Optical switching device and optical switching network

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides optical switching equipment and an optical switching network, and relates to the technical field of optical communication. The correction mode of the optical switching equipment is simple, consumed time is short, and when the optical switching equipment is applied to the optical switching network, the integration level of the optical switching network can be improved. The optical switching device comprises an optical switching assembly, a first infrared image sensor and a first optical transmission assembly. The optical switching assembly is used for outputting a first optical signal to the first optical transmission assembly; the first optical transmission assembly is used for outputting a first part of optical signals in the first optical signals and reflecting a second part of optical signals in the first optical signals to the first infrared image sensor; the first infrared image sensor is used for receiving a first image of the incident plane of the first optical transmission assembly, the first image comprises a light spot of the second part of optical signal, and the position of the light spot of the second part of optical signal in the first image is used for indicating the actual position of the first optical signal transmitted to the first optical transmission assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to an optical switching device and an optical switching network. Background Technology

[0002] In optical switching networks, optical switching equipment is typically used to manage optical signals. This equipment outputs the received optical signal through any one of multiple output ports. After prolonged use, the components within the optical switching equipment age, leading to output deviations. Specifically, these deviations occur when the optical switching equipment fails to accurately transmit the optical signal to the target output port, resulting in a reduction in the optical power of the output signal.

[0003] Currently, the method for correcting optical polarization in optical switching equipment involves connecting a photodiode to the output port of the equipment. The photodiode detects the optical power of the output signal, and other components within the switching equipment are adjusted to observe changes in optical power. The peak value of the optical power is then identified, and polarization correction is achieved. However, this method is complex and time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of this application provide an optical switching device and an optical switching network. The optical switching device has a simple correction method and a short processing time. When the optical switching device is applied in an optical switching network, it can improve the integration of the optical switching network.

[0005] In a first aspect, an optical switching device is provided, comprising: an optical switching component, a first infrared image sensor, and a first optical transmission component. The optical switching component outputs a first optical signal to the first optical transmission component; the first optical transmission component outputs a first portion of the first optical signal and reflects a second portion of the first optical signal to the first infrared image sensor; the first infrared image sensor receives a first image of the incident surface of the first optical transmission component, the first image including a spot of the second portion of the optical signal, the position of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal in the first image indicating the actual position where the first optical signal is transmitted to the first optical transmission component. In this optical switching device, the first image received by the first infrared image sensor includes a spot of the second portion of the optical signal, and the position of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal in the first image indicates the actual position where the first optical signal is transmitted to the first optical transmission component. When the optical switching device experiences output deviation due to prolonged power-on use, the actual position of the first optical signal transmitted to the first optical transmission component can be determined based on the position of the spot of the second part of the optical signal in the first image. Based on the actual position of the first optical signal transmitted to the first optical transmission component and the position corresponding to the target output port, the output deviation of the first optical signal can be easily determined, thereby correcting the optical switching device. This correction method is relatively simple and takes less time.

[0006] Optionally, the optical switching device further includes a processor; the processor is connected to a first infrared image sensor and to an optical switching component; the processor is used to receive a first image, determine adjustment parameters for the optical switching component based on the deviation between the position of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal in the first image and a target position, and transmit the adjustment parameters to the optical switching component; the target position is the position of the target output port of the first optical transmission component that outputs the first portion of the optical signal in the first image; the optical switching component is used to output the first optical signal to the position corresponding to the target output port on the incident surface of the optical transmission component according to the adjustment parameters. In this optional method, the processor determines the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component based on the deviation between the position of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal in the first image and the target position, which has high calculation speed and accuracy, thus improving the accuracy of the optical switching device.

[0007] Optionally, when the optical switching device is first powered on, the processor is also used to determine the target input port for the optical switching device to receive the first optical signal based on the parameters of the optical switching component and the actual location of the first optical signal transmitted to the first optical transmission component, thereby enabling the optical switching device to perform blind insertion.

[0008] Optionally, the processor is further configured to determine the loss of the first optical signal based on the spot size of the second optical signal. In this optional configuration, the spot size of the second optical signal is circular, which also indicates that the spot size of the first optical signal is circular. Specifically, when there is no obstruction on the transmission path of the first optical signal, the spot size of the second optical signal is circular; when there is an obstruction on the transmission path of the first optical signal, the spot size of the second optical signal will be distorted. Therefore, the processor can determine whether there is dirt or obstruction on the transmission path of the first optical signal based on the spot size of the second optical signal. The optical power of the first optical signal is related to the brightness of the spot size of the second optical signal. The processor can determine the maximum brightness of the second optical signal based on the distribution curve of the brightness of the spot size of the second optical signal, and determine the optical power of the second optical signal based on the maximum brightness. For example, if the processor determines the optical power of the second optical signal to be P1, and the ratio of the first optical signal to the second optical signal is known to be 99:1, then the processor can determine the optical power of the first optical signal to be 100 × P1. Specifically, when there is no coupling deviation in the transmission path of the first optical signal, the optical power of the first optical signal is greater than or equal to a threshold; when there is a coupling deviation in the transmission path of the first optical signal, the optical power of the first optical signal is less than the threshold. Therefore, the processor can determine whether a coupling deviation occurs in the transmission optical path of the first optical signal based on the optical power of the first optical signal. The coupling deviation of the first optical signal includes one or more of the following: angular deviation, radial deviation, diameter deviation, and axial deviation.

[0009] Optionally, the first optical transmission component includes a first microlens array and a first fiber optic array unit; the first microlens array is used to shape a first portion of the optical signal and transmit it to the first fiber optic array unit; and to reflect a second portion of the optical signal to a first infrared image sensor; the first fiber optic array unit is used to output the first portion of the optical signal; and the first infrared image sensor is specifically used to receive a first image of the incident surface of the first microlens array. In this optional embodiment, the spacing between the first microlens array and the first fiber optic array unit is small, allowing control over the first infrared image sensor to receive the first image of the incident surface of the first microlens array.

[0010] Optionally, the incident surface of the first microlens array is provided with a first reflective film; the first reflective film is used to transmit a first portion of the light signal and reflect a second portion of the light signal to the first infrared image sensor. In this optional method, the reflection angle of the reflective film can be different from the incident angle, which facilitates the setting of the position of the first infrared image sensor.

[0011] Optionally, the first optical transmission component includes a first microlens array and a first fiber optic array unit; the first microlens array is used to shape the first optical signal and transmit it to the first fiber optic array unit; the first fiber optic array unit is used to output a first portion of the optical signal and reflect a second portion of the optical signal to a first infrared image sensor; the first infrared image sensor is specifically used to receive a first image of the incident surface of the first fiber optic array unit. In this optional embodiment, the spacing between the first microlens array and the first fiber optic array unit is relatively large, which also allows control over the first infrared image sensor to receive the first image of the incident surface of the first fiber optic array unit.

[0012] Optionally, the incident surface of the first fiber array unit is provided with a reflective film; the reflective film is used to transmit a first portion of the optical signal and reflect a second portion of the optical signal to the first infrared image sensor. In this optional method, the reflection angle of the reflective film can be different from the incident angle, which facilitates the setting of the position of the first infrared image sensor.

[0013] Optionally, the optical switching device also includes a reflective component; the reflective component is used to receive the second portion of the optical signal and reflect the second portion of the optical signal to the first infrared image sensor. In this optional embodiment, the presence of the reflective component allows the placement of the first infrared image sensor to be changed as needed, increasing the flexibility of the optical switching device.

[0014] Optionally, the optical switching device further includes a second optical transmission component and a second infrared image sensor. The second optical transmission component receives a second optical signal transmitted to the optical switching device, transmits a third portion of the second optical signal to the optical switching device, and transmits a fourth portion of the second optical signal to the second infrared image sensor. Specifically, the optical switching component outputs a first optical signal to the first optical transmission component based on the third portion of the second optical signal. The second infrared image sensor receives a second image from the output surface of the second optical transmission component, the second image including a spot of the fourth portion of the optical signal, the position of which in the second image indicates the target input port for the second optical transmission component to receive the second optical signal. In this optional configuration, the optical switching device is specifically an optical cross-connect, with the second optical transmission component receiving the optical signal and the first optical transmission component outputting the optical signal.

