optical switch

Abstract

The application discloses an optical switch, comprising an input beam control array and an output beam control array, both of which comprise a plurality of beam control units, the beam control unit 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 in a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis. Each input beam control unit and output beam control unit of the optical switch is independently arranged, on the one hand, the individual beam control unit can be adjusted or replaced without affecting the whole array, and on the other hand, the modular beam control unit can realize seamless expansion from small to large-scale ports. And through the slight movement of the optical fiber in the two-dimensional plane, the direction of the collimated light beam can be adjusted, and the adjustment precision is higher. The optical switch simplifies the system architecture, also improves the efficiency and reliability of the optical switching, and provides an innovative solution for large-scale and efficient application of modern optical communication networks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical communication technology, and more particularly to an optical switch. Background Technology

[0002] Optical switches play a crucial role in modern communication networks, data centers, and fiber optic communication systems, primarily used to enable 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. The beam control unit is the core component, responsible for precisely guiding the input beam to the target output port by controlling its direction.

[0003] In common technologies, the input and output beam control sections of optical switches employ an integrated or row-based structure. This structure has several drawbacks: the integrated or row-based structure prevents individual beam control units from being independently adjusted or replaced. When a unit in the system fails or requires an upgrade, the entire array or row of components often needs to be replaced, resulting in high maintenance costs and limited scalability. It also struggles to meet the demands of large-scale expansion as the number of ports increases. Furthermore, the integrated structure makes precise fine-tuning of individual ports difficult, limiting the flexibility and accuracy of optical path control. Additionally, some optical path adjustments rely on mirror rotation, and this complex three-dimensional rotation places high demands on the precision of the drive.

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

[0005] To solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide an optical switch that achieves efficient adjustment of beam direction and has good modularity, control precision and scalability.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, one embodiment of the present invention provides an optical switch, comprising:

[0007] An input beam control array includes multiple input beam control units arranged in an array. Each input beam control unit has its own corresponding input optical axis. Each input beam control unit includes an optical fiber and a collimating lens. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber can be controllably moved in a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis.

[0008] An output beam control array includes multiple output beam control units arranged in an array. Each output beam control unit has its own corresponding output optical axis. Each input beam control unit is configured to correspond to one output beam control unit. Each output beam control unit includes an optical fiber and a collimating lens. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber can be controllably moved in a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis.

[0009] 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 opposite each other along a first direction, at least a portion of the input optical axis is tilted relative to the first direction, and its tilt direction points towards or approaches the center of the output beam control array, and at least a portion of the output optical axis is tilted relative to the first direction, and its tilt direction points towards or approaches the center of the input beam control array.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the tilt angle between the input optical axis and the first direction gradually increases from the center of the input beam control array to the edge;

[0011] From the center of the output beam control array toward the edge, the tilt angle of the output optical axis relative to the first direction gradually increases.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the end face of each input beam control unit for input beam is arranged on a first spherical surface, the center of the first spherical surface being located on the side of the input beam control array closer to the output beam control array;

[0013] Each of the output beam control units has an end face for outputting the beam arranged on a second sphere, the center of which is located on the side of the output beam control array closer to the input beam control array.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the center of the first sphere is located at the center of the input beam control array;

[0015] The center of the second sphere is located at the center of the output beam control array.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the input beam control unit and the output beam control unit are configured to be the same beam control unit.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the beam control unit includes a first moving stage and a second moving stage connected together. The optical fiber is fixed on the second moving stage. The first moving stage drives the second moving stage to move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the beam control unit. The second moving stage drives the optical fiber to move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the beam control unit. The directions in which the first moving stage and the second moving stage control the movement of the optical fiber are perpendicular to each other.

[0018] 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 point.

[0019] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides an optical switch, comprising:

[0020] An input beam control array includes multiple input beam control units arranged in an array. Each input beam control unit has its own corresponding input optical axis. Each input beam control unit includes an optical fiber and a collimating lens. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber can be controllably moved in a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis.

