Optical switch

Abstract

An optical switch disclosed by the present invention comprises an input beam control array and an output beam control array, each of the input beam control array and the output beam control array comprises a plurality of beam control units, each beam control unit comprises an optical fiber and a collimating lens, and the end portion of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber is controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis. According to the optical switch, each input light beam control unit and each output light beam control unit are independently arranged, on one hand, a single light beam control unit can be conveniently adjusted or replaced without influencing the whole array, and on the other hand, seamless expansion from small-scale ports to large-scale ports can be realized by the modularized light beam control units. And the direction of the collimated light beam can be adjusted through tiny movement of the optical fiber on a two-dimensional plane, and the adjustment precision is higher. According to the optical switch, the system architecture is simplified, the efficiency and reliability of optical switching are improved, and an innovative solution is provided for large-scale and efficient application of a modern optical communication network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an optical switch. Background Art

[0002] Optical switches play a vital role in modern communication networks, data centers, and fiber-optic communication systems, and are mainly used to achieve flexible switching and routing of optical signals. Optical switches achieve direct switching of optical signals between input and output ports through precise beam control and dynamic adjustment in free space. Among them, the beam control unit is the core component, which is responsible for accurately guiding the input beam to the target output port by controlling the beam direction.

[0003] In common technologies, the input and output beam control parts of optical switches adopt an integral or row structure, which has some shortcomings: the integral or row structure makes it impossible to independently adjust or replace a single beam control unit. When a unit in the system fails or needs to be upgraded, it is often necessary to replace the entire array or row of components, resulting in high maintenance costs and limited scalability. When the number of ports increases, it is difficult to meet the needs of large-scale expansion. In addition, the integral structure makes it difficult to accurately fine-tune a single port, limiting the flexibility and accuracy of optical path control. And some optical path adjustments rely on the rotation of the mirror. This complex three-dimensional rotation places high demands on the accuracy of the drive.

[0004] Therefore, there is room for improvement in common optical switches in terms of structural flexibility, optical path control accuracy, production cost, and large-scale expansion capabilities. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve at least one of the above technical problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical switch, which realizes efficient adjustment of the direction of the light beam and has good modularity, control accuracy and scalability.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, an embodiment of the present invention provides an optical switch, comprising: An input beam control array, comprising a plurality of input beam control units arranged in an array, each of the input beam control units having a corresponding input optical axis, the input beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, an end of the optical fiber being close to a front focal plane of the collimating lens, and the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis; An output beam control array, comprising a plurality of output beam control units arranged in an array, each of the output beam control units having a corresponding output optical axis, each of the input beam control units being configured to correspond to one of the output beam control units, the output beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens, and the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis; Among them, the light emitted by the input beam control unit is transmitted to the corresponding output beam control unit; the input beam control array and the output beam control array are arranged relatively to each other along a first direction, at least part of the input optical axis is inclined relative to the first direction, and its inclined direction points to or leans toward the center of the output beam control array, and at least part of the output optical axis is inclined relative to the first direction, and its inclined direction points to or leans toward the center of the input beam control array.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the inclination angle between the input optical axis and the first direction gradually increases from the center to the edge of the input light beam control array; From the center to the edge of the output beam control array, the inclination angle between the output optical axis and the first direction gradually increases.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the end surface for inputting the light beam of each of the input light beam control units is arranged on a first spherical surface, and the center of the first spherical surface is located on a side of the input light beam control array close to the output light beam control array; The end surface for outputting the light beam of each output light beam control unit is arranged on a second spherical surface, and the center of the second spherical surface is located on a side of the output light beam control array close to the input light beam control array.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the center of the first spherical surface is located at the center of the input beam control array; The center of the second spherical surface is located at the center of the output beam steering array.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the input light beam control unit and the output light beam control unit are configured as the same light beam control unit.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the light beam control unit includes a first moving platform and a second moving platform connected to each other, the optical fiber is fixed on the second moving platform, the first moving platform drives the second moving platform to move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the light beam control unit, the second moving platform drives the optical fiber to move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the light beam control unit, and the first moving platform and the second moving platform control the directions of movement of the optical fiber to be perpendicular to each other.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the light emitted by the optical fiber is parallel to the optical axis of the collimating lens, and the collimating lens refracts the light emitted by the optical fiber toward its own focal position.