[0015] Optionally, the optical switching device also includes a processor; the processor is connected to a second infrared image sensor; the processor is used to receive the second image and determine the target input port for the second optical transmission component to receive the second optical signal based on the position of the light spot of the fourth part of the optical signal in the second image.

[0016] Optionally, the second optical transmission component includes a second fiber array unit, a second microlens array, and a beam splitter. The second microlens array is disposed between the second fiber array unit and the optical switching component, and the beam splitter is disposed between the second microlens array and the optical switching component. The second fiber array unit includes multiple input ports. The second fiber array unit is used to receive a second optical signal through a target input port among the multiple input ports and transmit the second optical signal to the second microlens array. The second microlens array is used to shape the second optical signal and transmit it to the beam splitter. The beam splitter is used to reflect a third portion of the optical signal to the optical switching component and transmit a fourth portion of the optical signal to the second infrared image sensor. Alternatively, the beam splitter is used to transmit a third portion of the optical signal to the optical switching component and reflect a fourth portion of the optical signal to the second infrared image sensor.

[0017] Optionally, the second optical transmission component includes a second fiber array unit, a second microlens array, and a beam splitter. The second microlens array is disposed between the second fiber array unit and the optical switching component, and the beam splitter is disposed between the second fiber array unit and the second microlens array. The second fiber array unit includes multiple input ports. The second fiber array unit is used to receive a second optical signal through a target input port among the multiple input ports and transmit the second optical signal to the beam splitter. The beam splitter is used to reflect a third portion of the optical signal to the second microlens array and transmit a fourth portion of the optical signal to the second infrared image sensor. Alternatively, the beam splitter is used to transmit a third portion of the optical signal to the second microlens array and reflect a fourth portion of the optical signal to the second infrared image sensor. The second microlens array is used to shape the third portion of the optical signal and transmit it to the optical switching component.

[0018] Optionally, the optical switching device further includes a dispersive element; a first optical transmission component for receiving a second optical signal transmitted to the optical switching device and transmitting the second optical signal to the dispersive element; and a dispersive element for outputting a first optical signal to the optical switching component according to the second optical signal. In this optional configuration, the optical switching device is specifically a wavelength selective switch.

[0019] In a second aspect, an optical switching network is provided, comprising: a plurality of output optical fibers and an optical switching device as described in any of the first aspects above; the plurality of output optical fibers are connected to a first optical transmission component of the optical switching device.

[0020] Optionally, the optical switching network further includes at least one input optical fiber; the at least one input optical fiber is connected to the first optical transmission component, or the optical switching device further includes a second optical transmission component, and at least one input optical fiber is connected to the second optical transmission component.

[0021] Optionally, the optical switching network further includes at least one optical transmitting component and multiple optical receiving components; the at least one optical transmitting component is connected to at least one input optical fiber; and the multiple optical receiving components are connected to multiple output optical fibers.

[0022] The technical effects of any possible implementation of the second aspect can be found in the technical effects of different implementations of the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0023] Thirdly, an optical switching device is provided, comprising an optical fiber array unit, a light-transmitting device, a connection structure, and a sealed housing. The optical fiber array unit is embedded in the first sidewall of the sealed housing, and the outer frame structure of the optical fiber array unit is glued to the first sidewall. The light-transmitting device and the connection structure are located inside the sealed housing. The connection structure includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is glued to the light-transmitting device, and the second opening is glued to the outer frame structure of the optical fiber array unit. The light-transmitting device, the connection structure, and the optical fiber array unit form a sealed cavity. Alternatively, the second opening is glued to the first sidewall, and the light-transmitting device, the connection structure, the sidewall, and the optical fiber array unit form a sealed cavity. In this optical switching device, multiple openings on the first sidewall are avoided, and it is not necessary to seal the optical fiber to the openings on the first sidewall, thus reducing the complexity of the packaging process. Wherein, when the light-transmitting device, the connection structure, and the optical fiber array unit form a sealed cavity, it is only necessary to ensure that there are no gaps between the light-transmitting device and the connection structure, no gaps between the connection structure and the outer frame structure of the optical fiber array unit, and no gaps between the outer frame structure of the optical fiber array unit and the sidewall. This improves the reliability of the optical switching device. When the light-transmitting device, the connecting structure, the sidewall, and the fiber array unit form a sealed cavity, it is only necessary to ensure that there are no gaps between the light-transmitting device and the connecting structure, no gaps between the connecting structure and the sidewall, and no gaps between the outer frame structure of the fiber array unit and the sidewall. This can also improve the reliability of the optical switching equipment.

[0024] Optionally, the size of the light-transmitting device is greater than or equal to the size of the area containing multiple ports in the port structure of the fiber optic array unit. The light-transmitting device is positioned opposite to the area containing the multiple ports. The size of the first opening of the connecting structure matches the size of the light-transmitting device, and the size of the second opening of the connecting structure is greater than the size of the area containing the multiple ports but smaller than the size of the outer frame structure. In this optional configuration, the light-transmitting device, the connecting structure, and the fiber optic array unit form a sealed cavity, and there is no obstruction of the optical path between any port of the fiber optic array unit and the light-transmitting device.

[0025] Optionally, the size of the light-transmitting device is greater than or equal to the size of the area containing multiple ports in the port structure of the fiber optic array unit. The light-transmitting device is positioned opposite to the areas containing the multiple ports. The size of the first opening of the connecting structure matches the size of the light-transmitting device, and the size of the second opening of the connecting structure is greater than the size of the outer frame structure. In this optional configuration, the light-transmitting device, the connecting structure, the sidewalls, and the fiber optic array unit form a sealed cavity, and there is no obstruction of the optical path between any port of the fiber optic array unit and the light-transmitting device.

[0026] Optionally, the first light-transmitting device is a light-transmitting glass plate or a microlens array.

[0027] Optionally, the material of the connecting structure includes metals, such as Kovar or Invar, with a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 10 ppm / ℃ (parts per million per degree Celsius). Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switching network provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switching device provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the incident surface of the optical transmission component in an optical switching device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a first image received by an infrared image sensor in an optical switching device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a first image processed by an infrared image sensor according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switching device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switching device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switching device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switching device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 10A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switching device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switching device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switching device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of an optical switching network provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the packaging structure of the optical switching device provided in this application;

[0042] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the packaging structure of an optical switching device provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Side view and section view along AA';

[0044] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the packaging structure of an optical switching device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 18 for Figure 17 Side view and section view along AA'. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as those known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the words "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order.

[0048] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation in which the components are schematically placed in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation in which the components are placed in the accompanying drawings.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0050] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of this application provides a structural schematic diagram of an optical switching network 10, wherein the optical switching network 10 includes an optical switching device 11 and multiple optical transmission components (such as...). Figure 1 The optical transmitting components 12-1, 12-2, ..., 12-n shown, and multiple optical receiving components (such as...) Figure 1 The optical receiving components 13-1, 13-2, ..., 13-n shown, and the optical switching device 11 includes multiple input ports (such as...). Figure 1 The input ports i1, i2, ..., in are shown, along with multiple output ports (such as...). Figure 1The output ports o1, o2, ..., on are shown.

[0052] In this setup, an optical transmitting component is connected to an input port of the optical switching device 11 via an input optical fiber. For example, optical transmitting component 12-1 is connected to input port i1 of the optical switching device 11 via input optical fiber 14-1, optical transmitting component 12-2 is connected to input port i2 of the optical switching device 11 via input optical fiber 14-2, and optical transmitting component 12-n is connected to input port in of the optical switching device 11 via input optical fiber 14-n. An optical receiving component is connected to an output port of the optical switching device 11 via an output optical fiber. For example, optical receiving component 13-1 is connected to output port o1 of the optical switching device 11 via output optical fiber 15-1, optical receiving component 13-2 is connected to output port o2 of the optical switching device 11 via output optical fiber 15-2, and optical receiving component 13-n is connected to output port on of the optical switching device 11 via output optical fiber 15-n.

