Microminiature multichannel 1*N integrated optical switch

Abstract

The invention provides a subminiature multichannel 1 * N integrated optical switch, and relates to the technical field of optical communication and optical testing. The device comprises a collimation optical fiber array, a single-core collimator and a horizontal moving mechanism composed of a driving motor, a motor screw and a sliding table, and the collimation optical fiber array and the single-core collimator are coaxially arranged and located on the same horizontal line. And the horizontal moving mechanism moves along the one-dimensional direction, so that any channel is accurately aligned with the single-core collimator, and multi-channel optical path switching is realized. According to the device, the insertion loss can be remarkably reduced under a subminiature structure, the channel consistency is improved, and the size is reduced, so that the 1 * N optical switch which is high in performance, low in cost and easy to integrate is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of optical communication and optical testing technology, and in particular to an ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch. Background Technology

[0002] Optical switches are a mature type of optical device, primarily used for optical switching and interconnection in optical networks. Currently, traditional mechanical optical switches mainly use a motor to move a single-core collimator, sequentially aligning it with N single-core collimators on the other side to achieve switching between different channels. While the structure is simple, the output fiber channel composed of N single-core collimators is relatively large, with adjacent channels spaced at the centimeter level. The arrangement range is wide, and as the number of channels increases, the overall size and weight also increase. Furthermore, each single-core collimator is fixed to the base using an adhesive process, which can easily lead to slight displacement after curing, affecting optical path loss. The loss consistency between each channel is also poor, severely limiting the application of mechanical optical switches. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide an ultra-small multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch. By adopting a coaxial arrangement of a collimated fiber array and a single-core collimator, and combining it with a one-dimensional horizontal movement mechanism to achieve precise alignment, it can complete stable switching of multi-channel optical paths in an ultra-small structure, significantly reducing insertion loss, improving channel consistency and reducing overall size, thereby realizing a high-performance, low-cost and easy-to-integrate 1×N optical switch device.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: An ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch includes: a collimated fiber array, a single-core collimator, and a horizontal moving mechanism consisting of a drive motor, a motor screw, and a slide. The collimated fiber array and the single-core collimator are arranged opposite to each other and located on the same horizontal line. The horizontal moving mechanism is used to drive a component fixed to the horizontal moving mechanism to move along a one-dimensional direction of the horizontal line, so that any channel in the collimated fiber array is axially aligned with the single-core collimator to achieve switching between different optical paths; N in 1×N is an integer greater than 1.

[0005] Preferably, the value of N satisfies 1 < N ≤ 128.

[0006] Preferably, the collimated fiber array includes a fiber array and a microlens array, wherein the fiber array and the microlens array are coaxially arranged in the light transmission direction and are coupled in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0007] Preferably, the fiber array consists of a V-groove disposed on a glass substrate, multiple optical fibers inserted into the V-groove, and an optical fiber cover plate covering the optical fibers.

[0008] Preferably, the microlens array is disposed on a silicon substrate and is formed by etching according to the designed lens parameters, and corresponds one-to-one with the channel of the optical fiber array in spatial position.

[0009] Preferably, the V-shaped groove is provided with N slots at equal intervals along a one-dimensional direction, and each slot accommodates one optical fiber.

[0010] Preferably, the spacing between adjacent slots is an integer multiple of 125 μm.

[0011] Preferably, the number of lenses in the microlens array is the same as the number of optical fibers in the optical fiber array, and the arrangement direction is consistent with the slot spacing of the V-groove.

[0012] Preferably, the single-core collimator is fixed on a fixed clamping arm, and the collimating fiber array is fixed on a sliding table.

[0013] Preferably, the horizontal moving mechanism fixes the single-core collimator, and the collimating fiber array is fixed on the base; the fiber array and the microlens array are fixed together by an adhesive process to form a stable collimating fiber array.

[0014] According to specific embodiments provided by the present invention, the present invention discloses the following technical effects: 1. The V-groove manufactured using etching technology has high positioning accuracy, small size, and high degree of integration; 2. The fiber array, composed of V-groove, optical fiber, and fiber cover plate, is small in size, highly integrated, and has good scalability; 3. Microlens arrays using etching processes exhibit good consistency, small size, and high precision; 4. The collimated fiber array, composed of fiber array and microlens array, has a compact structure, good stability, high optical path consistency, and good channel scalability; 5. The horizontal moving motor has high stability and the moving step is adjustable with high precision. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ultra-small multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A diagram of a collimated fiber array structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a diagram of a microlens array structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of optical path alignment provided for an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Drive motor; 2. Motor screw; 3. Slide table; 4. Fixed clamping arm; 5. Single-core collimator; 6. Collimating fiber array; 6-1. Fiber optic cable; 6-2. V-groove; 6-3. Fiber optic cover plate; 6-4. Microlens array. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch. It utilizes an optical fiber array and a microlens array designed and fabricated using integrated processes (photolithography) to form the output optical fiber channel. The input end employs a miniature single-core collimator, which is horizontally moved by a motor slide to align the input end with the output end, achieving switching between different optical paths. The entire optical path uses an optical fiber array and microlens array designed and fabricated based on photolithography technology. The spacing between adjacent optical channels is 125μm or an integer multiple of 125μm. It features high integration, small size, high positioning accuracy, convenient channel expansion, and extremely high consistency of optical path loss across all channels.