[0013] To achieve one of the above-mentioned purposes of the invention, an embodiment of the present invention provides an optical switch, comprising: An input beam control array, comprising a plurality of input beam control units arranged in an array, each of the input beam control units having a corresponding input optical axis, the input beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, an end of the optical fiber being close to a front focal plane of the collimating lens, and the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis; An output beam control array, comprising a plurality of output beam control units arranged in an array, each of the output beam control units having a corresponding output optical axis, each of the input beam control units being configured to correspond to one of the output beam control units, the output beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens, and the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis; The input beam control array and the output beam control array are arranged along a fourth direction, and the input optical axis of each input beam control unit and the output optical axis of each output beam control unit are parallel to the fourth direction.

[0014] To achieve one of the above-mentioned purposes of the invention, an embodiment of the present invention provides an optical switch, comprising: An input beam control array, comprising a plurality of input beam control units arranged in an array, each of the input beam control units having a corresponding input optical axis, the input beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to a front focal plane of the collimating lens, the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis, and the input optical axis of each of the input beam control units being arranged along the same direction; An output beam control array, comprising a plurality of output beam control units arranged in an array, each of the output beam control units having a corresponding output optical axis, each of the input beam control units being configured to correspond to one of the output beam control units, the output beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to a front focal plane of the collimating lens, the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis, and the output optical axis of each of the output beam control units being arranged along the same direction; A first reflector, wherein the incident angle of the input beam control array is equal to the exit angle of the output beam control array, so that the light beam output by the input beam control array is reflected to the output beam control array by the first reflector.

[0015] To achieve one of the above-mentioned purposes of the invention, an embodiment of the present invention provides an optical switch, comprising: An input beam control array, comprising a plurality of independent input beam control units arranged in an array, each of the input beam control units having a corresponding input optical axis, the input beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens, the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis, and the input optical axis of each of the input beam control units being arranged along the same direction; An output beam control array, comprising a plurality of independent output beam control units arranged in an array, each of the output beam control units having a corresponding output optical axis, each of the input beam control units being configured to correspond to one of the output beam control units, the output beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens, the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis, and the output optical axis of each of the output beam control units being arranged along the same direction; The second reflector and the third reflector take the plane between the input beam control array and the output beam control array as the symmetry plane, the second reflector and the third reflector are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the symmetry plane, the optical path from the input beam control array to the second reflector is symmetrical to the optical path from the output beam control array to the third reflector, and the input central axis of the input beam control array and the output central axis of the output beam control array are both parallel to the symmetry plane.

[0016] Compared with the commonly used technology, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: each input beam control unit and output beam control unit of the optical switch are independently packaged, so that each individual beam control unit can be independently designed, manufactured, installed and replaced. On the one hand, it is convenient to adjust or replace a single beam control unit without affecting the entire array. On the other hand, the modular beam control unit can achieve seamless expansion from small to large ports. And through the slight movement of the optical fiber on the two-dimensional plane, the direction of the collimated light beam can be adjusted, avoiding complex rotation in three-dimensional space, and the adjustment accuracy is higher. Therefore, the optical switch breaks through the bottlenecks of commonly used technologies in structural complexity, optical path adjustment accuracy and scalability, not only simplifies the system architecture, but also improves the efficiency and reliability of optical switching, and provides an innovative solution for the large-scale and efficient application of modern optical communication networks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the input light beam control unit corresponding to the output light beam control unit of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a light beam control unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light beam control unit after packaging according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of an optical switch of common technology; Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of an implementation mode of an optical switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of another implementation of the optical switch of the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Among them, 100, optical switch; 10, input beam control array; 11, input beam control unit; 111, optical fiber; 112, first movable stage; 113, second movable stage; 114, collimating lens; 20, output beam control array; 21, output beam control unit; 30, first reflector; 40, second reflector; 50, third reflector; L0, optical axis; L1, first direction; L2, second direction; L3, third direction; O1, first spherical surface; O2, second spherical surface; P1, first sphere center; P2, second sphere center; θ1, incident angle; θ2, exit angle; S1, symmetry plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional changes made by a person skilled in the art based on these embodiments are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] It should be understood that the terms used herein, such as "upper", "above", "lower", "below", etc., indicating spatial relative positions, are used for the purpose of convenience to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the drawings. The terms of spatial relative positions may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation shown in the drawings.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention provides an optical switch that reduces hardware requirements, reduces resource waste, and improves optical path coupling efficiency.