[0053] The embodiments of this application are as follows: Figure 1 The number of optical transmitting components, input optical fibers, optical receiving components, and output optical fibers shown are not limited. The number of optical transmitting components and input optical fibers is related to the number of input ports of the optical switching device 11, and the number of optical receiving components and output optical fibers is related to the number of output ports of the optical switching device 11. Figure 1The optical switching device 11 shown can be an optical cross-connect (OXC) or a wavelength selective switch (WSS). Specifically, the OXC includes multiple input ports and multiple output ports. This OXC is applied in the optical switching network 10. The number of optical transmitting components in the optical switching network 10 is less than or equal to the number of input ports of the OXC, the number of input optical fibers is the same as the number of optical transmitting components, the number of optical receiving components is less than or equal to the number of output ports of the OXC, and the number of output optical fibers is the same as the number of optical receiving components. The wavelength selective switch can be a 1:N wavelength selective switch, which includes one common port and N branch ports, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. When the common port of the wavelength selective switch is used as an input port to receive optical signals, and the branch ports are used as output ports to output optical signals, this wavelength selective switch is applied in the optical switching network 10. The optical switching network has one optical transmitting component, one input optical fiber, fewer than or equal to N optical receiving components, and the number of output optical fibers is the same as the number of optical receiving components. The wavelength selection switch can also be an M:N wavelength selection switch, which includes M common ports and N branch ports, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. When the common port of the wavelength selection switch is used as an input port to receive optical signals and the branch port of the wavelength selection switch is used as an output port to output optical signals, the wavelength selection switch is applied in the optical switching network 10. The number of optical transmitting components in the optical switching network 10 is less than or equal to M, the number of input optical fibers is the same as the number of optical transmitting components, the number of optical receiving components is less than or equal to N, and the number of output optical fibers is the same as the number of optical receiving components.

[0054] For example, in Figure 1 In the optical switching network 10 shown, the optical switching device 11 can transmit the optical signal output from any optical transmitting component to any optical receiving component. Furthermore, the wavelength selection switch can transmit optical signals of different wavelengths from the optical signal output from any optical transmitting component to any optical receiving component.

[0055] Currently, to detect the loss and output deviation of the optical switching device 11, a photodiode needs to be connected externally to the input port of the optical switching device 11. The photodiode detects the first optical power of the optical signal received at the input port of the optical switching device 11. A photodiode also needs to be connected externally to the output port of the optical switching device 11. The photodiode detects the second optical power of the optical signal output from the output port of the optical switching device 11. The difference between the first and second optical powers is used to determine the loss and output deviation of the optical switching device.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, a splitter 16-1 is provided between the output end of the input optical fiber 14-1 and the input port i1 of the optical switching device 11. The input end of the splitter 16-1 is connected to the output end of the input optical fiber 14-1, and the first output end of the splitter 16-1 is connected to the input port i1 of the optical switching device 11. 1. A beam splitter 16-1 is connected to a photodiode 17-1 via an external optical fiber. A beam splitter 16-2 is installed between the output end of the input optical fiber 14-2 and the input port i2 of the optical switching device 11. The input end of the beam splitter 16-2 is connected to the output end of the input optical fiber 14-2. The first output end of the beam splitter 16-2 is connected to the input port i2 of the optical switching device 11. The second output end of the beam splitter 16-2 is connected to the photodiode 17-2 via an external optical fiber. A beam splitter 16-n is installed between the output end of the input optical fiber 14-n and the input port in of the optical switching device 11. The input end of the beam splitter 16-n is connected to the output end of the input optical fiber 14-n. The first output end of the beam splitter 16-n is connected to the input port in of the optical switching device 11. The second output end of the beam splitter 16-n is connected to the photodiode 17-n via an external optical fiber.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, a beam splitter 18-1 is installed between the input end of the output optical fiber 15-1 and the output port o1 of the optical switching device 11. The input end of the beam splitter 18-1 is connected to the output port o1 of the optical switching device 11, the first output end of the beam splitter 18-1 is connected to the input end of the output optical fiber 15-1, and the second output end of the beam splitter 18-1 is connected to the photodiode 19-1 via an external optical fiber. A beam splitter 18-2 is installed between the input end of the output optical fiber 15-2 and the output port o2 of the optical switching device 11. The input end of the beam splitter 18-2 is connected to the output port o2 of the optical switching device 11. A splitter 18-n is connected to port O2. The first output end of the splitter 18-2 is connected to the input end of the output fiber 15-2, and the second output end of the splitter 18-2 is connected to the photodiode 19-2 through an external fiber optic cable. A splitter 18-n is provided between the input end of the output fiber 15-n and the output port O2 of the optical switching device 11. The input end of the splitter 18-n is connected to the output port O2 of the optical switching device 11, the first output end of the splitter 18-n is connected to the input end of the output fiber 15-n, and the second output end of the splitter 18-n is connected to the photodiode 19-n through an external fiber optic cable.

[0058] For example, when the optical signal S100 output by the optical transmitting component 12-2 is transmitted to the optical receiving component 13-n through the optical switching device 11, the optical splitter 16-2 receives the optical signal S100 output through the output end of the input optical fiber 14-2, transmits the first part of the optical signal S100, S101, to the input port i2 of the optical switching device 11, and transmits the second part of the optical signal S100, S102, to the photodiode 17-2. The photodiode 17-2 determines the first optical power of the first part of the optical signal S101 input to the optical switching device 11 based on the second part of the optical signal S102. The optical switching device 11 outputs the optical signal S200 through the output port on based on the first part of the optical signal S101. The optical splitter 18-n transmits the first part of the optical signal S201 in the optical signal S200 to the output optical fiber 15-n, and transmits the second part of the optical signal S202 in the optical signal S200 to the photodiode 19-n. The photodiode 19-n determines the second optical power of the optical signal S200 output by the optical switching device 11 based on the second part of the optical signal S202.

[0059] Specifically, the first optical power can be used to determine whether the optical signal S100 output by the optical transmitting component 12-2 fluctuates, and also to determine whether the input optical fiber 14-2 is broken. For example, a large fluctuation in the first optical power indicates fluctuation in the optical signal S100 output by the optical transmitting component 12-2, while a first optical power below a threshold indicates a break in the input optical fiber 14-2. The difference between the first and second optical power can be used to determine the loss and output deviation of the optical switching device 11. For example, a difference between the first and second optical power greater than a threshold indicates high loss in the optical switching device 11, which may indicate poor coupling, contamination, or output deviation.

[0060] For example, a difference between the first optical power and the second optical power exceeding a threshold is usually caused by output deviation. After prolonged use, the components in the optical switching device 11 age, and the device cannot accurately transmit the optical signal to the target output port. This results in a decrease in the second optical power of the output optical signal S200, causing the difference between the first and second optical powers to exceed the threshold. Currently, the method for correcting the deviation in the optical switching device 11 is to gradually adjust the components, observe the changes in the second optical power, find the peak value of the second optical power, and then perform deviation correction. However, this deviation correction method is complex and time-consuming.

[0061] In addition, Figure 1In the optical switching network 10 shown, a photodiode is connected to each input port and an external photodiode is connected to each output port. In addition, multiple external optical fibers from the input port to the photodiode and from the output port to the photodiode need to be fused together, which also reduces the integration of the optical switching network 10.

[0062] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide an optical switching device with a simple and time-saving correction method. When applied in an optical switching network, this optical switching device can improve the integration of the optical switching network.

[0063] For example, refer to Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The diagram below illustrates the structure of an optical switching device 20 provided in an embodiment of this application. The optical switching device 20 includes an optical switching component 21, an infrared image sensor 22, and an optical transmission component 23. The infrared image sensor 22 is also referred to as a first infrared image sensor, and the optical transmission component 23 is also referred to as a first optical transmission component.

[0064] Among them, the optical switching component 21 is used to output optical signal S1 to the optical transmission component 23; the optical signal S1 is also referred to as the first optical signal. Specifically, refer to... Figure 3 As shown, the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 is a two-dimensional plane. Different positions on this two-dimensional plane correspond to output ports distributed in a 10*10 array. The optical switching component 21 can transmit the optical signal S1 to the position on the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 corresponding to the target output port in the 10*10 array, so that the optical transmission component 23 outputs the optical signal S1 through the target output port. Figure 3 In the example, optical switching component 21 originally needed to transmit optical signal S1 to the position corresponding to the output port in the 5th row and 7th column on the incident surface of optical transmission component 23. The output port in the 5th row and 7th column is denoted as output port (5,7), which is the target output port. The first number in parentheses represents the row, and the second number represents the column. However, the optical switching component 21 exhibited an output deviation. Figure 2 The optical switching component 21 shown does not transmit the optical signal S1 to the position corresponding to the output port (5,7) on the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23, as shown. Figure 3 As shown, the actual position of the optical signal S1 transmitted to the optical transmission component 23 deviates from the position on the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 corresponding to the output port (5,7).