[0021] An output beam control array includes multiple output beam control units arranged in an array. Each output beam control unit has its own corresponding output optical axis. Each input beam control unit is configured to correspond to one output beam control unit. Each output beam control unit includes an optical fiber and a collimating lens. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber can be controllably moved in a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis.

[0022] The input beam control array and the output beam control array are arranged along the 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.

[0023] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides an optical switch, comprising:

[0024] An input beam control array includes multiple input beam control units arranged in an array. Each input beam control unit has its own corresponding input optical axis. Each input beam control unit includes an optical fiber and a collimating lens. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber can be controllably moved in a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis. The input optical axis of each input beam control unit is arranged in the same direction.

[0025] An output beam control array includes multiple output beam control units arranged in an array. Each output beam control unit has its own corresponding output optical axis. Each input beam control unit is configured to correspond to one output beam control unit. Each output beam control unit includes an optical fiber and a collimating lens. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber can be controllably moved in a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis. The output optical axis of each output beam control unit is arranged in the same direction.

[0026] The first reflecting mirror is used so that the incident angle of the input beam control array is equal to the exit angle of the output beam control array, so that the beam output by the input beam control array is reflected by the first reflecting mirror to the output beam control array.

[0027] To achieve one of the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides an optical switch, comprising:

[0028] An input beam control array includes multiple independent input beam control units arranged in an array. Each input beam control unit has its own corresponding input optical axis. Each input beam control unit includes an optical fiber and a collimating lens. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber can be controllably moved in a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis. The input optical axis of each input beam control unit is arranged in the same direction.

[0029] An output beam control array includes multiple independent output beam control units arranged in an array. Each output beam control unit has its own corresponding output optical axis. Each input beam control unit is configured to correspond to one output beam control unit. Each output beam control unit includes an optical fiber and a collimating lens. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber can be controllably moved in a plane perpendicular to the output optical axis. The output optical axis of each output beam control unit is arranged in the same direction.

[0030] The second and third reflectors are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the plane between the input beam control array and the output beam control array, with the plane between them being the plane of symmetry. 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. 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 plane of symmetry.

[0031] Compared with commonly used technologies, this invention has the following advantages: Each input beam control unit and output beam control unit of this optical switch is independently packaged, allowing each individual beam control unit to be independently designed, manufactured, installed, and replaced. This facilitates the adjustment or replacement of individual beam control units without affecting the entire array. Furthermore, the modular beam control units enable seamless expansion from small to large-scale ports. Moreover, the collimated beam direction can be adjusted by minute movements of the optical fiber in a two-dimensional plane, avoiding complex rotations in three-dimensional space and achieving higher adjustment precision. Therefore, this optical switch overcomes the bottlenecks of commonly used technologies in terms of structural complexity, optical path adjustment precision, and scalability. It not only simplifies the system architecture but also improves the efficiency and reliability of optical switching, providing an innovative solution for the large-scale, high-efficiency application of modern optical communication networks. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the input beam control unit and the output beam control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the beam control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the packaged beam control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a commonly used optical switch;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the optical switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the optical switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical switch according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical switch according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical switch according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Among them, 100 is an optical switch; 10 is an input beam control array; 11 is an input beam control unit; 111 is an optical fiber; 112 is a first moving stage; 113 is a second moving stage; 114 is a collimating lens; 20 is an output beam control array; 21 is an output beam control unit; 30 is a first reflecting mirror; 40 is a second reflecting mirror; 50 is a third reflecting mirror; L0 is the optical axis; L1 is the first direction; L2 is the second direction; L3 is the third direction; O1 is the first sphere; O2 is the second sphere; P1 is the first center of the sphere; P2 is the second center of the sphere; θ1 is the angle of incidence; θ2 is the angle of exit; S1 is the plane of symmetry. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be understood that terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “under” used herein to indicate spatial relative position are for illustrative purposes to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms “spatial relative position” may be intended to include different orientations of the equipment in use or operation other than those shown in the figures.

[0044] One embodiment of the present invention provides an optical switch that reduces hardware requirements, reduces resource waste, and improves optical path coupling efficiency.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] An optical switch 100 in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the array 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.