[0021] Example 1 An optical switch 100 of this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes an input beam control array 10 and an output beam control array 20. The input beam control array 10 includes a plurality of input beam control units 11 arranged in an array. The output beam control array 20 includes a plurality of output beam control units 21 arranged in an array. Each input beam control unit 11 is configured to correspond to one output beam control unit 21.

[0022] Each input beam control unit 11 and each output beam control unit 21 are independently packaged.

[0023] Each input beam control unit 11 has a corresponding input optical axis L0 .

[0024] Each output beam control unit 21 has a corresponding output optical axis L0 .

[0025] The light emitted by the input beam control unit 11 is transmitted to the corresponding output beam control unit 21. These independent input beam control units 11 and output beam control units 21 can guide the light beam to the target output port by adjusting the position of the optical fiber 111.

[0026] The input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 of the optical switch 100 of this embodiment are both designed by stacking multiple independent units to maintain the unity and scalability of the system. The modular design also allows the number of ports to be flexibly expanded to support large-scale fiber 111 switching systems. In this way, the optical switch 100 can efficiently perform fiber 111 link switching in free space and support large-scale port configurations. In addition, through free-space beam scanning, the coupling insertion loss between optical fibers 111 and 111 is reduced, ensuring low insertion loss and high transmission efficiency.

[0027] In addition, in practical applications, once the optical fiber 111 link is established, the link can be locked. Even in environments such as power outages or vibrations, these beam control units can maintain their respective positions to ensure the stability of the optical fiber 111 link.

[0028] Therefore, through the above modular lockable design, not only the reliability of the optical switch 100 is improved, but also the complexity and cost of the system are reduced, and the effects of large port number, high speed, low insertion loss and lockability are achieved.

[0029] In addition, the input beam control unit 11 and the output beam control unit 21 of the present embodiment can be set as the same beam control unit, and there is no need to customize hardware of different specifications for beam control units at different positions, which reduces production costs and improves the overall stability of the system. And when the system needs to increase ports or expand performance, it only needs to increase the same beam control unit, which further improves the scalability of the system and helps the structure to be quickly deployed and adapted in optical switches 100 of different application scenarios and specifications.

[0030] Based on this, hereinafter, the input beam control unit 11 and the output beam control unit 21 are both referred to as “beam control units”, and the input optical axis L0 and the output optical axis L0 are both referred to as “optical axis L0”.

[0031] Beam control unit such as Figure 2 and 3 The input beam control unit 11 is shown. Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the beam control unit. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure after packaging.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, each beam control unit includes an optical fiber 111 and a collimating lens 114 .

[0033] The optical fiber 111 is used as a transmission medium for optical signals, and the collimating lens 114 is used to output or receive a collimated light beam. The end of the optical fiber 111 is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens 114 .

[0034] The collimating lens 114 is responsible for converting the divergent light beam outputted by the optical fiber 111 into a collimated light beam, or focusing the incident collimated light beam onto the end of the optical fiber 111. The collimating lens 114 may be a single lens or a group of lenses.

[0035] The optical fiber 111 collimates the input or output light beam into a free space light beam through the lens. The propagation angle is determined by the position of the end of the optical fiber 111 relative to the optical axis L0 of the lens, that is, the position change of the end of the optical fiber 111 directly affects the output angle or incident angle of the collimated light beam.

[0036] The input optical axis L0 and the output optical axis L0 are both symmetry axes of the light beam transmission path, and are usually also the optical axis of the collimating lens 114 .

[0037] The light beam control unit includes a first moving table 112 and a second moving table 113 connected to each other. The first moving table 112 drives the second moving table 113 to move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L0 of the light beam control unit. The second moving table 113 drives the optical fiber 111 to move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L0 of the light beam control unit. The first moving table 112 and the second moving table 113 control the movement directions of the optical fiber 111 to be perpendicular to each other.

[0038] The first moving platform 112 and the second moving platform 113 are fixed to each other.

[0039] The optical fiber 111 is fixed on the second moving stage 113 .

[0040] The first moving stage 112 can move back and forth in the second direction L2, and drive the second moving stage 113 and the optical fiber 111 to move in the second direction L2.

[0041] The second moving platform 113 can move back and forth in the third direction L3 to drive the optical fiber 111 to move in the third direction L3.

[0042] The extension direction of the optical axis L0, the second direction L2 and the third direction L3 are orthogonal to each other, that is, the second direction L2 and the third direction L3 are both located on a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the optical axis L0, and the second direction L2 and the third direction L3 are perpendicular to each other.