[0065] Reference Figure 2As shown, the optical transmission component 23 is used to output the first part of the optical signal S1, S11, and reflect the second part of the optical signal S1, S12, to the infrared image sensor 22. Specifically, although the optical switching component 21 does not transmit the optical signal S1 to the position on the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 corresponding to the output port (5,7), the actual position of the optical signal S1 transmitted to the optical transmission component 23 partially overlaps with the position of the output port (5,7). Therefore, the optical transmission component 23 can output a portion of the first part of the optical signal S11 through the output port (5,7).

[0066] Reference Figure 2 As shown, the infrared image sensor 22 is used to receive a first image of the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23. The first image includes a spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12. The position of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12 in the first image is used to indicate the actual position where the optical signal S1 is transmitted to the optical transmission component 23. For example, the wavelengths of the optical signals received by the optical switching device 11 all belong to the infrared band, therefore an infrared image sensor is required. (Refer to...) Figure 2 As shown, the field of view (FOV) of the infrared image sensor 22 covers the incident surface of the light transmission component 23, or the field of view (FOV) of the infrared image sensor 22 covers the area corresponding to the output ports distributed in a 10*10 array on the incident surface of the light transmission component 23. The infrared image sensor 22 can receive the first image of the incident surface of the light transmission component 23. When the light transmission component 23 reflects the second part of the light signal S12 in the light signal S1 to the infrared image sensor 22, the first image received by the infrared image sensor 22 includes a spot of the second part of the light signal S12.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a first image pic1 received by an infrared image sensor 22 according to an embodiment of this application. The first image pic1 includes a spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12. The size of the first image pic1 received by the infrared image sensor is related to the field of view of the infrared image sensor 22. Analyzing the position of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12 in the first image can determine the actual position where the optical signal S1 is transmitted to the optical transmission component 23. Furthermore, the spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12 also indicates the loss of the optical signal S1. For example, when the shape of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12 is deformed, it can indicate that there is obstruction or contamination on the optical path of the optical signal S1 transmission. Similarly, when the brightness of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12 is low, it can indicate that the coupling loss on the optical path of the optical signal S1 transmission is high.

[0068] In this optical switching device 20, the first image received by the infrared image sensor 22 includes a spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12, and the position of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12 in the first image is used to indicate the actual position of the optical signal S1 transmitted to the optical transmission component 23. When the optical switching device 20 experiences output deviation due to long-term power-on use, the actual position of the optical signal S1 transmitted to the optical transmission component 23 can be determined based on the position of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12 in the first image. Based on the actual position of the optical signal S1 transmitted to the optical transmission component 23 and the corresponding position of the target output port, the output deviation of the optical signal S1 can be easily determined, thereby correcting the optical switching device 20. This correction method is relatively simple and time-efficient. Furthermore, the spot of the second portion of the optical signal in the first image can also indicate information such as the loss of the optical signal S1. Therefore, this optical switching device 20 does not require a splitter, external optical fiber, or photodiode to determine the insertion loss and output deviation of the optical switching device 20. When this optical switching device 20 is installed in an optical switching network, the integration of the optical switching network can be improved.

[0069] For example, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the optical switching device 20 also includes a processor 24; the processor 24 is connected to the infrared image sensor 22. The processor 24 receives the first image and determines the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component based on the deviation between the position of the spot of the second portion of the optical signal in the first image and the target position. Specifically, the target position is the position of the target output port of the first portion of the optical signal S11 output by the optical transmission component 23 in the first image pic1, that is, the position of output port (5,7) in the first image pic1. The optical switching device 20 pre-stores the positions of the output ports in the first image in a 10*10 array in the processor 24 at the factory. (Refer to...) Figure 4 As shown, according to Figure 4The placement of the output ports is based on the top left corner of the first image pic1 as the origin. Specifically, the pre-stored positions are as follows: output port (1,1) in the 10*10 array corresponds to the position in the first image pic1 with an x-coordinate of 5 and a y-coordinate of 5; output port (1,2) in the 10*10 array corresponds to the position in the first image pic1 with an x-coordinate of 15 and a y-coordinate of 5; output port (2,1) in the 10*10 array corresponds to the position in the first image pic1 with an x-coordinate of 5 and a y-coordinate of 15; and so on. Output port (r,c) in the 10*10 array corresponds to the position in the first image pic1 with an x-coordinate of 5+10×(c-1) and a y-coordinate of 5+10×(r-1), where r is the row, c is the column, and r∈(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10), c∈(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10). Therefore, the output port (5,7) in the 10*10 array corresponds to the position in the first image pic1 with an x-coordinate of 5+10×(7-1)=65 and a y-coordinate of 5+10×(5-1)=45. Thus, the position in the first image pic1 with an x-coordinate of 65 and a y-coordinate of 45 is the target position.

[0070] The processor 24 determines the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component based on the deviation between the position of the spot of the second part of the optical signal S12 in the first image and the target position. This includes: analyzing the first image pic1 to determine the position of the second part of the optical signal S12 in the first image pic1; determining the image deviation between the position of the second part of the optical signal S12 in the first image pic1 and the target position; determining the physical deviation between the actual position of the optical signal S1 transmitted to the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 and the position of the corresponding output port (5,7) in the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 based on the image deviation; and determining the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component 21 based on the physical deviation.

[0071] Reference Figure 5 As shown, processor 24 analyzes the first image pic1 to determine the position of the second portion of the optical signal S12 within the first image pic1. Specifically, processor 24 fits the distribution curve of the light spot brightness of the second portion of the optical signal S12 along the horizontal axis and the distribution curve of the light spot brightness of the second portion of the optical signal S12 along the vertical axis; based on the positions of the center points of the distribution curves of the light spot brightness of the second portion of the optical signal S12 along the horizontal and vertical axes, the position of the second portion of the optical signal S12 within the first image pic1 is determined. Figure 5 As shown, the second part of the optical signal S12 is located at a horizontal coordinate of 67 and a vertical coordinate of 46 in the first image p ic1.

[0072] Processor 24 determines the image deviation between the position of the second portion of the optical signal S12 in the first image pic 1 and the target position. Specifically, processor 24 determines the image deviation between the position of the second portion of the optical signal S12 in the first image pic 1 and the position of output port (5,7) in the pre-stored 10*10 array of output ports in the first image pic 1. In this example, processor 24 determines the image deviation on the horizontal axis to be 2 and the image deviation on the vertical axis to be 1.

[0073] The processor 24 determines the physical deviation between the actual position of the optical signal S1 transmitted to the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 and the position of the corresponding output port (5,7) on the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23, based on the image deviation. Specifically, the image deviation of the horizontal coordinate in the first image pic1 and the horizontal physical deviation in the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 satisfy the following relationship 1: The image deviation of the vertical axis in the first image pic1 and the longitudinal physical deviation in the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 satisfy the following relationship 2: In Equation 1, hx represents the horizontal image deviation between the position of the second optical signal S12 in the first image pic1 and the position of the output port (5,7) in the pre-stored 10*10 array of output ports in the first image pic1. Hx represents the horizontal physical deviation between the actual position of the optical signal S1 transmitted to the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 and the position of the corresponding output port (5,7) in the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23. In Equation 2, hy represents the vertical image deviation between the position of the second optical signal S12 in the first image pic1 and the position of the output port (5,7) in the pre-stored 10*10 array of output ports in the first image pic1. Hy represents the vertical physical deviation between the actual position of the optical signal S1 transmitted to the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 and the position of the corresponding output port (5,7) in the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23. In Equations 1 and 2, u is the pixel size of the infrared image sensor 22, f is the focal length of the infrared image sensor 22, and D is the distance from the infrared image sensor 22 to the light transmission component 23, which also represents the object distance.

