Optical path design method of OCS equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses an optical path design method of OCS equipment, and belongs to the technical field of optical communication and optical switching equipment. According to the method, an incident side optical fiber array and a lens array are arranged in OCS equipment, multiple paths of incident light are collimated and then projected to a set of micro-mirror array, and the incident light is reflected and switched through the micro-mirror array, so that the reflected light is directly coupled to enter a target optical fiber core in a multi-core collimator arranged on a light emitting side, and the light emitting side of the OCS equipment is directly coupled to the target optical fiber core. And optical path connection between different optical ports is realized. The multi-core collimator is adopted to replace an optical fiber array, a lens array and a micro-mirror array structure on a traditional light emitting side, the number of optical assemblies is reduced, the requirement for the deflection angle of a micro-mirror is lowered, the optical path structure is simplified, the system reliability is improved, the equipment cost is reduced, and the all-optical cross switching equipment is suitable for large-scale ports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical communication and optical switching equipment technology, and more specifically, to an optical path design method for an OCS device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous expansion of data center scale and the development of high-speed optical communication networks, higher requirements are placed on optical switching equipment in terms of port quantity, switching flexibility, and energy consumption. Optical Circuit Switches (OCS) have become an important equipment form in data center interconnects and backbone optical networks because they can achieve large-scale optical path switching within the optical domain and avoid bandwidth bottlenecks caused by photoelectric conversion.

[0003] Existing OCS (Optical Channel Switching) devices typically employ microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) micromirror arrays based on free-space optical paths to achieve optical path switching. A typical structure generally includes an input-side fiber array, lens array, and micromirror array, as well as corresponding micromirror arrays, lens arrays, and fiber arrays on the output side. Multiple optical signals are output from the input-side fiber array, collimated by the lens array, and then incident on the first set of micromirror arrays. The beam direction is controlled by micromirror deflection, and the signals are then reflected by the second set of micromirror arrays and coupled to the output-side fiber array, thus completing the connection between different optical ports.

[0004] However, in the aforementioned existing technical solutions, the port spacing of the fiber array on the light-emitting side is typically large, generally greater than 1 mm. To ensure accurate coupling of the reflected beam to the target fiber port, the micromirror units in the micromirror array need to have a large deflection angle, typically ±4° to ±8° or even higher. A large micromirror deflection angle not only increases the difficulty of MEMS micromirror structure design and drive control but also easily introduces mechanical fatigue and reliability issues, thus adversely affecting the long-term stable operation of the device.

[0005] In addition, existing OCS equipment typically requires a complete set of fiber arrays, lens arrays, and micromirror arrays to be configured on the input and output sides, respectively. The large number of optical components and the complex structure result in a large system size, cumbersome assembly and debugging process, and high manufacturing and maintenance costs. These problems are even more prominent in large-scale port applications, which restricts the further development of OCS equipment in the direction of high density and low cost.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an optical path design method for OCS devices to solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background section and to provide an optical path design method for OCS devices, applicable to all-optical cross-connect switches (OCS), comprising the following steps: Multiple incident beams are collimated by passing them through an optical fiber array and a lens array on the incident side, so that each collimated beam is incident on the same micromirror array. According to the optical path switching requirements, the corresponding micromirror units in the micromirror array are deflected so that each incident light is reflected by the micromirror unit and directly coupled into the target fiber core in the multi-core collimator set on the light output side. The corresponding optical signal is output through the multi-core collimator, thereby realizing the optical path switching between different optical ports in the OCS device.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the OCS device is equipped with only one micromirror array, which simultaneously undertakes the functions of incident light reflection and optical path switching.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the light-emitting side does not have an optical fiber array, lens array and micromirror array, but uses at least one multi-core collimator as the light-emitting structure.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: each incident light, after being reflected by the micromirror array, directly enters a single optical fiber core in the multi-core collimator, realizing a point-to-point optical path connection. The incident light is assembled from single micromirror chip packages by the micromirror array.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the spacing between the fiber cores in the multi-core collimator is smaller than the port spacing of a traditional single-core fiber array.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the spacing between adjacent fiber cores in the multi-core collimator is less than 125μm.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: because a multi-core collimator is used as the light output structure, the deflection angle required by the micromirror unit to complete the optical path switching is smaller than the deflection angle when using a traditional light output fiber array structure.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the multi-core collimator is a single multi-core collimator, or a multi-core collimator array formed by multiple multi-core collimators arranged in parallel.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the multiple multi-core collimators are arranged in parallel to carry the output optical signals of different port groups respectively, so as to expand the optical port scale of the OCS device.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention: the multi-core collimator is a commercially mature optical device, and its input end is directly aligned and coupled with the reflected light path of the micromirror array in free space.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, this invention introduces a multi-core collimator as the optical structure on the output side of the OCS device, replacing the traditional combination of fiber arrays, lens arrays, and micromirror arrays on the output side. This significantly simplifies the overall optical path structure of the OCS device. Compared to existing solutions that require multiple sets of optical components on both the input and output sides, this invention only requires one fiber array, one lens array, and one micromirror array to complete the optical path switching. This reduces the number of optical components, lowers the complexity of the system structure, and simplifies the assembly, debugging, and maintenance of the device, facilitating compact and modular design.