[0043] For the input beam control array 10, when the first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113 control the end of the optical fiber 111 to move to different positions along the second direction L2 or the third direction L3, its position relative to the optical axis L0 of the collimating lens 114 changes, so that the collimating lens 114 outputs light beams of different positions and directions.

[0044] For the output beam control array 20 , the end of the optical fiber 111 is adjusted to align with the collimation direction of the incident light beam, thereby efficiently coupling the light beam into the optical fiber 111 .

[0045] By precisely adjusting the positions of the ends of the optical fibers 111 of the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20, the light beam can be directed to the target output port, thereby achieving free-space scanning of the light beam.

[0046] The beam control unit drives the optical fiber 111 to move in a two-dimensional plane and cooperates with the collimating lens 114 to realize beam control, so that more precise control can be achieved in the two-dimensional plane. This two-dimensional motion avoids complex three-dimensional rotation or tilting mechanisms.

[0047] The slight change in the end position of the optical fiber 111 can linearly correspond to the angle adjustment of the collimated light beam, and the focal length characteristics of the collimating lens 114 can realize continuous and accurate scanning of the light beam direction. This method is particularly suitable for the high-precision requirements for optical path alignment in free-space optical switching.

[0048] In addition, the number of components required for the structure is reduced, and the modular design of the structure is easy to manufacture and assemble, making the structure of a single beam control unit compact and easy to produce.

[0049] The first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113 can finely adjust the moving distance of the optical fiber 111 through driving elements such as piezoelectric ceramics. The position of the optical fiber 111 is precisely adjusted by controlling the driving voltage applied to the piezoelectric ceramics.

[0050] When voltage is applied to the piezoelectric material, it will deform. By applying different voltages, the precise displacement of the first mobile stage 112 and the second mobile stage 113 in the second direction L2 and the third direction L3 can be controlled. The first mobile stage 112 and the second mobile stage 113 include a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic elements, and the voltage signal achieves precise positioning of the optical fiber 111 by precisely controlling the expansion or contraction of these elements.

[0051] In addition, even after power failure, the first moving platform 112 and the second moving platform 113 can maintain their current positions, thereby locking the position of the optical fiber 111.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the structure of the above-mentioned beam control unit, that is, part of the optical fiber 111, the collimating lens 114, the first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113 can be packaged in a compact bar module, which is convenient for stacking to form an input or output beam control array 20. This packaging method can realize the miniaturization and modularization of the beam control unit. The input beam control array 10 or the output beam control array 20 involved in this embodiment is formed by stacking multiple small bar-shaped beam control units.

[0053] like Figure 1As shown, the input beam control unit 11 moves the input optical fiber 111 to different positions through the first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113, so that the light beam emitted by the collimating lens 114 of the input beam control unit 11 falls on the target output beam control unit 21.

[0054] When different connections need to be established, the optical path connection of the required beam control units can be achieved by adjusting the corresponding input beam control unit 11 and / or output beam control unit 21 .

[0055] The light emitted from the optical fiber 111 is parallel to the optical axis L0 of the collimating lens 114 , and the collimating lens 114 refracts the light emitted from the optical fiber 111 toward its own focal position.

[0056] In addition, the end of the optical fiber 111 is provided with an anti-reflection film, or is subjected to a bevel polishing process to reduce end face reflection, thereby effectively reducing the optical loss between the end face of the optical fiber 111 and the collimating lens 114 and improving the coupling efficiency of the optical signal.

[0057] Specifically, the material of the anti-reflection film can be selected as an optical coating with high light transmittance to ensure minimal loss in the transmission of light beams of different wavelengths.

[0058] Bevel polishing reduces the possibility of end face reflection by changing the end face angle of the optical fiber 111, thereby reducing the reflection loss of the light beam at the interface of the optical fiber 111. The material of the anti-reflection film and the polishing angle of the end face of the optical fiber 111 can be selected according to the requirements of the specific application to achieve optical exchange with lower insertion loss and higher coupling efficiency.

[0059] Example 2 This embodiment provides an optical switch 100 with a more uniform light beam scanning angle and an optimized deflection range.

[0060] The optical switch 100 of the conventional technology is as follows Figure 4 As shown, due to the structural characteristics of the input and output arrays, the deflection requirements of the beam control unit at the center and edge positions are significantly different.