[0074] The processor 24 determines the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component based on physical deviations. Specifically, the processor 24 determines the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component 21 based on lateral and longitudinal physical deviations. The optical switching device 20 is an optical cross-connect. The optical switching component 21 includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror. The parameters can specifically be the deflection angle of the MEMS mirror. The processor 24 can determine the lateral deflection angle of the MEMS mirror based on the lateral physical deviation and the optical transmission distance between the MEMS mirror and the optical transmission component 21. The processor 24 can also determine the longitudinal deflection angle of the MEMS mirror based on the longitudinal physical deviation and the optical transmission distance between the MEMS mirror and the optical transmission component 21. The optical switching device 20 is a wavelength selection switch, and the optical switching component 21 includes an optical modulator. The specific parameter can be the deflection angle of the optical signal output by the optical modulator. The processor 24 can determine the lateral deflection angle of the optical signal output by the optical modulator based on the lateral physical deviation and the optical transmission distance between the optical modulator and the optical transmission component 21.

[0075] The processor 24 is connected to the optical switching component 21. The processor 24 transmits the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component 21 to the optical switching component 21. The optical switching component 21 is used to output the optical signal S1 to the position corresponding to the output port (5,7) in the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23 according to the adjustment parameters, so that the first part of the optical signal S11 in the optical signal S1 is all output through the output port (5,7), thereby realizing the correction of the optical switching device 20.

[0076] Reference Figure 5 As shown, the processor 24 is also used to determine the loss of the optical signal S1 based on the spot shape of the second portion of the optical signal S12. Specifically, the spot shape of the second portion of the optical signal S12 is the same as the spot shape of the optical signal S1, for example, in... Figure 5 In the diagram, the spot shape of the second part of the optical signal S12 is circular, which also indicates that the spot shape of the optical signal S1 is circular. Specifically, when there is no obstruction in the transmission path of the optical signal S1, the spot shape of the second part of the optical signal S12 is circular; when there is an obstruction in the transmission path of the optical signal S1, the spot shape of the second part of the optical signal S12 will be distorted. Therefore, the processor 24 can determine whether there is dirt or obstruction in the transmission optical path of the optical signal S1 based on the spot shape of the second part of the optical signal S12. For example, in... Figure 5The processor 24 can determine the maximum spot brightness of the second part of the optical signal S12 based on the distribution curve of the spot brightness. Based on the maximum spot brightness, the processor 24 can determine the optical power of the second part of the optical signal S12. For example, if the optical power of the second part of the optical signal determined by the processor 24 is P1, and the ratio of the first part of the optical signal S11 to the second part of the optical signal S12 is known to be 99:1, then the processor 24 can determine that the optical power of the optical signal S1 is 100 × P1. When there is no coupling deviation in the transmission path of the optical signal S1, the optical power of the optical signal S1 is greater than or equal to a threshold. When there is a coupling deviation in the transmission path of the optical signal S1, the optical power of the optical signal S1 is less than the threshold. Therefore, the processor 24 can determine whether a coupling deviation occurs in the transmission optical path of the optical signal S1 based on the optical power of the optical signal S1. The coupling deviation of the optical signal S1 includes one or more of the following: angular deviation, radial deviation, diameter deviation, and axial deviation.

[0077] For example, when the optical switching device 20 is first powered on, the processor 24 is also used to determine the target input port for receiving optical signals by the optical switching component 21 and the actual location of the optical signal S1 transmitted to the optical transmission component 23. This enables the optical switching device 20 to perform blind insertion.

[0078] Reference Figure 6 As shown, the structure of the optical transmission component 23 will be described in detail below. Figure 6 The optical transmission component 23 in the illustrated optical switching device 20 includes a microlens array (MLA) 231 and a fiber array unit (FAU) 232. The fiber array unit 232 includes multiple output ports; for example, it has 10*10 arrayed output ports. The microlens array 231 is also referred to as the first microlens array, and the fiber array unit 232 is also referred to as the first fiber array unit. The incident surface of the microlens array 231 is a two-dimensional plane, and different positions on the two-dimensional plane correspond to the 10*10 arrayed output ports in the fiber array unit 232. Figure 6 In the example, specifically, a microlens array 231 is used to shape the first portion of the optical signal S11 and transmit it to the fiber optic array unit 232; and to reflect the second portion of the optical signal S12 to the infrared image sensor 22. Specifically, shaping the first portion of the optical signal S11 by the microlens array 231 can be achieved by collimating the first portion of the optical signal S11. The reflection of the second portion of the optical signal S12 to the infrared image sensor 22 by the microlens array 231 is caused by diffuse reflection occurring at the incident surface of the microlens array 231 after the optical signal S1 is transmitted to it.

[0079] The fiber array unit 232 is used to output the first part of the optical signal S11 in the optical signal S1. In the above example, the fiber array unit 232 outputs the first part of the optical signal S11 in the optical signal S1 through the output port (5,7).

[0080] Infrared image sensor 22 is specifically used to receive a first image of the incident surface of microlens array 231.

[0081] In some embodiments, in order to transmit the second portion of the optical signal S12 to the infrared image sensor 22, refer to Figure 7 As shown, the optical switching device 20 also includes a reflective component 25; the reflective component 25 is used to receive the second portion of the optical signal S1, namely the optical signal S12, and reflect the second portion of the optical signal S1 to the infrared image sensor 22. The reflective component 25 may include at least one reflector, which may be a plane reflector or a curved reflector, etc. Figure 7 In the example, the reflective component 25 receives the second part of the optical signal S12 reflected by the microlens array 231.

[0082] In other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 8 As shown, the incident surface of the microlens array 231 may have a reflective film R1. The reflective film R1 transmits the first portion of the optical signal S11 and reflects the second portion of the optical signal S12 to the infrared image sensor 22. For example, the reflectivity of the reflective film R1 is typically set to be low, so that the proportion of the first portion of the optical signal S11 is much greater than the proportion of the second portion of the optical signal S12. This allows for the detection of the optical signal S11 without affecting its transmission. Furthermore, the reflection angle of the reflective film R1 can be different from the incident angle, facilitating the positioning of the infrared image sensor 22.

[0083] in, Figure 8 The optical switching device 20 shown may also include a reflective component 25; the reflective component 25 receives the second portion of the optical signal S12 reflected by the reflective film R1 and reflects the second portion of the optical signal S12 to the infrared image sensor 22.

[0084] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, compared to Figure 6 The optical switching device 20 shown is shown. Figure 9 In the optical switching device 20 shown, the optical transmission component 23 includes a microlens array 231 and an optical fiber array unit 232, and the optical fiber array unit 232 includes multiple output ports.

[0085] exist Figure 9In the optical array 231, the microlens array 231 is used to shape the optical signal S1 before transmitting it to the fiber optic array unit 232; specifically, the shaping can be collimation. The fiber optic array unit 232 is used to output the first portion of the optical signal S11 and reflect the second portion of the optical signal S12 to the infrared image sensor 22. The fiber optic array unit 232 reflects the second portion of the optical signal S12 to the infrared image sensor 22 because diffuse reflection occurs at the incident surface of the fiber optic array unit 232 after the optical signal S1 is transmitted to it.

[0086] Infrared image sensor 22 is specifically used to receive a first image of the incident surface of fiber array unit 232.

[0087] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 9 The optical switching device 20 shown may also include a reflective component 25; the reflective component 25 receives the second part of the optical signal S12 reflected by the fiber array unit 232 and reflects the second part of the optical signal S12 to the infrared image sensor 22.

[0088] In some embodiments, Figure 9 or Figure 10 In the optical switching device 20 shown, a reflective film R1 is provided on the incident surface of the fiber array unit 232. The reflective film R1 transmits the first portion of the optical signal S11 and reflects the second portion of the optical signal S12 to the infrared image sensor 22. For example, the reflectivity of the reflective film R1 is typically set to be low, so that the proportion of the first portion of the optical signal S11 is much greater than the proportion of the second portion of the optical signal S12. This allows for the detection of the optical signal S11 without affecting its transmission. Furthermore, the reflection angle of the reflective film R1 can be different from the incident angle, facilitating the placement of the infrared image sensor 22.

[0089] For example, refer to Figure 11 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of this application provides a structural schematic diagram of an optical switching device 20. Figure 11 The optical switching device 20 shown is specifically an optical cross-connect. Among them, Figure 11 The optical switching device 20 shown is compared to Figure 6 The optical switching device 20 shown includes an optical switching component 21 comprising a MEMS mirror 211, a mirror 212, and a MEMS mirror 213. The optical switching device 20 also includes an optical transmission component 26 and an infrared image sensor 27. The optical transmission component 26 is also referred to as the second optical transmission component, and the infrared image sensor 27 is also referred to as the second infrared image sensor.