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the right side of the ultra-small multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch module in this embodiment is a drive motor 1, which drives a motor screw 2 to rotate at a constant speed during operation. The motor screw 2 has evenly distributed fine threads. The slide 3 is made of metal, and the motor screw 2 passes through a through hole in the center of the slide 3. The threads of the through hole in the slide 3 are tightly engaged with the threads on the motor screw 2. The constant speed rotation of the motor screw 2 drives the slide 3 to move at a constant speed in the horizontal direction. The working step of the drive motor 1 is adjustable, which can achieve precise control of the displacement step of the slide 3.

[0022] Figure 1The single-core collimator 5 is fixed on the fixed clamp arm 4, which is fixed to the base with screws. The collimating fiber array 6 is fixed on the slide table 3. The horizontal movement of the slide table 3 drives the horizontal displacement of the collimating fiber array 6, achieving alignment of any optical path channel with the single-core collimator 5, which is on the same horizontal line.

[0023] Figure 2 The optical fiber 6-1 is placed in the V-groove 6-2. Each slot in the V-groove 6-2 holds one optical fiber 6-1. The spacing between adjacent slots is 125μm, or an integer multiple of 125μm, or other customized distances. The optical fiber cover plate 6-3 is placed on top. The optical fiber 6-1, V-groove 6-2 and optical fiber cover plate 6-3 are combined into an optical fiber array by adhesive bonding.

[0024] Figure 2 6-4 is a microlens array, with each microlens corresponding one-to-one with each optical fiber. The microlens array 6-4, together with the optical fiber array, forms a collimated optical fiber array through an adhesive bonding process.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a microlens array, which is made by etching N optical lenses with the same surface shape and parameters on a silicon substrate.

[0026] like Figure 4 As shown, in this example, N=6. The left side is the collimating fiber array 6, and the right side is the single-core collimator 5. The collimated light input to the single-core collimator 5 is converged into the corresponding fiber of the fiber array after passing through the microlens array of the collimating fiber array 6. By moving the collimating fiber array 6 and aligning any channel in the collimating fiber array 6 with the single-core collimator 5, switching between different optical channels can be achieved.

[0027] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0028] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch, comprising: A collimated fiber array, a single-core collimator, and a horizontal moving mechanism consisting of a drive motor, a motor screw, and a slide table are characterized in that the collimated fiber array and the single-core collimator are arranged opposite to each other and located on the same horizontal line; the horizontal moving mechanism is used to drive a component fixed to the horizontal moving mechanism to move along a one-dimensional direction of the horizontal line, so that any channel in the collimated fiber array is axially aligned with the single-core collimator to achieve switching between different optical paths; N in 1×N is an integer greater than 1.

2. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The value of N satisfies 1 < N ≤ 128.

3. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collimated fiber array includes a fiber array and a microlens array. The fiber array and the microlens array are coaxially arranged in the light transmission direction and are coupled in a one-to-one correspondence.

4. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fiber array consists of a V-groove disposed on a glass substrate, multiple optical fibers inserted into the V-groove, and an optical fiber cover plate covering the optical fibers.

5. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The microlens array is disposed on a silicon substrate and is formed by etching according to the designed lens parameters, and corresponds one-to-one with the channel of the optical fiber array in spatial position.

6. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The V-shaped groove has N slots evenly spaced along a one-dimensional direction, and each slot can accommodate one optical fiber.

7. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 6, characterized in that, The spacing between adjacent slots is an integer multiple of 125 μm.

8. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of lenses in the microlens array is the same as the number of optical fibers in the optical fiber array, and their arrangement direction is consistent with the spacing between the V-grooves.

9. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The single-core collimator is fixed on the fixed clamping arm, and the collimating fiber array is fixed on the slide table.

10. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The horizontal moving mechanism fixes the single-core collimator, and the collimating fiber array is fixed on the base; the fiber array and the microlens array are fixed together by an adhesive process to form a stable collimating fiber array.

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