[0047] Each input beam control unit 11 and each output beam control unit 21 are independently packaged.

[0048] Each input beam control unit 11 has its own corresponding input optical axis L0.

[0049] Each output beam control unit 21 has its own corresponding output optical axis L0.

[0050] 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 beam to the target output port by adjusting the position of the optical fiber 111.

[0051] In this embodiment, the input beam control array 10 and output beam control array 20 of the optical switch 100 are both constructed using a stacked design of multiple independent units to maintain system uniformity and scalability. The modular design also allows for flexible expansion of the number of ports, supporting large-scale fiber optic 111 switching systems. Thus, the optical switch 100 can efficiently perform fiber optic 111 link switching in free space and supports large-scale port configurations. Furthermore, free-space beam scanning reduces fiber optic-to-fiber 111 coupling insertion loss, ensuring low insertion loss and high transmission efficiency.

[0052] In addition, in practical applications, once the fiber optic 111 link is established, link locking can be achieved. Even in environments such as power outages or vibrations, these beam control units can maintain their respective positions, ensuring the stability of the fiber optic 111 link.

[0053] Therefore, the modular lockable design described above not only improves the reliability of the optical switch 100, but also reduces the complexity and cost of the system, achieving the effects of large port count, high speed, low insertion loss, and lockability.

[0054] Furthermore, the input beam control unit 11 and output beam control unit 21 in this embodiment can be configured as the same beam control unit, eliminating the need to customize different specifications of hardware for beam control units in different locations, reducing production costs and improving the overall stability of the system. Moreover, when the system needs to add ports or expand performance, only the same beam control unit needs to be added, further improving the system's scalability and facilitating the rapid deployment and adaptation of this structure in different application scenarios and with different specifications of optical switches 100.

[0055] Therefore, the input beam control unit 11 and the output beam control unit 21 will be referred to as "beam control unit" in the following text, and the input optical axis L0 and the output optical axis L0 will be referred to as "optical axis L0".

[0056] Beam control unit such as Figure 2 and 3 The input beam control unit 11 is shown. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the beam control unit. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure after encapsulation.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, each beam control unit includes an optical fiber 111 and a collimating lens 114.

[0058] Optical fiber 111 serves as the transmission medium for optical signals, and collimating lens 114 is used to output or receive collimated beams. The end of optical fiber 111 is close to the front focal plane of collimating lens 114.

[0059] The collimating lens 114 is responsible for converting the diverging beam output from the optical fiber 111 into a collimated beam, or focusing the incident collimated beam onto the end of the optical fiber 111. The collimating lens 114 can be a single lens or a group of lenses.

[0060] The optical fiber 111 collimates the input or output beam into a free-space beam through a 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. In other words, changes in the position of the end of the optical fiber 111 directly affect the output angle or incident angle of the collimated beam.

[0061] The input optical axis L0 and the output optical axis L0 are both axes of symmetry of the beam transmission path, and are usually also the optical axes of the collimating lens 114.

[0062] The beam control unit includes a first moving stage 112 and a second moving stage 113 connected together. The first moving stage 112 drives the second moving stage 113 to move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L0 of the beam control unit. The second moving stage 113 drives the optical fiber 111 to move in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis L0 of the beam control unit. The first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113 control the direction of movement of the optical fiber 111 to be perpendicular to each other.

[0063] The first mobile station 112 and the second mobile station 113 are fixed together.

[0064] Fiber optic cable 111 is fixed on the second mobile station 113.

[0065] The first mobile station 112 can move back and forth in the second direction L2, and drive the second mobile station 113 and the optical fiber 111 to move in the second direction L2.

[0066] The second mobile station 113 can move back and forth on the third-party direction L3 to drive the optical fiber 111 to move on the third-party direction L3.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 beams at different positions and directions.

[0069] For the output beam control array 20, the beam is efficiently coupled into the fiber 111 by adjusting the position of the end of the fiber 111 to align it with the collimation direction of the incident beam.

[0070] 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 beam can be directed to the target output port, thus achieving free-space scanning of the beam.