[0090] The optical transmission component 26 is used to receive the optical signal S2 transmitted to the optical switching device 20. The optical signal S2 is also called the second optical signal. The third part of the optical signal S2, the optical signal S21, is transmitted to the optical switching component 21, and the fourth part of the optical signal S2, the optical signal S22, is transmitted to the infrared image sensor 27.

[0091] The optical switching component 21 is specifically used to output the optical signal S1 to the optical transmission component 23 according to the third part of the optical signal S21 in the optical signal S2. For example, after the optical switching component 21 receives the third part of the optical signal S21, the MEMS mirror 211 in the optical switching component 21 reflects the third part of the optical signal S21 to the mirror 212, the mirror 212 reflects the third part of the optical signal S21 to the MEMS mirror 213, and the MEMS mirror 213 reflects the third part of the optical signal S21 and outputs the optical signal S1 to the microlens array 231.

[0092] Infrared image sensor 27 is used to receive a second image of the emitting surface of the light transmission component 26. The second image includes a spot of the fourth part of the light signal S22. The position of the spot of the fourth part of the light signal S22 in the second image is used to indicate the target input port of the light transmission component 26 for receiving the light signal S2.

[0093] For example, the infrared image sensor 27 is also connected to the processor 24. The processor 24 can determine the position of the optical transmission component 26 receiving the optical signal S2 based on the position of the spot of the fourth portion of the optical signal S22 in the second image, and thus determine the target input port for the optical transmission component 26 to receive the optical signal S2. In addition, the processor 24 can also determine the loss in the receiving optical path of the optical signal S2 based on the spot of the fourth portion of the optical signal S22 in the second image, such as determining whether there is obstruction or coupling deviation in the receiving optical path.

[0094] For example, refer to Figure 11 As shown, the optical transmission component 26 includes an optical fiber array unit 261, a microlens array 262, and a beam splitter 263. The microlens array 262 is disposed between the optical fiber array unit 261 and the optical switching component 21, and the beam splitter 263 is disposed between the microlens array 262 and the optical switching component 21. The optical fiber array unit 261 includes multiple input ports, for example, it has 10*10 arrayed input ports. The optical fiber array unit 262 has 10*10 arrayed output ports. The incident surface of the microlens array 261 is, for example, as shown in the diagram. Figure 3 As shown.

[0095] The fiber array unit 261 is used to receive the optical signal S2 transmitted to the optical switching device 20 through the target input port among multiple input ports, and transmit the optical signal S2 to the microlens array 262; the microlens array 262 is used to shape the optical signal S2 and transmit it to the beam splitter 263.

[0096] exist Figure 11 In one example, beam splitter 263 reflects the third portion of the optical signal S21 to the optical switching component 21 and transmits the fourth portion of the optical signal S22 to the infrared image sensor 27. The reflectivity of beam splitter 263 is much greater than its transmittance. In other examples, beam splitter 263 may transmit the third portion of the optical signal S21 to the optical switching component 21 and reflect the fourth portion of the optical signal S22 to the infrared image sensor 27. The transmittance of beam splitter 263 is much greater than its reflectivity. The key is that the proportion of the third portion of the optical signal S21 output by beam splitter 263 is much greater than the proportion of the fourth portion of the optical signal S22.

[0097] For example, Figure 11 When the optical switching device 20 shown is powered on for a long time and an output deviation occurs, the processor 24 determines the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component 21 based on the deviation between the position of the light spot of the second part of the optical signal S12 in the first image and the target position. The adjustment parameters specifically include the deflection angle of the MEMS mirror 211 and the deflection angle of the MEMS mirror 213.

[0098] More specifically, in Figure 11 In the optical switching device 20 shown, the MEMS mirror 211 includes multiple first mirrors, the number of which is greater than or equal to the number of output ports. The MEMS mirror 213 includes multiple second mirrors, the number of which is also greater than or equal to the number of output ports. The processor 24 determines the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component 21 based on the deviation between the position of the light spot of the second portion of the optical signal S12 in the first image and the target position. Specifically, these adjustment parameters are the deflection angles of the first mirror in MEMS mirror 212 receiving the optical signal S1 and / or the deflection angles of the second mirror in MEMS mirror 214 receiving the optical signal S1. By controlling the deflection angles of the first mirror in MEMS mirror 212 and / or the second mirror in MEMS mirror 214 receiving the optical signal S1 according to the adjustment parameters, the processor 24 enables the optical switching component 21 to transmit the optical signal S1 to the position corresponding to the target output port on the incident surface of the optical transmission component 23, thereby achieving polarization correction of the optical switching device 20.

[0099] In other embodiments, Figure 11In the optical switching device 20 shown, a beam splitter 263 may also be disposed between the fiber array unit 261 and the microlens array 262. In this case, the fiber array unit 261 receives the optical signal S2 transmitted to the optical switching device 20 through a target input port among multiple input ports, and transmits the optical signal S2 to the beam splitter 263. The beam splitter 263 reflects the third portion of the optical signal S21 to the microlens array 262 and transmits the fourth portion of the optical signal S22 to the infrared image sensor 27. Alternatively, the beam splitter 263 transmits the third portion of the optical signal S21 to the microlens array 262 and reflects the fourth portion of the optical signal S22 to the infrared image sensor 27. The microlens array 262 is used to shape the third portion of the optical signal S21 and transmit it to the optical switching assembly 21.

[0100] For example, refer to Figure 12 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of this application provides a structural schematic diagram of an optical switching device 20. Figure 12 The optical switching device 20 shown is a wavelength selective switch, in Figure 12 In the optical switching device 20 shown, the z-axis represents the transmission direction of the optical signal in the wavelength selective switch, the y-axis represents the port arrangement direction of the wavelength selective switch, and the x-axis represents the dispersion direction of the wavelength selective switch. The plane formed by the y-axis and z-axis is the port plane of the wavelength selective switch. Figure 12 (a) in the diagram is a schematic diagram of the port plane of the wavelength selective switch; the plane formed by the x-axis and z-axis is the dispersion plane of the wavelength selective switch. Figure 12 (b) in the diagram specifically shows a schematic diagram of the dispersion plane of a wavelength selective switch. Figure 12 The wavelength selection switch shown is a 1:N wavelength selection switch. The principle of the M:N wavelength selection switch is similar to that of the 1:N wavelength selection switch, and will not be described in detail here.

[0101] Figure 12 The optical switching device 20 shown is compared to Figure 6 The optical switching device 20 shown includes an optical switching component 21 comprising an optical modulator 214. The optical switching device 20 also includes a dispersive element 28 and a lens 29 disposed between the optical transmission component 23 and the optical switching component 21. Furthermore, the fiber array unit 232 includes multiple output ports. Figure 12 The diagram shows output ports o1, o2, o3, and o4, and input port i1. For example, in... Figure 12 In the image, the focal length of lens 29 is f2, the focal length of microlens array 231 is f1, the light modulator 214 overlaps with the right focal plane of lens 29, and the light modulator 214 overlaps with the right focal plane of microlens array 231.

[0102] exist Figure 12In the optical switching device 20 shown, input port i1 receives the optical signal S3 transmitted to the optical switching device 20. Optical signal S3, also referred to as the second optical signal, is transmitted to the dispersive element 28. Optical signal S3 includes an optical signal S1 with a wavelength of the first wavelength. Specifically, the dispersive element 28 disperses and expands the optical signals of different wavelengths in optical signal S3. Lens 29 shapes (specifically collimates) the optical signals of different wavelengths in optical signal S3 and transmits them to different positions of the optical modulator 214. After passing through the dispersive element 28 and lens 29, optical signal S1 is transmitted to the optical modulator 214, which outputs the modulated optical signal S1 to the microlens array 231. Figure 12 In the example, the optical modulator 214 modulates the optical signal S1 and transmits it to the microlens array 231. The purpose of modulation is to enable the optical signal S1 to be output through the output port o1, which is... Figure 12 The target output port in the [process / system]. And... Figure 12 The incident surface of the defined microlens array 231 is specifically the side of the microlens array 231 where the optical signal S1 output from the optical modulator 214 is incident. For example, Figure 12 When the optical switching device 20 shown experiences output deviation during long-term power-on use, the processor 24 determines the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component 21 based on the deviation between the position of the light spot of the second part of the optical signal S12 in the first image and the target position. Specifically, these adjustment parameters are the adjustment angle of the output optical signal S1 of the optical modulator 214. The optical modulator 214 includes any of the following: a MEMS mirror, liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS), or liquid crystal.

