Three-dimensional magnetic control space optical switch device
By using a three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device, which utilizes magnetohydrodynamics and electromagnets to control the optical path, the problems of large size and high cost of optical switching devices are solved, achieving miniaturization and flexible optical path control, which is suitable for fiber optic transmission systems and network testing.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511041329.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing optical switching devices suffer from problems such as large size and high cost, and are particularly lacking in miniaturization and widespread application.
A three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device is adopted. It utilizes the arrangement change of magnetic particles of magnetofluid under an external magnetic field to switch the optical path by controlling the direction of the magnetic field. Micro-nano optical fibers are used for transmission, and electromagnets and light intensity decision devices are combined to realize the on and off control of the optical path.
It achieves miniaturization and cost reduction of optical switches, enables flexible control of optical power in different directions, reduces optical energy loss, and is suitable for fiber optic transmission systems and network testing.
Smart Images
Figure CN121098302A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to spatial optical switches, specifically a three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device. Background Technology
[0002] An optical switch is an optical path conversion device. In fiber optic transmission systems, optical switches are used for switching between multiple monitors, LANs, multiple light sources, detectors, and protected Ethernet. In fiber optic testing systems, they are used for testing fiber optics, fiber optic equipment, and networks, as well as fiber optic sensing multi-point monitoring systems. It is a device with one or more selectable transmission windows that can perform mutual conversion or logical operations on optical signals in optical transmission lines or integrated optical paths. Based on different optical switching principles, there are various methods for implementing optical switches, such as: traditional mechanical optical switches, micromechanical optical switches, thermo-optic switches, electro-optic switches, and acousto-optic switches. These optical switches play different roles in different applications, but each also has its own disadvantages. For example, mechanical optical switches are relatively large and not suitable for use in small spaces; electro-optic switches have unique advantages, but their manufacturing cost is high, making them less suitable for widespread use. To address these shortcomings, a three-channel spatial magnetically controlled optical switch device based on magnetohydrodynamics is proposed. This device, fabricated on micro / nano fiber, has a smaller optical switch size, and the components are relatively common and low-cost, thus overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of large size and high cost.
[0003] This invention discloses a three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device. The three-channel magnetically controlled optical switch utilizes the characteristic that the morphology of magnetic particles changes with the direction of the magnetic field to achieve optical switching under the condition of an external magnetic field. The input light is blocked or output normally through the chain arrangement of magnetic particles. The direction is mainly controlled by the magnetic particles in the device and the external magnetic field. This device uses micro-nano optical fiber for transmission, which is smaller in volume than a planar waveguide, reducing the size of the system and miniaturizing the system. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The optical switching problem studied in this invention is a magnetically controlled optical switch device based on a three-dimensional direction of a magnetic fluid. The purpose is to provide a magnetically controlled optical switch that is simple in structure, low in cost, and small in size.
[0005] A three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device includes electromagnet one (1), electromagnet two (2), electromagnet three (3), light source one (4), light source two (5), light source three (6), collimating mirror one (7), collimating mirror two (8), collimating mirror three (9), a three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity (10), converging mirror one (11), converging mirror two (12), converging mirror three (13), light intensity decision device one (14), light intensity decision device two (15), and light intensity decision device three (16). The three light sources are located in front of the three input ports of the three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity, which can emit light and couple the light into the three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity through the three collimating mirrors. After passing through the area filled with magnetofluid, the light is transmitted out through the three converging mirrors. The three light intensity decision devices are located after the three output ports of the three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity, which are used to receive light, measure the light power of each channel, and make decisions on the opening and closing of the optical path channels. Three pairs of electromagnets are fixed on both sides of the three optical channels in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively, to regulate the magnetic poles of the electromagnets to form a specific magnetic field.