[0061] The beam control unit near the edge requires a larger single-side deflection angle, or even only needs to deflect to one side at the edge, while the other side hardly needs deflection. Figure 4 In the figure, the beam control unit at the upper left corner is only deflected to the lower right, with an exemplary deflection value of 48° to the lower right and 0 to the upper right. This requirement for large-scale deflection on one side requires the edge beam control unit to have a higher deflection capability, thereby increasing the design and manufacturing costs of the device.

[0062] The beam control unit at the center needs to be deflected evenly in all directions, and the deflection angle is relatively small. Figure 1As shown, the beam control unit at the center is deflected to both sides, with an exemplary deflection value of 58°, that is, the value of deflection to the upper right or the lower right is 29°.

[0063] However, since the beam control units in the conventional optical switch 100 are usually of uniform specifications, the central beam control unit also has the same deflection capability as the edge beam control unit. This excessive design of deflection capability leads to a waste of device performance.

[0064] Therefore, on the one hand, in order to meet the unilateral large-range deflection requirements of the edge beam control unit, the commonly used optical switch 100 needs to design a beam control unit with higher deflection capability, thereby increasing the equipment manufacturing cost; on the other hand, the deflection capability of the central beam control unit far exceeds its actual needs, resulting in performance overflow and underutilization.

[0065] To clearly express the position and direction described in this embodiment, in this embodiment 2, the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 are arranged relative to each other along the first direction L1. The first direction L1 can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it is the left and right direction in the figure. In addition, the up and down directions are Figure 5 In the upper and lower parts, perpendicular to Figure 5 The two sides are front and back.

[0066] In this embodiment 2, at least part of the input optical axis L0 is tilted relative to the first direction L1, and its tilt direction points to or approaches the center of the output beam control array 20. At least part of the output optical axis L0 is tilted relative to the first direction L1, and its tilt direction points to or approaches the center of the input beam control array 10.

[0067] In this way, Figure 5 As shown, the input beam control unit 11 above the center of the input beam control array 10 is tilted to the lower right. The input beam control unit 11 below the center of the input beam control array 10 is tilted to the upper right. The input beam control unit 11 above the center of the output beam control array 20 is tilted to the lower left. The input beam control unit 11 above the center of the output beam control array 20 is tilted to the upper left.

[0068] In combination with the array structures of the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20, the input beam control unit 11 in front of the center of the input beam control array 10 is tilted toward the right rear. The input beam control unit 11 behind the center of the input beam control array 10 is tilted toward the right front. The input beam control unit 11 in front of the center of the output beam control array 20 is tilted toward the left rear. The input beam control unit 11 behind the center of the output beam control array 20 is tilted toward the left front.

[0069] In this way, the optical switch 100 solves the problem caused by the difference in deflection requirements of the beam control unit at the edge and the center in the conventional technology by designing the tilt of the optical axis L0 of the input and output beam control units 21. The beam control unit at the edge of the conventional technology needs to undertake a large range of unilateral deflection tasks, while the deflection range of this embodiment 2 is effectively distributed to the bilateral deflection through the tilt design of the optical axis L0 angle. In particular, the beam control unit at the edge can be deflected on both sides of the optical axis L0, which greatly reduces the demand for high deflection capability of the beam control unit and reduces the complexity and manufacturing cost of the system hardware.

[0070] In one embodiment, since the outermost beam control units have the greatest pressure when the beam is deflected, the optical axis L0 of the outermost circle or circles of beam control units in the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 may be deflected, while the optical axis L0 of the remaining beam control units is not deflected.

[0071] In other implementations, all the light beam control units may be deflected, or only the most central light beam control unit may not be deflected, while the rest may be deflected.

[0072] The specific amount of deflection of the beam control unit can be individually designed according to actual needs, or a common deflection angle can be used. Figure 5 The scheme shown forms a spherical arc-shaped deflection as a whole.

[0073] This embodiment uses Figure 5 For example, the array of the beam control unit is a three-dimensional spherical structure. The beam control unit at the upper right front is deflected to the lower left rear. The beam control unit at the lower left front is deflected to the upper right rear, and so on.

[0074] Furthermore, the tilt angle between the input optical axis L0 and the first direction L1 gradually increases from the center to the edge of the input beam control array 10. The tilt angle between the output optical axis L0 and the first direction L1 gradually increases from the center to the edge of the output beam control array 20.