[0103] For example, refer to Figure 13 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of this application also provides a structural schematic diagram of an optical switching network 30, which includes: multiple output optical fibers and as shown in the figure. Figure 2 , Figures 6 to 12 The optical switching device 20 shown in any of the diagrams.

[0104] Multiple output optical fibers are connected to the optical transmission component 23 of the optical switching device 20. Specifically, the optical transmission component 23 of the optical switching device 20 includes an optical fiber array unit 232, which includes multiple output ports, and the multiple output optical fibers are respectively connected to the multiple output ports in the optical fiber array unit 232.

[0105] In some examples, optical switching device 20 is Figure 11The optical cross-connect shown includes an optical switching device 20, which further includes an optical transmission component 26; the optical switching network 30 also includes multiple input optical fibers; the multiple input optical fibers are connected to the optical transmission component 26. Specifically, the optical transmission component 26 includes an optical fiber array unit 261, which includes multiple input ports, and the multiple input optical fibers are respectively connected to the multiple input ports in the optical fiber array unit 261.

[0106] In other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 13 As shown, optical switching equipment 20 is Figure 12 The wavelength selection switch shown, the fiber array unit 232 in the optical transmission component 23 also includes at least one input port. For example, a 1:N wavelength selection switch includes 1 input port and N output ports; for example, an M:N wavelength selection switch includes M input ports and N output ports. The optical switching network 21 also includes at least one input fiber; the at least one input fiber is connected to the optical transmission component 23 of the optical switching device 20, specifically, the at least one input fiber is connected to at least one input port of the fiber array unit 232.

[0107] Reference Figure 13 As shown, the optical switching network 30 also includes at least one optical transmitting component and multiple optical output components. Figure 13 Specifically, optical transmitting components 31-1, 31-2, ..., 31-n, and optical receiving components 32-1, 32-2, ..., 32-n are shown.

[0108] exist Figure 13 In this configuration, at least one optical transmitting component is connected to at least one input optical fiber; multiple optical receiving components are connected to multiple output optical fibers. For example, optical transmitting component 31-1 is connected to an input port of optical switching device 20 via an input optical fiber, optical transmitting component 31-2 is connected to an input port of optical switching device 20 via an input optical fiber, and optical transmitting component 31-n is connected to an input port of optical switching device 20 via an input optical fiber. Optical receiving component 32-1 is connected to an output port of optical switching device 20 via an output optical fiber, optical receiving component 32-2 is connected to an output port of optical switching device 20 via an output optical fiber, and optical receiving component 32-n is connected to an output port of optical switching device 20 via an output optical fiber.

[0109] Reference Figure 14 As shown in the illustration, an embodiment of this application also provides a schematic diagram of the packaging structure of an optical switching device 40. The optical switching device 40 includes a sealed housing 41, and the optical devices included in the optical switching device 40 are disposed within the sealed housing 41 to prevent air contamination of the devices in the optical switching device 40. (Refer to...) Figure 14As shown, the optical switching device 40 includes a fiber optic array unit 42, which is disposed within a sealed housing 41. The fiber optic array unit 42 includes multiple ports, and each of the multiple output ports of the fiber optic array unit 42 needs to be connected to an optical fiber (…). Figure 14 The diagram illustrates the connection of optical fibers F1, F2, and F3. Currently, port connections to optical fibers typically require openings in the sidewall 411 of the sealed housing 41, with the number of openings matching the number of optical fibers to be connected. Each optical fiber connects to a port of the fiber array unit 42 through an opening in the sidewall 411. In this case, to ensure the airtightness of the sealed housing 41, the optical fibers need to be sealed to the openings in the sidewall 411, for example, by welding or gluing, to prevent air and other impurities from entering the sealed housing 41 through gaps between the optical fibers and the openings in the sidewall 411. However, the fiber array unit 42 has a large number of ports and a large number of optical fibers, making such a packaging process highly complex and difficult to guarantee that there are no gaps after sealing each optical fiber to the opening in the sidewall 411, resulting in decreased reliability of the optical switching device 40.

[0110] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a packaging structure for an optical switching device 40, referring to... Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 The packaging structure of the optical switching device 40 shown is compared to Figure 14 The optical switching device 40 shown has a relatively low packaging complexity, and Figure 15 The optical switching device 40 shown has high reliability.

[0111] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the optical switching device 40 includes a sealed housing 41, an optical fiber array unit 42, a connection structure 43, and a light-transmitting device 44. The optical fiber array unit 42 includes a port structure 421 and an outer frame structure 422 surrounding the port structure 421.

[0112] Reference Figure 15 As shown, the outer frame structure 422 of the fiber optic array unit 42 is embedded in the side wall 411 of the sealed housing 41, and the outer frame structure 422 of the fiber optic array unit 42 is glued to the side wall 411 of the sealed housing 41. (Refer to...) Figure 15 As shown, the outer frame structure 422 of the fiber optic array unit 42 is embedded in the side wall 411 of the sealed housing 41, such that a portion of the port structure 421 of the fiber optic array unit 42 is located outside the sealed housing, while another portion of the port structure 421 is located inside the sealed housing. The port structure 421 of the fiber optic array unit 42 includes multiple ports, and the transmission direction of the optical signal transmitted in any port is perpendicular to the side wall 411.

[0113] Reference Figure 15As shown, the light-transmitting device 44 and the connecting structure 43 are disposed within the sealed housing 41. The connecting structure 43 includes a first opening and a second opening disposed opposite to each other. The first opening of the connecting structure 43 is sealed with the light-transmitting device 44, and the second opening of the connecting structure 43 is sealed with the outer frame structure 422 of the fiber array unit 42. The light-transmitting device 44, the connecting structure 43, and the fiber array unit 42 form a sealed cavity.

[0114] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, Figure 16 (a) in the middle shows Figure 15 The optical switching device 40 shown is a side view along AA'. Figure 16 (b) in the middle shows Figure 15 The optical switching device 40 shown is a cross-sectional view along AA'. According to... Figure 16 It is known that the size of the light-transmitting device 44 is greater than or equal to the size of the area where multiple ports are located in the port structure 421. The light-transmitting device 44 is arranged opposite to the area where multiple ports are located in the port structure 421. The size of the first opening of the connecting structure 43 matches the size of the light-transmitting device 44. The size of the second opening of the connecting structure 43 is greater than the size of the area where multiple ports are located in the port structure 421 and smaller than the size of the outer frame structure 422. After the light-transmitting device 44, the connecting structure 43 and the fiber array unit 42 form a sealed cavity, there is no obstruction of the optical path between any port of the fiber array unit 42 and the light-transmitting device 44.

[0115] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, in the connection structure 43 provided in the embodiments of this application, the first opening and the second opening are quadrilateral in shape. In some embodiments, the first opening and the second opening may also be other polygons, such as triangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc. In other embodiments, the first opening and the second opening may be circular in shape. This connection structure 43 is also referred to as a reducing connector.

[0116] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 17 As shown, compared to Figure 15 The optical switching device 40 shown is... Figure 17 In the optical switching device 40 shown, the second opening of the connecting structure 43 is sealed to the sidewall 411, and the light-transmitting device 44, the connecting structure 43 and the sidewall 411, and the fiber array unit 42 form a sealed cavity. (Refer to...) Figure 18 As shown, Figure 18 (a) in the middle is Figure 17 The optical switching device 40 shown is viewed along the other side of AA'. Figure 18 (b) in the middle is Figure 17 The optical switching device 40 shown is arranged along another section of AA', according to Figure 18It can be seen that the size of the light-transmitting device 44 is greater than or equal to the size of the area where multiple ports are located in the port structure 421. The light-transmitting device 44 is arranged opposite to the area where multiple ports are located in the port structure 421. The size of the first opening of the connecting structure 43 matches the size of the light-transmitting device 44. The size of the second opening of the connecting structure 43 is greater than the size of the outer frame structure 422. The light-transmitting device 44, the connecting structure 43, the side wall 411, and the fiber array unit 42 form a sealed cavity. There is no obstruction between any port in the port structure 421 of the fiber array unit 42 and the light-transmitting device 44.