[0071] The beam control unit drives the optical fiber 111 to move in a two-dimensional plane, and works with the collimating lens 114 to achieve beam control. This allows for more precise control in a two-dimensional plane, and this planar two-dimensional motion avoids complex three-dimensional rotation or tilting mechanisms.

[0072] Furthermore, minute changes in the position of the fiber optic end 111 can linearly correspond to adjustments in the collimated beam angle. Combined with the focal length characteristics of the collimating lens 114, continuous and precise scanning of the beam direction can be achieved. This method is particularly suitable for the high-precision alignment requirements in free-space optical switching.

[0073] In addition, the structure requires fewer components, and its modular design makes it easy to manufacture and assemble, resulting in a compact and easy-to-produce single beam control unit.

[0074] The first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113 can finely adjust the moving distance of the optical fiber 111 using 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.

[0075] When a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric material, it deforms. By applying different voltages, the precise displacement of the first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113 in the second direction L2 and the third direction L3 can be controlled. The first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113 include multiple piezoelectric ceramic elements, and the voltage signal precisely controls the expansion or contraction of these elements to achieve precise positioning of the optical fiber 111.

[0076] Furthermore, even after a power outage, the first mobile station 112 and the second mobile station 113 can maintain their current positions, thereby locking the position of the optical fiber 111.

[0077] like Figure 3As shown, the structure of the beam control unit described above, namely, part of the optical fiber 111, collimating lens 114, first moving stage 112 and second moving stage 113, can be packaged in a compact strip module, which facilitates stacking to form an input or output beam control array 20. This packaging method enables the miniaturization and modularization of the beam control unit. The input beam control array 10 or output beam control array 20 involved in this embodiment is formed by stacking multiple small strip beam control units.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the input beam control unit 11 moves the input optical fiber 111 to different positions via the first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113, so that the beam emitted by the collimating lens 114 of the input beam control unit 11 falls on the output beam control unit 21 of the target.

[0079] When different connections need to be established, the optical path connection of the required beam control unit can be achieved by adjusting the corresponding input beam control unit 11 and / or output beam control unit 21.

[0080] 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 point.

[0081] In addition, an anti-reflection coating is provided at the end of the optical fiber 111, or it is treated with bevel polishing to reduce end-face reflection, thereby effectively reducing optical loss between the end face of the optical fiber 111 and the collimating lens 114 and improving the coupling efficiency of optical signals.

[0082] Specifically, the antireflective coating can be made of an optical coating with high light transmittance to ensure minimal loss during the transmission of light beams at different wavelengths.

[0083] Bevel polishing reduces the likelihood of end-face reflection by altering the angle of the fiber 111 end face, thereby minimizing beam reflection loss at the fiber 111 interface. The material of the antireflection coating and the polishing angle of the fiber 111 end face can be selected according to specific application requirements to achieve lower insertion loss and higher coupling efficiency in optical switching.

[0084] Example 2

[0085] This embodiment provides an optical switch 100 with a more uniform beam scanning angle and optimized deflection range.

[0086] 100 commonly used optical switches Figure 4 As shown, due to the structural characteristics of the input and output arrays, the deflection requirements of the beam control unit differ significantly between the center and edge positions.

[0087] Beam control units near the edge require a larger one-sided deflection angle, or even just one-sided deflection at the edge, while the other side requires almost no deflection. Figure 4 In the example, the beam control unit at the upper left edge deflects only to the lower right, with an exemplary downward deflection of 48° and an upward deflection of 0°. This requirement for large-range deflection on one side necessitates that the edge beam control unit possess higher deflection capabilities, thereby increasing the design and manufacturing costs of the device.

[0088] The beam control unit at the center needs to deflect uniformly in all directions, with relatively small deflection angles. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the beam control unit at the center position deflects to both sides, with an exemplary deflection value of 58°, which is 29° to the upper right or lower right.

[0089] However, since the beam control units in a commonly used optical switch 100 are typically standardized, the center beam control unit also possesses the same deflection capability as the edge beam control units. This over-design of deflection capability leads to a waste of equipment performance.