[0018] This invention employs high-density fiber cores arranged in a multi-core collimator as the output port. Because the fiber core spacing is significantly smaller than that of traditional single-core fiber arrays, the deflection angle required for the micromirror array to complete optical path switching is significantly reduced. This reduction in micromirror deflection angle not only decreases the driving difficulty and control complexity of MEMS micromirrors but also helps improve the mechanical reliability and lifespan of the micromirror structure, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of the OCS device during long-term operation.

[0019] Furthermore, multi-core collimators, as mature commercial optical devices, offer excellent process consistency and cost advantages. This invention, by introducing a multi-core collimator to replace multiple optical components on the output side, effectively reduces the manufacturing cost and system power consumption of the equipment while ensuring optical switching performance. It is particularly suitable for large-port-scale OCS equipment applications and has good engineering feasibility and industrialization potential. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the method of the present invention; Figure 2 This is the optical path diagram of the present invention; Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the following description is provided in conjunction with embodiments and appendices. Figures 1-2 The present invention will be further described in detail below. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0022] Example 1: Referring to the accompanying drawings, the specific implementation of the optical path design method for an OCS device provided by the present invention will be described below. This embodiment uses... Figure 1 The optical path structure shown is used as an example for illustration, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0023] like Figures 1-2As shown, the OCS device of the present invention includes an input optical fiber array 10, a lens array 20, a micromirror array 30, and an output multi-core collimator arranged sequentially, wherein the above optical components are arranged sequentially along the light propagation direction and located in the same free space optical path.

[0024] The incident optical fiber array 10 is used to receive multiple incident optical signals A1, A2, ..., An from different input ports, and each incident light is output from the corresponding optical fiber in the optical fiber array 10. The output end of the optical fiber array 10 is arranged opposite to the lens array 20. The lens array 20 is used to collimate the multiple diverging lights from the optical fiber array 10, so that each beam forms a basically parallel collimated beam in free space and is projected onto the region where the micromirror array 30 is located according to a predetermined spatial distribution.

[0025] The micromirror array 30 is a MEMS micromirror array with multiple independently deflectable micromirror units M1, M2, ..., Mn, each corresponding to a single incident light beam. Each collimated light beam, after passing through the lens array 20, is incident on its corresponding micromirror unit M1, M2, ..., Mn. Driven by a control signal, the micromirror unit deflects the incident light at a predetermined angle, thereby reflecting it towards the target direction.

[0026] Unlike existing OCS devices that employ fiber arrays, lens arrays, and micromirror arrays on the light-emitting side, this invention uses only a multi-core collimator as the light-emitting structure in the reflected light path direction of the micromirror array 30. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the multi-core collimator includes a multi-core collimator body 41 and a plurality of optical fiber cores 42 disposed therein. Each optical fiber core is arranged in a high-density manner, and the spacing between adjacent optical fiber cores is smaller than the port spacing of a traditional single-core optical fiber array, preferably less than 125μm.

[0027] In this embodiment, each incident light, after being reflected by its corresponding micromirror unit, is directly coupled into a selected single fiber core 42 in the multi-core collimator, thereby forming a point-to-point optical path connection from the input fiber array 10 to the output multi-core collimator. By controlling the deflection state of each micromirror unit in the micromirror array 30, different incident lights can be selectively coupled to different fiber cores in the multi-core collimator, enabling free switching between optical ports in the OCS device.

[0028] Because the spacing between the fiber cores in the multi-core collimator is significantly smaller than the port spacing of a traditional output fiber array, the deflection angle required for the micromirror unit to complete optical path switching is correspondingly reduced. This lowers the difficulty of driving the micromirrors and improves the reliability and lifespan of the micromirror array. Furthermore, since this embodiment only uses one micromirror array 30, the second micromirror array on the output side, along with its corresponding lens array and fiber array, is eliminated, simplifying the overall optical path structure and reducing the difficulty of system assembly and debugging.

[0029] In this embodiment, the multi-core collimator can be a single structure to carry all output ports, or multiple multi-core collimators can be arranged in parallel to form a multi-core collimator array, depending on the port scale requirements of the OCS device. Different multi-core collimators correspond to different port groups to expand the optical switching scale. The multi-core collimator can be a readily available commercial optical device, and its input end is directly aligned and coupled to the reflected light path of the micromirror array 30 in free space, thereby ensuring optical path stability and coupling efficiency.