[0117] For example, Figure 15 or Figure 17 In the optical switching device 20 shown, the optical switching device 20 typically also includes a microlens array. The microlens array collimates the received optical signal and transmits it to any port in the port structure 421 of the fiber array unit 42. Alternatively, the microlens array collimates the optical signal received at any port in the port structure 421 of the fiber array unit 42 and outputs it. Therefore, in some embodiments, the light-transmitting device 44 can be a microlens array. Alternatively, a light-transmitting glass plate can be disposed between the microlens array and the fiber array unit 42, and the light-transmitting device 44 is specifically a light-transmitting glass plate.

[0118] For example, Figure 15 or Figure 17 The connecting structure 43 shown is made of metals, such as Kovar or Invar, and the material of the connecting structure 43 has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, less than 10 ppm / ℃ (parts per million per degree Celsius).

[0119] exist Figure 15 or Figure 17In the optical switching device shown, the second opening is encapsulated with the outer frame structure 422 of the fiber array unit 42, forming a sealed cavity with the light-transmitting device 44, the connecting structure 43, and the fiber array unit 42. Alternatively, the second opening is encapsulated with the side wall 411, forming a sealed cavity with the light-transmitting device 44, the connecting structure 43, the side wall 411, and the fiber array unit 42. This avoids having multiple openings on the side wall 411 and eliminates the need to seal the fiber to the openings on the side wall 411, reducing the complexity of the packaging process. When the light-transmitting device 44, the connecting structure 43, and the fiber array unit 42 form a sealed cavity, it is only necessary to ensure that there are no gaps between the light-transmitting device 44 and the connecting structure 43, between the connecting structure 43 and the outer frame structure 422 of the fiber array unit 42, and between the outer frame structure 422 of the fiber array unit 42 and the side wall 411. This improves the reliability of the optical switching device 40. When the light-transmitting device 44, the connecting structure 43, the side wall 411, and the fiber array unit 42 form a sealed cavity, it is only necessary to ensure that there are no gaps between the light-transmitting device 44 and the connecting structure 43, no gaps between the connecting structure 43 and the side wall 411, and no gaps between the outer frame structure 422 of the fiber array unit 42 and the side wall 411, which can also improve the reliability of the optical switching device 40.

[0120] In some examples, Figure 15 or Figure 17 The optical switching device 40 shown is a wavelength selective switch. The wavelength selective switch includes an optical fiber array unit 42. The port structure 421 of the optical fiber array unit 42 includes both input ports and output ports. The optical fiber connected to the input port is the input optical fiber, and the optical fiber connected to the output port is the output optical fiber.

[0121] In other examples, the optical switching device 40 is an optical cross-connect, and the wavelength selection switch includes two fiber array units 42, namely an input-side fiber array unit 42 and an output-side fiber array unit 42. The port structure 421 of the input-side fiber array unit 42 includes an input port, and the optical fiber connected to the input port is an input fiber. The output-side fiber array unit 42 can be an output-side fiber array unit, and the port structure 421 of the fiber array unit 42 includes an output port, and the optical fiber connected to the output port is an output fiber. The outer frame structure 422 of the input-side fiber array unit 42 and the outer frame structure 422 of the output-side fiber array unit 42 can be embedded in the same side wall of the sealed housing 41; or the outer frame structure 422 of the input-side fiber array unit 42 is embedded in the side wall 411 of the sealed housing 41, and the outer frame structure 422 of the output-side fiber array unit 42 is embedded in other side walls of the sealed housing 41 besides the side wall 411; or the outer frame structure 422 of the output-side fiber array unit 42 is embedded in the side wall 411 of the sealed housing 41, and the outer frame structure 422 of the input-side fiber array unit 42 is embedded in other side walls of the sealed housing 41 besides the side wall 411. The embodiments of this application do not limit the embedding position of the input-side fiber array unit 42, nor do they limit the embedding position of the output-side fiber array unit 42.

[0122] For example, Figures 15 to 18 In the optical switching device 40 shown, the adhesive used for sealing can be epoxy resin.

[0123] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. An optical switching device, characterized in that, include: An optical switching component, a first infrared image sensor, and a first optical transmission component; The optical switching component is used to output a first optical signal to the first optical transmission component; The first optical transmission component is used to output a first portion of the optical signal from the first optical signal; The second portion of the first optical signal is reflected back to the first infrared image sensor; The first infrared image sensor is used to receive a first image of the incident surface of the first light transmission component. The first image includes a spot of the second part of the light signal. The position of the spot of the second part of the light signal in the first image is used to indicate the actual position of the first light signal transmitted to the first light transmission component.

2. The optical switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical switching device further includes a processor; the processor is connected to the first infrared image sensor and the optical switching component; The processor is configured to receive the first image, determine the adjustment parameters of the optical switching component based on the deviation between the position of the spot of the second part of the optical signal in the first image and the target position, and transmit the adjustment parameters to the optical switching component, wherein the target position is the position of the target output port of the first optical transmission component that outputs the first part of the optical signal in the first image; The optical switching component is used to output the first optical signal to the position corresponding to the target output port on the incident surface of the optical transmission component according to the adjustment parameters.

3. The optical switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is further configured to determine the loss of the first optical signal based on the spot size of the second portion of the optical signal.

4. The optical switching device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first optical transmission component includes a first microlens array and a first fiber array unit; The first microlens array is used to shape the first portion of the optical signal and transmit it to the first fiber array unit; The second portion of the optical signal is reflected back to the first infrared image sensor; The first fiber array unit is used to output the first portion of the optical signal; The first infrared image sensor is specifically used to receive a first image of the incident surface of the first microlens array.

5. The optical switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The incident surface of the first microlens array is provided with a first reflective film; The first reflective film is used to transmit the first portion of the light signal and reflect the second portion of the light signal to the first infrared image sensor.

6. The optical switching device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first optical transmission component includes a first microlens array and a first fiber array unit; The first microlens array is used to shape the first optical signal and transmit it to the first fiber array unit; The first fiber array unit is used to output the first portion of the optical signal and reflect the second portion of the optical signal to the first infrared image sensor; The first infrared image sensor is specifically used to receive a first image of the incident surface of the first fiber array unit.

7. The optical switching device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The incident surface of the first fiber array unit is provided with a reflective film; The reflective film is used to transmit the first portion of the optical signal and reflect the second portion of the optical signal to the first infrared image sensor.

8. The optical switching device according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, The optical switching device also includes a reflective component; The reflective component is used to receive the second portion of the optical signal and reflect the second portion of the optical signal to the first infrared image sensor.

9. The optical switching device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The optical switching device also includes a second optical transmission component and a second infrared image sensor; The second optical transmission component is used to receive the second optical signal transmitted to the optical switching device, transmit the third part of the second optical signal to the optical switching component, and transmit the fourth part of the second optical signal to the second infrared image sensor; The optical switching component is specifically used to output the first optical signal to the first optical transmission component according to the third part of the optical signal; The second infrared image sensor is used to receive a second image of the emitting surface of the second optical transmission component. The second image includes a spot of the fourth portion of the optical signal. The position of the spot of the fourth portion of the optical signal in the second image is used to indicate the target input port of the second optical transmission component for receiving the second optical signal.

10. An optical switching network, characterized in that, include: Multiple output optical fibers and an optical switching device as described in any one of claims 1-9; The plurality of output optical fibers are connected to the first optical transmission component of the optical switching device.

11. The optical switching network according to claim 10, characterized in that, The optical switching network also includes at least one input optical fiber; The at least one input optical fiber is connected to the first optical transmission component, or, The optical switching device further includes a second optical transmission component, and the at least one input optical fiber is connected to the second optical transmission component.

12. The optical switching network according to claim 11, characterized in that, The optical switching network also includes at least one optical transmitting component and multiple optical receiving components; The at least one optical transmitting component is connected to the at least one input optical fiber; The plurality of optical receiving components are respectively connected to the plurality of output optical fibers.

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