[0006] A three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device involves light emitted from a light source first being coupled into a three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity via a collimating lens. The light then passes through a channel within the cavity, traversing the magnetofluid region, and is finally focused by a converging lens onto a light intensity decision device. The alignment of magnetic particles within the magnetofluid region of the three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity is related to the external magnetic field. When the light propagation direction is parallel to the alignment of the magnetic particles, the propagation path in the magnetofluid is relatively large relative to the occupied space of the magnetic particles. Conversely, if the angle between them is perpendicular, the propagation path is relatively small relative to the occupied space of the magnetic particles. Therefore, by controlling different directions of the magnetic field, the alignment of the magnetic particles can be controlled for different channels, thereby controlling the optical power of each channel. Since the light transmittance of a beam propagating along the magnetic field direction into the magnetofluid increases with the increase of the applied magnetic field within a certain range, when the light transmittance reaches a certain value, the light intensity decision device determines whether the light path is open; otherwise, it is closed. By adjusting the magnetic field strength generated by three electromagnets, the on / off state of the three optical paths in the X, Y, and Z directions can be achieved.
[0007] The collimating lens and converging lens are typically composed of convex lenses or lens groups with appropriate focal lengths and apertures. They use the principle of refraction to correct the light path. The collimating lens can couple the light emitted from the light source into the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity, and the converging lens can focus the light into the light intensity decision device to minimize the loss of light energy.
[0008] The electromagnets are fixed in the same direction as the optical channel, and each pair of electromagnets is installed in each channel with parallel and consistent magnetic poles. The magnetic field strength of the channel is controlled by energizing the magnetic poles, thereby achieving the function of an optical switch. During operation, only one pair of electromagnets is activated each time, that is, only one optical channel is activated.
[0009] The described three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity includes three input optical fibers, three output optical fibers, a star-shaped capillary tube, and magnetohydrodynamic fluid. Each optical fiber port must be inserted into the star-shaped capillary tube, and the input and output optical fibers must be centered. The gap between the capillary tube and the optical fibers must be sealed with sealant to prevent magnetohydrodynamic fluid leakage. The input and output optical fibers are multimode optical fibers, with a loss at each connection not exceeding 0.03 dB. The magnetohydrodynamic fluid is water-based, and the magnetic nanoparticles are Fe3O4.
[0010] In some feasible schemes, it is first assumed that a pair of electromagnets are activated in the same X-axis direction. Then, the magnetic flux direction in the region containing the magnetohydrodynamic fluid is the X-axis. When a beam of light passes through the X, Y, and Z directions at the same time, the light power loss received in the X direction is small due to the effect of the magnetic flux, while the light power loss received in the Y and Z axis directions is large. Accordingly, the closed state in the X-axis direction and the open state in the Y and Z axis directions can be controlled.
[0011] In some feasible schemes, it is first assumed that a pair of electromagnets are activated in the same Y-axis direction. Then, the magnetic flux direction in the region containing the magnetohydrodynamic fluid is the Y-axis. When a beam of light passes through the X, Y, and Z directions at the same time, the light power loss received in the Y-axis direction is smaller due to the effect of the magnetic flux, while the light power loss received in the X and Z-axis directions is larger. Accordingly, the closed state in the Y-axis direction and the open state in the X and Z-axis directions can be controlled.
[0012] In some feasible schemes, it is first assumed that a pair of electromagnets are activated in the same Z-axis direction. Then, the magnetic flux direction in the region containing the magnetohydrodynamic fluid is the Z-axis. When a beam of light passes through the X, Y, and Z directions at the same time, due to the effect of the magnetic flux, the light power loss received in the Y direction is small, while the light power loss received in the X and Y axis directions is large. Accordingly, the closed state in the Z-axis direction and the open state in the X and Y axis directions can be controlled. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a 3D holographic diagram of a magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device, showing the installation locations of each component. Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity structure diagram, showing the structural details of the device.
[0014] Figure 1 In the middle: Electromagnet 1 (1), Electromagnet 2 (2), Electromagnet 3 (3), Light source 1 (4), Light source 2 (5), Light source 3 (6), Collimating mirror 1 (7), Collimating mirror 2 (8), Collimating mirror 3 (9), Three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity (10), Converging mirror 1 (11), Converging mirror 2 (12), Converging mirror 3 (13), Light intensity decision device 1 (14), Light intensity decision device 2 (15), Light intensity decision device 3 (16).
