S3. Based on the number of fiber modes and the number of optical wavelengths, and using a phase matching algorithm with the symmetry of multilayer phase control elements as a limiting factor, prepare the optical switching system as described in claim 1.

[0068] S4. Use the optical switching system to connect the transmitting end device and the receiving end device to realize optical interconnection between any two devices between the transmitting end and the receiving end.

[0069] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the multilayer phase control element includes a reflector and a phase plate, the phase plate including a plurality of symmetrically arranged phase control regions, and the reflector and the phase plate using multimode fiber and single-mode fiber for forward and reverse light propagation by reflection.

[0070] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the multilayer phase control element includes multiple symmetrically spaced phase plates, which transmit light in both forward and reverse directions using multimode and single-mode optical fibers.

[0071] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the phase plate is one of a diffractive optical element, a metasurface, or a spatial light modulator.

[0072] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the wavelength division multiplexing device is one of a diffraction grating and an arrayed waveguide grating.

[0073] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the number of single-mode optical fibers on each side of the multilayer phase control element is 2-55.

[0074] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a collimator is provided at the connection between the multilayer phase control element and the multimode fiber and the single-mode fiber.

[0075] For details on the phase matching algorithm, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 As shown: after passing through Figure 7After performing calculations through the iterative process, the design of the multilayer phase control element can be completed. Then, based on the number of rack groups in the data center, the corresponding network structure is determined, and the corresponding symmetrical multilayer phase control element is fabricated between the two rack groups according to the steps described above. After the optical interconnect network is constructed, the transmitted light is modulated according to the destination of the optical switching and then input into the multimode fiber.

[0076] It is understood that the implementation of each step in the above-mentioned optical interconnection network implementation method corresponds to the functional components in the above-mentioned optical switching system embodiment, and their functions and implementation processes will not be described in detail here.

[0077] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An optical switching system, characterized in that, include: A multiplexer and demultiplexer includes a symmetrical multilayer phase control element that performs mode multiplexing and demultiplexing on the forward and reverse optical propagation paths, wherein a multimode fiber and a plurality of single-mode fibers are respectively disposed on both sides of the multilayer phase control element. An optical fiber mode converter is used to convert optical signals of different wavelengths at the transmitting end into optical fiber modes corresponding to the number of receiving devices, and transmit them through the multimode optical fiber to the multilayer phase control element for demultiplexing, wherein the number of wavelengths of the optical signals of different wavelengths at the transmitting end corresponds to the number of transmitting devices. A wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device receives the fundamental mode optical signal demultiplexed by the multilayer phase control element through the single-mode optical fiber, separates optical signals of different wavelengths in the single-mode optical fiber, and determines the source of the optical signal by identifying the wavelength of the optical signal.

2. The optical switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The multilayer phase control element includes a reflector and a phase plate. The phase plate includes multiple symmetrically arranged phase control regions. The reflector and phase plate use multimode fiber and single-mode fiber to propagate light in the forward and reverse directions by reflection.

3. The optical switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The multilayer phase control element includes multiple symmetrically spaced phase plates, which transmit light in both forward and reverse directions using multimode and single-mode optical fibers.

4. An optical switching system as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The phase plate is one of the following: a diffractive optical element, a metasurface, or a spatial light modulator.

5. An optical switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The wavelength division multiplexing device is one of a diffraction grating or an arrayed waveguide grating.

6. The optical switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The number of single-mode fibers on each side of the multilayer phase control element is 2-55.

7. The optical switching system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A collimator is provided at the connection point between the multilayer phase control element and the multimode fiber and the single-mode fiber.

8. A method for implementing an optical interconnect network, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Determine the required number of fiber optic modes based on the number of receiving devices; Determine the required number of optical wavelengths based on the number of transmitting devices; Based on the number of fiber modes and the number of optical wavelengths, and using a phase-matching algorithm with the symmetry of multilayer phase control elements as a limiting factor, the optical switching system as described in claim 1 is prepared. The optical switching system is used to connect the transmitting and receiving devices, enabling optical interconnection between any two devices between the transmitting and receiving ends.

9. The method for implementing an optical interconnect network as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The multilayer phase control element includes a reflector and a phase plate. The phase plate includes multiple symmetrically arranged phase control regions. The reflector and phase plate use multimode fiber and single-mode fiber to propagate light in the forward and reverse directions by reflection.

10. The method for implementing an optical interconnect network as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The multilayer phase control element includes multiple symmetrically spaced phase plates, which transmit light in both forward and reverse directions using multimode and single-mode optical fibers.

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