[0090] Therefore, the commonly used optical switch 100 requires a beam control unit with high deflection capability to meet the large-range deflection requirement of the edge beam control unit, which increases the equipment manufacturing cost. On the other hand, the deflection capability of the center beam control unit far exceeds its actual needs, resulting in performance overflow and underutilization.

[0091] To clearly illustrate the positions and directions described in this embodiment, in this embodiment 2, the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 are arranged opposite each other along a first direction L1. The first direction L1 can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown, this represents the left-right direction in the diagram. Additionally, the up and down directions are represented using... Figure 5 The top and bottom, perpendicular to Figure 5 The two sides are the front and the back, respectively.

[0092] In this embodiment 2, at least a portion of the input optical axis L0 is tilted relative to the first direction L1, with the tilt direction pointing towards or near the center of the output beam control array 20. At least a portion of the output optical axis L0 is tilted relative to the first direction L1, with the tilt direction pointing towards or near the center of the input beam control array 10.

[0093] Thus, as 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.

[0094] Combining 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 to the right rear. The input beam control unit 11 behind the center of the input beam control array 10 is tilted to the right front. The input beam control unit 11 in front of the center of the output beam control array 20 is tilted to the left rear. The input beam control unit 11 behind the center of the output beam control array 20 is tilted to the left front.

[0095] In this way, the optical switch 100 solves the problem caused by the difference in deflection requirements between the edge and center positions of the beam control unit in common technologies by tilting the optical axis L0 of the input and output beam control units 21. In common technologies, the beam control unit at the edge position needs to undertake a large range of unilateral deflection tasks, while in this embodiment 2, the deflection range is effectively distributed to both sides of the optical axis L0 through the tilting design. In particular, the beam control unit at the edge can deflect on both sides of the optical axis L0, which greatly reduces the requirement for high deflection capability of the beam control unit and reduces the complexity and manufacturing cost of the system hardware.

[0096] In one embodiment, since the outermost beam control units experience the greatest pressure during beam deflection, the optical axis L0 of the outermost ring or several rings 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 may not be deflected.

[0097] In other implementations, all beam control units may deflect. Alternatively, only the central beam control unit may remain stationary while the others deflect.

[0098] The specific amount of deflection by the beam control unit can be designed individually according to actual needs, or a common deflection angle can be used, or other methods can be employed. Figure 5 The scheme shown forms an overall spherical arc-shaped deflection.

[0099] This embodiment uses Figure 5 For example, the beam control unit array is arranged in a three-dimensional spherical structure. The beam control unit at the upper right of the front is deflected to the lower left of the rear. The beam control unit at the lower left of the front is deflected to the upper right of the rear, and so on.

[0100] Furthermore, from the center to the edge of the input beam control array 10, the tilt angle between the input optical axis L0 and the first direction L1 gradually increases. From the center to the edge of the output beam control array 20, the tilt angle between the output optical axis L0 and the first direction L1 gradually increases.

[0101] In this embodiment, the tilt 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 tilted, and the tilt angle of the optical axis L0 gradually increases as it moves from the center to the edge.

[0102] Continue as Figure 5 As shown, the end faces of each input beam control unit 11 for input beams are positioned on a first spherical surface O1. The first center P1 of the first spherical surface O1 is located on the side of the input beam control array 10 closest to the output beam control array 20. The end faces of each output beam control unit 21 for output beams are arranged on a second spherical surface O2, and the second center P2 of the second spherical surface O2 is located on the side of the output beam control array 20 closest to the input beam control array 10.

[0103] The spherical layout of this embodiment perfectly satisfies the structural requirement that the tilt angle of the optical axis L0 gradually increases towards the edge, and it is easy to manufacture. During manufacturing, it is only necessary to arrange these optical fibers 111 in a spherical arc shape, with the center of the sphere located on the side closest to the opposite array. Especially in large-scale optical switching systems, it is possible to accurately control the deflection value of each beam control unit, and the number can be increased by extending and replicating outward using the same principle.