[0075] In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the optical axis L0 of the beam control unit varies with its position in the input and output arrays. The optical axis L0 of the beam control unit at the center position is almost not inclined, and the inclination angle of the optical axis L0 gradually increases as it moves from the center to the edge.

[0076] Continue as Figure 5As shown, the end position of the input beam in each input beam control unit 11 is distributed on the first spherical surface O1. The first spherical center P1 of the first spherical surface O1 is located on the side of the input beam control array 10 close to the output beam control array 20. The end surface of the output beam in each output beam control unit 21 is arranged on the second spherical surface O2, and the second spherical center P2 of the second spherical surface O2 is located on the side of the output beam control array 20 close to the input beam control array 10.

[0077] The spherical layout of this embodiment can just meet the structural requirement that the tilt angle gradually increases as it approaches the edge optical axis L0, and is easy to manufacture. During manufacturing, it is only necessary to arrange the optical fibers 111 in a spherical arc shape with the center of the sphere located on the side close to the opposite array. In particular, in a large-scale optical switching system, the deflection value of each beam control unit can be accurately controlled, and the increase in number can be extended and replicated outward using the same principle.

[0078] In this way, both the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 are spherical structures that are symmetrical around their respective centers. Figure 5 As shown, the first center P1 of the first spherical surface O1 is located at the center of the spherical surface where the input beam control array 10 is located; the second center P2 of the second spherical surface O2 is located at the center of the spherical surface where the output beam control array 20 is located. That is, the centers of the first spherical surface O1 and the second spherical surface O2 are both located at the center of the opposite array. On the one hand, such an arrangement ensures that the beam transmission path from the input array to the output array is more consistent, reducing the spherical size design problem of different devices. On the other hand, it is also easier to produce. By aligning all optical fibers 111 with the initial beam of the optical axis L0 and shooting them at the center of the opposite side, an optical switch 100 that meets the requirements can be produced.

[0079] In another embodiment, the beam control units in the array layout may not be simply arranged on a spherical surface, but may be reasonably allocated by accurately calculating their deflection angles according to their positions in the array.

[0080] For example, the optical axis L0 of each beam control unit is made to fall at the center of the required deflection range, that is, the deflection angle range is changed from unilateral deflection to symmetrical deflection in all directions, thereby reducing the hardware requirements for large deflection capability of each beam control unit. Since the deflection range of the most central beam control unit in all directions is generally required to be the largest, all beam control units only need to meet the deflection requirements of the most central beam control unit.

[0081] like Figure 6As shown, the optical axis L0 of each beam control unit is deflected along the first direction L1 toward the center of the opposite array by an angle of (a+b) / 2-b, that is, (ab) / 2. Considering that each beam control unit includes two adjustment directions, the vertical direction and the front-back direction, the optical axis L0 is deflected by (ab) / 2 in both the front-back direction and the vertical direction. This method can be used to calculate the required deflection amount for each beam control unit in the space.

[0082] In addition, the closer the beam control unit is to the edge, the larger a becomes, the smaller b becomes, and the value of (ab) / 2 also increases, which also meets the above requirement that the inclination angle of the optical axis L0 increases gradually as it approaches the edge.

[0083] Example 3 Example 3 Figure 7 As shown, the optical switch 100 of Example 3 can adopt the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 in Example 1. The difference between Example 3 and Example 2 is that at least part of the input optical axis L0 and the output optical axis L0 of Example 2 are inclined relative to the first direction L1, while all the optical axes L0 of Example 3 are arranged along the direction from the input beam control array 10 to the output beam control array 20.

[0084] The input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 of Example 3 are arranged along the fourth direction, and the input optical axis L0 of each input beam control unit 11 and the output optical axis L0 of each output beam control unit 21 are parallel to the fourth direction.

[0085] In this embodiment, the fourth direction may be any direction, for example, it may be the first direction L1 in Embodiment 2. The following description will be made by taking the fourth direction, that is, the first direction L1, as an example.

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 are arranged along the first direction L1, and the input optical axis L0 of each input beam control unit 11 and the output optical axis L0 of each output beam control unit 21 are arranged along the first direction L1. Figure 7 In this way, the optical fiber 111 in each input beam control unit 11 and each output beam control unit 21 moves on a two-dimensional plane where the up-down and the down-front are located.