[0015] Figure 2 In the middle: input optical fiber (1-1)(1-2)(1-3), output optical fiber (2-1)(2-2)(2-3), cross-shaped capillary (3), magnetohydrodynamic fluid (4). Detailed Implementation
[0016] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0017] See Figure 1 As shown, a three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device is characterized by comprising an electromagnet one (1), an electromagnet two (2), an electromagnet three (3), a light source one (4), a light source two (5), a light source three (6), a collimating lens one (7), a collimating lens two (8), a collimating lens three (9), a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity (10), a converging lens one (11), a converging lens two (12), a converging lens three (13), a light intensity decision device one (14), a light intensity decision device two (15), and a light intensity decision device three (16).
[0018] Furthermore, three light sources are located in front of the three input ports of the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) cavity. These sources emit light, which is then coupled into the cavity by three collimating mirrors. After passing through the MHD-filled region, the light is transmitted out through three converging mirrors. Three light intensity decision devices are located after the three output ports of the MHD cavity. These devices receive light, measure the optical power of each channel, and determine whether the optical path channels are open or closed. Three pairs of electromagnets are fixed to both sides of the three optical channels in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively, to control the magnetic poles of the electromagnets to form specific magnetic fields.
[0019] Furthermore, the light emitted from the light source first passes through a collimating lens to couple into a three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity. The light then passes through a channel within the cavity, traversing the magnetofluid region, and is finally focused by a converging lens onto a light intensity decision device. Within the capillary tubes of the three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity, particles in the magnetofluid are acted upon by magnetic forces, aligning along the direction of the magnetic force. When the angle between the light transmission direction and the magnetic particle alignment direction is 0°, the proportion of the light transmission path relative to the magnetic particle chain is large. As the angle between the magnetic force and the light transmission direction gradually increases, the proportion of the light transmission path relative to the magnetic particle chain gradually decreases. Since the light transmittance of a beam of light propagating along the magnetic field direction into the magnetofluid increases with the applied magnetic field within a certain range, when the light transmittance reaches a certain value, the light intensity decision device determines whether the light path is open; otherwise, it is closed. By adjusting the magnetic field strength generated by three electromagnets, the on / off state of the three light paths in the X, Y, and Z directions can be achieved. Therefore, the optical power of different directional channels can be controlled by controlling the magnitude of the magnetic field, thus acting as an optical switch. Furthermore, the magnetic poles of the electromagnet can be adjusted to allow the channels between them to switch in turn.
[0020] Furthermore, collimating lenses and converging lenses are typically composed of convex lenses or lens groups with appropriate focal lengths and apertures. They use the principle of refraction to correct the light path. Collimating lenses can couple the light emitted from the light source into a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity, while converging lenses can focus the light into the light intensity decision device, minimizing the loss of light energy.
[0021] Furthermore, the electromagnets are fixed in the same direction as the optical channel, and it is ensured that the magnetic poles of each pair of electromagnets installed in each channel are parallel and fixed in a consistent manner. The magnetic field strength of the channel is controlled by energizing the magnetic poles, thereby achieving the function of an optical switch. During operation, only one pair of electromagnets is activated each time, that is, only one optical channel is activated.
[0022] See Figure 2 As shown, a device for a three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch is characterized by a three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity comprising an input optical fiber (1-1)(1-2)(1-3), an output optical fiber (2-1)(2-2)(2-3), a star-shaped capillary (3), and a magnetofluid (4).
[0023] Each fiber optic port needs to be inserted into the star-shaped capillary tube. The input and output fibers should be aligned in the center. The gap between the capillary tube and the fiber should be sealed with sealant to prevent the magnetic fluid from flowing out.
[0024] Furthermore, the multimode fiber used in both the input and output optical fibers has a loss of no more than 0.03 dB at each connection point.
[0025] Furthermore, the magnetorheological fluid is water-based, and the magnetic particles are mainly Fe3O4.
[0026] See Figure 1 A three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device, specifically including the following manufacturing steps:
[0027] 1. Three light sources are located in front of the three input ports of the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity.
[0028] 2. The three light intensity decision devices are located after the three output ports of the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity.
[0029] 3. Three pairs of electromagnets are fixed on both sides of the three optical channels in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively, with the placement direction perpendicular to the optical channels.