[0104] Thus, both the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 are spherical structures symmetrical about their respective centers. Figure 5 As shown, the first center P1 of the first sphere O1 is located at the center of the sphere containing the input beam control array 10; the second center P2 of the second sphere O2 is located at the center of the sphere containing the output beam control array 20. That is, the centers of the first sphere O1 and the second sphere O2 are both located at the center of the opposite array. This arrangement ensures a more consistent beam transmission path from the input array to the output array, reducing the design problems of spherical size for different devices. On the other hand, it also facilitates production. By aligning all optical fibers 111 with the initial beam of the optical axis L0 and uniformly projecting it onto the center of the opposite side, a qualified optical switch 100 can be produced.

[0105] In another implementation, the beam control units may not be arranged in a simple spherical pattern in the array layout, but rather according to their positions within the array. By precisely calculating their deflection angles, the deflection capability of each beam control unit is rationally allocated.

[0106] For example, ensuring that the optical axis L0 of each beam control unit falls at the center of the required deflection range—that is, changing the deflection angle range from unilateral deflection to symmetrical deflection in all directions—reduces the hardware requirements for large deflection capabilities for each beam control unit. Since the central beam control unit generally requires the largest deflection range in all directions, all beam control units only need to meet the deflection requirements of the central beam control unit.

[0107] like Figure 6 As shown, the optical axis L0 of each beam control unit is deflected along the first direction L1 towards the center of the opposite array by an angle of (a+b) / 2-b, i.e., (ab) / 2. Considering that each beam control unit includes two adjustment directions, up and down and front and back, this means that the optical axis L0 is deflected by (ab) / 2 in both the front-back and up-back directions. The required deflection amount can be calculated individually for each beam control unit in space using this method.

[0108] In addition, the beam control unit a gradually increases and b gradually decreases as it gets closer to the edge, and the value of (ab) / 2 also gradually increases, which also meets the requirement that the tilt angle of the optical axis L0 gradually increases as it gets closer to the edge.

[0109] Example 3

[0110] Example 3 Figure 7 As shown, the optical switch 100 of Embodiment 3 can adopt the input beam control array 10 and output beam control array 20 of Embodiment 1. The difference between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 2 is that at least part of the input optical axis L0 and output optical axis L0 of Embodiment 2 are tilted relative to the first direction L1, while all optical axes L0 of Embodiment 3 are arranged along the direction from the input beam control array 10 to the output beam control array 20.

[0111] In Example 3, the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 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.

[0112] In this embodiment, the fourth direction can be any direction, such as the first direction L1 in Implementation Example 2. The following description will take the fourth direction as the first direction L1 as an example.

[0113] 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 also arranged along the first direction L1. The first direction L1 refers to... Figure 7The optical fiber 111 in each input beam control unit 11 and each output beam control unit 21 moves in the two-dimensional plane containing the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0114] 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, meaning that each input beam control unit 11 and each output beam control unit 21 are spatially aligned and can be connected via free-space beam scanning. This design layout is simple, and the calculation of spatial positions is also simple. It allows for easy control of the movement of the first moving stage 112 and the second moving stage 113 of each beam control unit, facilitating the expansion of large-scale systems.

[0115] Example 4

[0116] Example 4: Optical switch 100 Figure 8 As shown, Embodiment 4 can employ the input beam control array 10 and output beam control array 20 from Embodiment 1. The difference between Embodiment 4 and Embodiments 2 and 3 is that Embodiment 4 introduces a reflector to achieve optical path folding.

[0117] In Example 4, the input optical axis L0 of each input beam control unit 11 is set in the same direction, and the output optical axis L0 of each output beam control unit 21 is set in the same direction, such as... Figure 8 As shown. 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 beam output by the input beam control array 10 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 30 to the output beam control array 20.

[0118] The first reflector 30 can optimize the transmission path of the light beam, which greatly reduces the space required by the optical switch 100 in the length direction.

[0119] Example 5

[0120] An optical switch 100 in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, Embodiment 5 can employ the input beam control array 10 and output beam control array 20 from Embodiment 1. The difference between Embodiment 5 and Embodiment 4 is that the optical switch 100 is changed from including one reflector to including two reflectors, namely a second reflector 40 and a third reflector 50.