[0030] Through the above-described structure and optical path design method, this invention effectively reduces the deflection angle requirement of the micromirror array, reduces the number of optical components, lowers system cost, and improves the overall reliability and engineering feasibility of the device while ensuring the optical switching function of the OCS device.

[0031] Example 2: In another example, the optical path design method of the OCS device provided by the present invention is also applied to the all-optical cross-connect switch based on free space optical path. Its overall optical path structure and working principle are basically the same as those of the above examples. The difference is that multiple multi-core collimators are arranged in parallel on the output side to adapt to the optical path switching requirements of a larger number of optical ports.

[0032] Specifically, as shown in the attached figure, the light-incident side still includes an optical fiber array 10 and a lens array 20. Multiple incident light signals are output from the optical fiber array 10 and collimated by the lens array 20 before being incident on the micromirror array 30. The micromirror array 30 is still a MEMS micromirror array, on which multiple independently deflectable micromirror units M1, M2, ..., Mn are arranged. Under the drive of the control signal, each micromirror unit reflects and adjusts the direction of the incident light accordingly.

[0033] In this embodiment, multiple multi-core collimators are arranged in the reflected optical path direction of the micromirror array 30. The multi-core collimators are arranged side by side to form a multi-core collimator array. Each multi-core collimator includes a multi-core collimator body 41 and multiple optical fiber cores 42 disposed inside it. Different multi-core collimators are used to carry the output optical signals of different port groups, so as to realize the expansion of the overall optical port scale of the OCS device.

[0034] During optical path switching, each incident light, after being reflected by its corresponding micromirror unit, is guided to a selected multi-core collimator according to the deflection state of the micromirror unit, and further coupled into a designated fiber core 42 within that multi-core collimator, thereby achieving optical path connection from the input fiber array 10 to different output ports B1, B2, ..., Bn. By precisely controlling the deflection angle of each micromirror unit in the micromirror array 30, the optical signal can be flexibly selected to enter different fiber cores within the same multi-core collimator, or to enter corresponding fiber cores in different multi-core collimators, enabling free switching between multiple ports.

[0035] Because the fiber cores in each multi-core collimator employ a high-density arrangement, their fiber core spacing is significantly smaller than the port spacing of traditional single-core fiber arrays. Therefore, even in multi-core collimator array applications, the deflection angle required for the micromirror unit to complete optical path switching remains small, thus ensuring the reliability and stability of the micromirror array 30. Furthermore, by employing multiple multi-core collimators arranged in parallel, this embodiment expands the port size of the OCS device without increasing the number of micromirror arrays, further demonstrating the flexibility and engineering adaptability of the optical path design method of this invention in large-scale optical switching applications.

[0036] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Equivalent modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principles of the present invention should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for optical path design of an OCS device, characterized in that, When applied to an all-optical cross-connect switch (OCS), the following steps are included: Multiple incident beams are collimated by passing them through an optical fiber array and a lens array on the incident side, so that each collimated beam is incident on the same micromirror array. According to the optical path switching requirements, the corresponding micromirror units in the micromirror array are deflected so that each incident light is reflected by the micromirror unit and directly coupled into the target fiber core in the multi-core collimator set on the light output side. The corresponding optical signal is output through the multi-core collimator, thereby realizing the optical path switching between different optical ports in the OCS device.

2. The optical path design method for the OCS device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The OCS device is equipped with only one micromirror array, which simultaneously performs the functions of reflecting incident light and switching optical paths.

3. The optical path design method for the OCS device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The light-emitting side does not have fiber arrays, lens arrays, or micromirror arrays; instead, it uses at least one multi-core collimator as the light-emitting structure.

4. The optical path design method for the OCS device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each incident light, after being reflected by the micromirror array, directly enters a single fiber core in the multi-core collimator, realizing a point-to-point optical path connection. The incident light is assembled from single micromirror chip packages by the micromirror array.

5. The optical path design method for the OCS device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spacing between the fiber cores in the multi-core collimator is smaller than the port spacing of a traditional single-core fiber array.

6. The optical path design method for the OCS device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The spacing between adjacent fiber cores in the multi-core collimator is less than 125 μm.

7. The optical path design method for the OCS device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Because a multi-core collimator is used as the light-emitting structure, the deflection angle required for the micromirror unit to complete the optical path switching is smaller than the deflection angle when using a traditional light-emitting fiber array structure.

8. The optical path design method for the OCS device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-core collimator is a single multi-core collimator or a multi-core collimator array formed by multiple multi-core collimators arranged in parallel.

9. The optical path design method for the OCS device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The multiple multi-core collimators are arranged in parallel to carry the output optical signals of different port groups, thereby expanding the optical port scale of the OCS device.

10. The optical path design method for the OCS device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-core collimator is a commercially mature optical device, and its input end is directly aligned and coupled with the reflected light path of the micromirror array in free space.

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