[0087] In this embodiment, the array of input beam control units 11 and the array of output beam control units 21 are arranged face to face, that is, each input beam control unit 11 corresponds to the output beam control unit 21 on the left and right in spatial position, and can be connected by free space beam scanning. This design has a simple layout, and the calculation of spatial position is also simple. It can easily control the movement of the first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113 of each beam control unit, which is convenient for the expansion of large-scale systems.

[0088] Example 4 The optical switch 100 of Embodiment 4 is as follows Figure 8 As shown, embodiment 4 can adopt the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 in embodiment 1. The difference between embodiment 4 and embodiments 2 and 3 is that embodiment 4 introduces a reflector to realize the folding of the optical path.

[0089] In Embodiment 4, the input optical axis L0 of each input light beam control unit 11 is arranged along the same direction, and the output optical axis L0 of each output light beam control unit 21 is arranged along the same direction. Figure 8 The incident angle θ1 of the input beam control array 10 is equal to the exit angle θ2 of the output beam control array 20 , so that the light beam output by the input beam control array 10 is reflected to the output beam control array 20 by the first reflector 30 .

[0090] The first reflector 30 can optimize the transmission path of the light beam, so that the space occupied by the optical switch 100 in the length direction is greatly reduced.

[0091] Example 5 An optical switch 100 of this embodiment is as follows Fig. 9 As shown, embodiment 5 can adopt the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 in embodiment 1. The difference between embodiment 5 and embodiment 4 is that the optical switch 100 includes two reflectors instead of one reflector, including a second reflector 40 and a third reflector 50.

[0092] The plane between the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 is taken as the symmetry plane S1 , and the second reflector 40 and the third reflector 50 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the symmetry plane S1 .

[0093] The optical path from input beam steering array 10 to second reflector 40 is symmetrical to the optical path from output beam steering array 20 to third reflector 50. The input central axis of input beam steering array 10 and the output central axis of output beam steering array 20 are both parallel to symmetry plane S1.

[0094] Fig. 9In the embodiment, the second reflector 40 is tilted 45° to the upper right, and the third reflector 50 is tilted 45° to the upper left. The light beam emitted by the input light beam control array 10 is reflected by the second reflector 40 to the third reflector 50, and then reflected by the third reflector 50 to the output light beam control array 20. Compared with the first reflector 30 in Example 4, the second reflector 40 and the third reflector 50 further fold the light path, and the volume of the optical switch 100 is further reduced, which is conducive to the miniaturization and integration of the optical switch 100.

[0095] Compared with the commonly used technology, this embodiment has the following beneficial effects: (1) Each input beam control unit 11 and output beam control unit 21 of the optical switch 100 are independently packaged, so that each beam control unit can be independently designed, manufactured, installed and replaced. On the one hand, it is easy to adjust or replace a single beam control unit without affecting the entire array. On the other hand, the modular beam control unit can achieve seamless expansion from small to large ports. And through the slight movement of the optical fiber 111 on the two-dimensional plane, the direction of the collimated beam can be adjusted, avoiding complex rotation in three-dimensional space, and the adjustment accuracy is higher.

[0096] (2) The optical switch 100 significantly reduces the deflection requirements of each beam control unit by designing the input or output beam control unit to be tilted toward the center of the opposite side. Specifically, the beam control unit near the edge adjusts the initial deflection angle in the non-working state so that the single-side deflection pressure can be evenly distributed to the double-side deflection when working, effectively reducing the dependence on high-deflection capability hardware, reducing the overall cost of the equipment, and avoiding the waste of resources caused by the performance overflow of the central beam control unit. In addition, the tilted design can make the light beam point to the target output port more naturally, reducing the error and loss in the process of adjusting the light beam direction by the beam control unit, and further improving the coupling efficiency of the optical path and the stability of signal transmission.

[0097] Therefore, the optical switch 100 breaks through the bottlenecks of common technologies in structural complexity, optical path adjustment accuracy and scalability, not only simplifies the system architecture, but also improves the efficiency and reliability of optical switching, providing an innovative solution for large-scale and efficient applications of modern optical communication networks.