[0121] With the plane between the input beam control array 10 and the output beam control array 20 as the symmetry plane S1, the second reflector 40 and the third reflector 50 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the symmetry plane S1.

[0122] The optical path from the input beam control array 10 to the second reflector 40 is symmetrical to the optical path from the output beam control array 20 to the third reflector 50. The input central axis of the input beam control array 10 and the output central axis of the output beam control array 20 are both parallel to the plane of symmetry S1.

[0123] Figure 9 In this configuration, 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 from the input beam control array 10 is reflected by the second reflector 40 to the third reflector 50, and then reflected again by the third reflector 50 to reach the output beam control array 20. Compared to the first reflector 30 in Embodiment 4, the second reflector 40 and the third reflector 50 further fold the optical path, further reducing the size of the optical switch 100, which is beneficial for the miniaturization and integration of the optical switch 100.

[0124] Compared with commonly used technologies, this embodiment has the following advantages:

[0125] (1) Each input beam control unit 11 and output beam control unit 21 of the optical switch 100 is 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 of ports from small to large scale. Moreover, the collimated beam direction can be adjusted by the slight movement of the optical fiber 111 in the two-dimensional plane, avoiding complex rotation in three-dimensional space and achieving higher adjustment accuracy.

[0126] (2) The optical switch 100 significantly reduces the deflection requirements of each beam control unit by tilting the input or output beam control units towards the center opposite. Specifically, the beam control units near the edge adjust their initial deflection angle in the non-operating state, allowing them to distribute the single-sided deflection pressure to both sides during operation. This effectively reduces the dependence on high-deflection-capability hardware, lowers the overall cost of the equipment, and avoids resource waste caused by the performance overflow of the beam control unit in the center. In addition, the tilted design allows the beam to be pointed more naturally towards the target output port, reducing errors and losses in the process of the beam control unit adjusting the beam direction, further improving the coupling efficiency of the optical path and the stability of signal transmission.

[0127] Therefore, this optical switch 100 breaks through the bottlenecks of commonly used technologies in terms of structural complexity, optical path adjustment accuracy, and scalability. It not only simplifies the system architecture but also improves the efficiency and reliability of optical switching, providing an innovative solution for the large-scale and efficient application of modern optical communication networks.

[0128] It should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0129] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent embodiments or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical switch, characterized in that, include: The input beam control array is formed by stacking multiple independent input beam control unit arrays, and each input beam control unit has its own corresponding input optical axis; The output beam control array is formed by stacking multiple independent output beam control unit arrays. Each output beam control unit has its own corresponding output optical axis, and each input beam control unit is configured to correspond to one output beam control unit. 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 opposite to each other along a first direction, at least a portion of the input optical axis is tilted relative to the first direction, and its tilt direction points towards or approaches the center of the output beam control array; at least a portion of the output optical axis is tilted relative to the first direction, and its tilt direction points towards or approaches the center of the input beam control array. The input beam control unit and the output beam control unit are each independently packaged in a strip module. Each of the input beam control unit and the output beam control unit includes an optical fiber, a collimating lens, and a first moving stage and a second moving stage connected together. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber is fixed on the second moving stage. The first moving stage drives the second moving stage and the optical fiber to move in a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis or the output optical axis. The first moving stage drives the second moving stage and the optical fiber to move in a second direction. The second moving stage drives the optical fiber to move in a third direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the third direction, and both the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to the input optical axis or the output optical axis.

2. The optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, From the center of the input beam control array toward the edge, the tilt angle of the input optical axis relative to the first direction gradually increases; From the center of the output beam control array toward the edge, the tilt angle of the output optical axis relative to the first direction gradually increases.

3. The optical switch according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the input beam control units has an end face for inputting the beam arranged on a first spherical surface, the center of which is located on the side of the input beam control array closer to the output beam control array. Each of the output beam control units has an end face for outputting the beam arranged on a second sphere, the center of which is located on the side of the output beam control array closer to the input beam control array.