[0030] 4. Fix the focal point of the collimating lens at the input port of the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity.
[0031] 5. Fix the focal point of the converging lens at the input port of the light intensity decision device.
[0032] See Figure 2 In a three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device, the three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity specifically includes the following fabrication steps:
[0033] 1. Take a multimode optical fiber, remove the outer coating layer, and use a non-woven cloth soaked in a mixture of alcohol and ether to repeatedly wipe the outer cladding of the optical fiber.
[0034] 2. Use a fiber optic fusion splicer to fuse the same diameter star-shaped capillary tubes and multimode optical fibers together.
[0035] 3. In the magnetic fluid region, UV adhesive is needed to encapsulate the magnetic fluid at the intersection of the optical channels.
[0036] The working process of the present invention has been described in detail above. For those skilled in the art, there may be changes in the specific implementation based on the ideas provided by the present invention, and these changes should also be considered as part of the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device, characterized in that, The system includes electromagnet 1 (1), electromagnet 2 (2), electromagnet 3 (3), light source 1 (4), light source 2 (5), light source 3 (6), collimating mirror 1 (7), collimating mirror 2 (8), collimating mirror 3 (9), a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity (10), converging mirror 1 (11), converging mirror 2 (12), converging mirror 3 (13), light intensity decision device 1 (14), light intensity decision device 2 (15), and light intensity decision device 3 (16). Three light sources are located in front of the three input ports of the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity, emitting light which is then coupled into the cavity by the three collimating mirrors. After passing through the magnetohydrodynamic region, the light is transmitted through the three converging mirrors. Three light intensity decision devices are located after the three output ports of the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity, used to receive light, measure the light power of each channel, and determine the opening and closing of the optical path channels. Three pairs of electromagnets are fixed on both sides of the three optical channels in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively, to regulate the magnetic poles of the electromagnets to form specific magnetic fields.
2. The three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Light emitted from the light source first passes through a collimating lens to couple into a three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity. The light then passes through a channel within the cavity, traversing the magnetofluid region, and is finally focused by a converging lens onto a light intensity decision device. The alignment of magnetic particles within the magnetofluid region of the three-dimensional magnetofluid cavity is related to the external magnetic field. When the light propagation direction is parallel to the alignment of the magnetic particles, the propagation path in the magnetofluid has a larger relative space occupied by the magnetic particles. Conversely, if the angle between them is perpendicular, the propagation path in the magnetofluid has a smaller relative space occupied by the magnetic particles. Therefore, by controlling different directions of the magnetic field, the alignment of the magnetic particles can be controlled for different channels, thereby controlling the light power of each channel. Since the light transmittance of a beam propagating along the magnetic field direction increases with the increase of the applied magnetic field within a certain range, when the light transmittance reaches a certain value, the light intensity decision device determines whether the light path is open; otherwise, it is closed. By adjusting the magnetic field strength generated by three electromagnets, the on / off state of the three light paths in the X, Y, and Z directions can be achieved.
3. The three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Collimating lenses and converging lenses are typically composed of convex lenses or lens groups with appropriate focal lengths and apertures. They use the principle of refraction to correct the light path. Collimating lenses can couple the light emitted from the light source into a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity, while converging lenses can focus the light into the light intensity decision device to minimize the loss of light energy.
4. The three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electromagnets are fixed in the same direction as the optical channel, and each pair of electromagnets is installed in each channel with parallel and consistent magnetic poles. The magnetic field strength of the channel is controlled by energizing the magnetic poles, thereby achieving the function of an optical switch. During operation, only one pair of electromagnets is activated each time, that is, only one optical channel is activated.
5. The three-dimensional magnetically controlled spatial optical switch device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic cavity is characterized by comprising three input optical fibers, three output optical fibers, a star-shaped capillary tube, and magnetohydrodynamic fluid. Each optical fiber port must be inserted into the corresponding port within the capillary cavity. The input and output optical fibers must be centered, and the gap between the capillary tube and the optical fibers must be sealed with sealant to prevent magnetohydrodynamic fluid leakage. The input and output optical fibers are multimode optical fibers, and the loss at each connection point should be minimized.