Multi-core optical switch and optical switching method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of optical communication, in particular to a multi-core optical switch and an optical switching method, and provides the multi-core optical switch which is characterized in that in the performance aspect, a lens converges and collimates input optical signals, and a reflector and a wedge angle piece are accurately matched, so that the loss of the optical signals in the transmission and switching process is greatly reduced, and the optical switching efficiency is improved. The transmission efficiency and the switching speed of optical signals are improved, and the strict requirements of a high-speed and large-capacity optical communication system on the performance of the multi-core optical switch can be met; the brake mechanism accurately controls the wedge angle sheet, so that the optical switch can quickly and flexibly guide optical signals to different fiber cores in the multi-core optical fiber according to actual communication requirements, and the expandability and adaptability of an optical communication network are greatly enhanced; according to the scheme, the structural design is reasonable, the coupling mode of all the components is stable, the influence of environmental factors on the performance of the optical switch is reduced, it is ensured that optical signals can be stably transmitted under various environmental conditions, and the overall reliability of an optical communication system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a multi-core optical switch and optical switching method. Background Technology

[0002] As the capacity of communication systems increases year by year, the cost of multi-wavelength wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and single-wavelength rate increases is also rising, making space division multiplexing (SDM) a more effective method. Currently, there are four types of SDM: fiber bundles (fiber arrays), multicore fibers, few-mode fibers, and eddy current fibers. Among them, multicore fibers (MCF) have relatively significant advantages in terms of technology and cost.

[0003] Traditional optical switches are complex in structure and difficult to adjust in terms of optical path when switching optical signals between multi-core optical fibers, resulting in high optical signal transmission loss and low switching efficiency, which makes it difficult to meet the needs of high-speed, high-capacity optical communication systems.

[0004] Therefore, overcoming the shortcomings of the existing technology is an urgent problem to be solved in this technical field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to address the issue that existing optical switches, when switching optical signals between multi-core optical fibers, have complex structures, are difficult to adjust optical paths, resulting in high optical signal transmission loss and low switching efficiency, making it difficult to meet the needs of high-speed, high-capacity optical communication systems.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, a multi-core optical switch is provided, comprising: a lens 1, a wedge plate 2, a reflector 3, and a braking mechanism 4; the multi-core optical fiber, the lens 1, and the reflector 3 are sequentially coupled along the optical path; the wedge plate 2 is movably coupled between the lens 1 and the reflector 3, and the braking mechanism 4 is connected to the wedge plate 2; The lens 1 is used to transmit the input optical signal from the first core of the multi-core optical fiber to the reflector 3; The braking mechanism 4 is used to control the distance between the wedge plate 2 and the principal optical axis of the lens 1, so as to reflect the input optical signal back to different cores in the multi-core optical fiber through the reflector 3.

[0007] Preferably, the braking mechanism 4 is used to control the wedge plate 2 to insert into or leave the optical path; When the wedge plate 2 leaves the optical path, the reflector 3 is used to reflect the input optical signal back to the second core of the multi-core optical fiber; when the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path, the reflector 3 is used to reflect the input optical signal back to the third core of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0008] Preferably, when the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path, the coupling surface between the wedge plate 2 and the lens 1 is perpendicular to the principal optical axis of the lens 1, and the coupling surface between the wedge plate 2 and the reflector 3 is at a preset angle to the principal optical axis of the lens 1.

[0009] Preferably, the reflection point of the input optical signal on the reflector 3 coincides with the focal point of the lens 1.

[0010] Preferably, the braking mechanism 4 includes a brake 40 and a brake lever 41; one end of the brake lever 41 is fixedly connected to one end of the wedge plate 2, and the other end of the brake lever 41 is connected to the brake 40; The brake 40 is used to control the movement of the brake lever 41 to drive the wedge plate 2 to move, so that the wedge plate 2 enters or leaves the optical path.

[0011] Preferably, the braking mechanism 4 further includes a fulcrum block 42 and an armature 43, and the brake 40 includes a magnet block 400 and a magnetic coil 401; The top surface of the armature 43 is in contact with and fixedly connected to the brake rod 41, the bottom surface of the armature 43 is movably connected to the top of the fulcrum block 42, and the armature 43 is used to move with the fulcrum block 42 as the fulcrum. The magnet block 400 is disposed at the bottom of the fulcrum block 42 and coupled to the magnetic coil 401; By supplying current in different directions to the magnetic coil 401, the armature 43 drives the brake rod 41 to make lever movements with the fulcrum block 42 as the fulcrum, thereby driving the wedge plate 2 to enter or leave the optical path.

[0012] Preferably, it further includes a multi-core coupling device 5, the input end of which is used to couple with multiple single-core optical fibers, and the output end of which is coupled to one end of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0013] Preferably, the reflective surface of the reflector 3 is coated with an anti-reflective film or a metal film.

[0014] In a second aspect, a method for optical switching of a multi-core optical switch is provided, the method being applied to the multi-core optical switch as described in the first aspect, comprising: The lens 1 transmits the input optical signal from the first core of the multi-core optical fiber to the reflector 3; The braking mechanism 4 controls the distance between the wedge plate 2 and the principal optical axis of the lens 1, so as to reflect the input optical signal back to different cores in the multi-core optical fiber through the reflector 3.