4. The optical switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The center of the first sphere is located at the center of the input beam control array; The center of the second sphere is located at the center of the output beam control 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 to be the same beam control unit.

6. The optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light emitted from the optical fiber is parallel to the optical axis of the collimating lens, and the collimating lens refracts the light emitted from the optical fiber toward its focal point.

7. An optical switch, characterized in that, include: The input beam control array is formed by stacking multiple independent input beam control unit arrays, and each input beam control unit has its own corresponding input optical axis; The output beam control array is formed by stacking multiple independent output beam control unit arrays. Each output beam control unit has its own corresponding output optical axis, and each input beam control unit is configured to correspond to one output beam control unit. The input beam control array and the output beam control array are arranged along the 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. The input beam control unit and the output beam control unit are each independently packaged in a strip module. Each of the input beam control unit and the output beam control unit includes an optical fiber, a collimating lens, and a first moving stage and a second moving stage connected together. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber is fixed on the second moving stage. The first moving stage and the second moving stage are configured to adjust the moving distance of the optical fiber by a piezoelectric ceramic driving element. The first moving stage drives the second moving stage and the optical fiber to move in a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis or the output optical axis. The first moving stage drives the second moving stage and the optical fiber to move in a second direction. The second moving stage drives the optical fiber to move in a third direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the third direction, and both the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to the input optical axis or the output optical axis.

8. An optical switch, characterized in that, include: The input beam control array is formed by stacking multiple independent input beam control unit arrays. Each input beam control unit has its own corresponding input optical axis, and the input optical axis of each input beam control unit is set in the same direction. The output beam control array is formed by stacking multiple independent output beam control unit arrays. Each output beam control unit has its own corresponding output optical axis. Each input beam control unit is configured to correspond to one output beam control unit. The output optical axes of each output beam control unit are arranged in the same direction. The first reflecting mirror is used so that the incident angle of the input beam control array is equal to the exit angle of the output beam control array, so that the beam output by the input beam control array is reflected by the first reflecting mirror to the output beam control array. The input beam control unit and the output beam control unit are each independently packaged in a strip module. Each of the input beam control unit and the output beam control unit includes an optical fiber, a collimating lens, and a first moving stage and a second moving stage connected together. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber is fixed on the second moving stage. The first moving stage and the second moving stage are configured to adjust the moving distance of the optical fiber by a piezoelectric ceramic driving element. The first moving stage drives the second moving stage and the optical fiber to move in a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis or the output optical axis. The first moving stage drives the second moving stage and the optical fiber to move in a second direction. The second moving stage drives the optical fiber to move in a third direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the third direction, and both the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to the input optical axis or the output optical axis.

9. An optical switch, characterized in that, include: The input beam control array is formed by stacking multiple independent input beam control unit arrays. Each input beam control unit has its own corresponding input optical axis, and the input optical axis of each input beam control unit is set in the same direction. The output beam control array is formed by stacking multiple independent output beam control unit arrays. Each output beam control unit has its own corresponding output optical axis. Each input beam control unit is configured to correspond to one output beam control unit. The output optical axes of each output beam control unit are all set in the same direction. The second and third reflectors are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the plane between the input beam control array and the output beam control array, with the plane between them being the plane of symmetry. 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. 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 plane of symmetry. The input beam control unit and the output beam control unit are each independently packaged in a strip module. Each of the input beam control unit and the output beam control unit includes an optical fiber, a collimating lens, and a first moving stage and a second moving stage connected together. The end of the optical fiber is close to the front focal plane of the collimating lens. The optical fiber is fixed on the second moving stage. The first moving stage and the second moving stage are configured to adjust the moving distance of the optical fiber by a piezoelectric ceramic driving element. The first moving stage drives the second moving stage and the optical fiber to move in a plane perpendicular to the input optical axis or the output optical axis. The first moving stage drives the second moving stage and the optical fiber to move in a second direction. The second moving stage drives the optical fiber to move in a third direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the third direction, and both the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to the input optical axis or the output optical axis.

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