[0098] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to implementation modes, not every implementation mode contains only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each implementation mode may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0099] The series of detailed descriptions listed above are only specific descriptions of feasible implementation methods of the present invention. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent implementation methods or changes that do not deviate from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical switch, characterized in that: include: An input beam control array, comprising a plurality of input beam control units arranged in an array, each of the input beam control units having a corresponding input optical axis, the input beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, an end of the optical fiber being close to a front focal plane of the collimating lens, and the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis; An output beam control array, comprising a plurality of output beam control units arranged in an array, each of the output beam control units having a corresponding output optical axis, each of the input beam control units being configured to correspond to one of the output beam control units, the output beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens, and the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis; Among them, the light emitted by the input beam control unit is transmitted to the corresponding output beam control unit; the input beam control array and the output beam control array are arranged relatively to each other along a first direction, at least part of the input optical axis is inclined relative to the first direction, and its inclined direction points to or leans toward the center of the output beam control array, and at least part of the output optical axis is inclined relative to the first direction, and its inclined direction points to or leans toward the center of the input beam control array.

2. The optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: From the center to the edge of the input light beam control array, the inclination angle between the input light axis and the first direction gradually increases; From the center to the edge of the output beam control array, the inclination angle between the output optical axis and the first direction gradually increases.

3. The optical switch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end surface for inputting the light beam of each of the input light beam control units is arranged on a first spherical surface, and the center of the first spherical surface is located on a side of the input light beam control array close to the output light beam control array; The end surface for outputting the light beam of each output light beam control unit is arranged on a second spherical surface, and the center of the second spherical surface is located on a side of the output light beam control array close to the input light beam control array.

4. The optical switch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The center of the first spherical surface is located at the center of the input beam steering array; The center of the second spherical surface is located at the center of the output beam steering array.

5. The optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input beam control unit and the output beam control unit are configured as the same beam control unit.

6. The optical switch according to claim 5, characterized in that: The light beam control unit includes a first moving platform and a second moving platform connected to each other, the optical fiber is fixed on the second moving platform, the first moving platform drives the second moving platform to move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the light beam control unit, and the second moving platform drives the optical fiber to move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the light beam control unit, and the directions of movement of the optical fiber controlled by the first moving platform and the second moving platform are perpendicular to each other.

7. The optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light emitted by the optical fiber is parallel to the optical axis of the collimating lens, and the collimating lens refracts the light emitted by the optical fiber toward its own focal position.

8. An optical switch, characterized in that: include: An input beam control array, comprising a plurality of input beam control units arranged in an array, each of the input beam control units having a corresponding input optical axis, the input beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, an end of the optical fiber being close to a front focal plane of the collimating lens, and the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis; An output beam control array, comprising a plurality of output beam control units arranged in an array, each of the output beam control units having a corresponding output optical axis, each of the input beam control units being configured to correspond to one of the output beam control units, the output beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens, and the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis; The input beam control array and the output beam control array are arranged along a fourth direction, and the input optical axis of each input beam control unit and the output optical axis of each output beam control unit are parallel to the fourth direction.

9. An optical switch, characterized in that: include: An input beam control array, comprising a plurality of input beam control units arranged in an array, each of the input beam control units having a corresponding input optical axis, the input beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to a front focal plane of the collimating lens, the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis, and the input optical axis of each of the input beam control units being arranged along the same direction; An output beam control array, comprising a plurality of output beam control units arranged in an array, each of the output beam control units having a corresponding output optical axis, each of the input beam control units being configured to correspond to one of the output beam control units, the output beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to a front focal plane of the collimating lens, the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis, and the output optical axis of each of the output beam control units being arranged along the same direction; A first reflector, wherein the incident angle of the input beam control array is equal to the exit angle of the output beam control array, so that the light beam output by the input beam control array is reflected to the output beam control array by the first reflector.

10. An optical switch, characterized in that: include: An input beam control array, comprising a plurality of independent input beam control units arranged in an array, each of the input beam control units having a corresponding input optical axis, the input beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens, the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis, and the input optical axis of each of the input beam control units being arranged along the same direction; An output beam control array, comprising a plurality of independent output beam control units arranged in an array, each of the output beam control units having a corresponding output optical axis, each of the input beam control units being configured to correspond to one of the output beam control units, the output beam control units comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, the end of the optical fiber being close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens, the optical fiber being controllably movable on a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis, and the output optical axis of each of the output beam control units being arranged along the same direction; The second reflector and the third reflector take the plane between the input beam control array and the output beam control array as the symmetry plane, the second reflector and the third reflector are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the symmetry plane, the optical path from the input beam control array to the second reflector is symmetrical to the optical path from the output beam control array to the third reflector, and the input central axis of the input beam control array and the output central axis of the output beam control array are both parallel to the symmetry plane.

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