[0015] Preferably, the method further includes: The braking mechanism 4 controls the wedge plate 2 to insert into or leave the optical path; When the wedge plate 2 leaves the optical path, the reflector 3 reflects the input optical signal back to the second core of the multi-core optical fiber; When the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path, the reflector 3 reflects the input optical signal back to the third core of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention proposes a multi-core optical switch. In terms of performance, due to the focusing and collimating effect of lens 1 on the input optical signal, and the precise cooperation between reflector 3 and wedge plate 2, the loss of optical signal during transmission and switching is greatly reduced, improving the transmission efficiency and switching speed of optical signal. This meets the stringent performance requirements of high-speed, high-capacity optical communication systems for multi-core optical switches. The precise control of wedge plate 2 by braking mechanism 4 enables the optical switch to quickly and flexibly guide the optical signal to different cores in the multi-core optical fiber according to actual communication needs, greatly enhancing the scalability and adaptability of the optical communication network. The structural design of this solution is reasonable, and the coupling method between components is stable, reducing the impact of environmental factors on the performance of the optical switch and ensuring stable transmission of optical signals under various environmental conditions, thus improving the overall reliability of the optical communication system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-core optical switch provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a multi-core optical fiber provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a wedge-shaped plate leaving the optical path according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a wedge-shaped insert optical path provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a more specific structural schematic diagram of a multi-core optical switch provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a braking mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which allows a wedge plate to be inserted into the optical path; Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of a braking mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which causes the wedge plate to leave the optical path; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-core coupling device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a capillary tube and a sleeve provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a switching method for a multi-core optical switch provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is another schematic flowchart of a multi-core optical switch switching method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same structure, wherein: Lens 1, wedge plate 2, reflector 3, braking mechanism 4, brake 40, magnet block 400, magnetic coil 401, brake lever 41, fulcrum block 42, armature 43, multi-core coupling device 5, sleeve 6, capillary tube 7. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0021] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is interpreted as openly inclusive, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples; that is, although they may be incorporated into embodiments or examples using the above terms for reasons such as order and position, it does not limit them to be incorporated in combination by a single embodiment or example.

[0022] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, for example, the description may use the prefix "A" or "B" to describe the same type of nouns as two independent entities. In this case, the corresponding features defined with "A" and "B" are used only to distinguish between similar entities and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features.

[0023] In describing some embodiments, the terms "coupled," "coupled," and "connected," and their derivative expressions, may be used. For example, the term "connected" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact with each other. Similarly, the term "coupled" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact. However, the terms "connected" or "coupled" may also refer to two or more components that do not have direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other, such as "optical coupling," "wireless connection," etc. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the scope of this invention.

[0024] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0025] Example 1: To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention proposes a multi-core optical switch, as described in one embodiment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the multi-core optical switch includes a lens 1, a wedge plate 2, a reflector 3, and a braking mechanism 4; the multi-core optical fiber, the lens 1, and the reflector 3 are coupled sequentially along the optical path; the wedge plate 2 is movably coupled between the lens 1 and the reflector 3, and the braking mechanism 4 is connected to the wedge plate 2; the lens 1 is used to transmit the input optical signal from the first core (shown as a in the figure) of the multi-core optical fiber to the reflector 3; the braking mechanism 4 is used to control the distance of the wedge plate 2 relative to the principal optical axis of the lens 1, so as to reflect the input optical signal back to different cores of the multi-core optical fiber through the reflector 3.

[0026] In this embodiment, the braking mechanism 4 is used to control the distance between the wedge plate 2 and the principal optical axis of the lens 1, so that the input light signal is deflected at different angles and reflected to different fiber cores. In practical use, a mapping table between distance and optical fiber can be established first. According to the requirements (i.e., which optical fiber the light signal needs to return to), the mapping table is queried to control the distance between the wedge plate 2 and the principal optical axis of the lens 1, so that the light signal is output from the specified optical fiber.

[0027] In one embodiment, the multi-core optical fiber includes a first core, a second core, and a third core. The input optical signal enters from the first core and can be output from either the second or third core. The switching of the optical signal output path can be achieved as follows: The braking mechanism 4 controls the wedge plate 2 to insert into or leave the optical path; when the wedge plate 2 leaves the optical path, the reflector 3 reflects the input optical signal back to the second core of the multi-core optical fiber (as shown in b in the figure); when the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path, the reflector 3 reflects the input optical signal back to the third core of the multi-core optical fiber (as shown in c in the figure).

[0028] Among them, such as Figure 2 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the multi-core optical fiber, with a core spacing of 51 μm for each core. A, b, and c all originate from the same multi-core optical fiber and represent different cores within the fiber.

[0029] The lens 1 is used to converge the relatively divergent input optical signal from the first core of the multi-core optical fiber and transmit it to the reflector 3, ensuring that the input optical signal has high energy concentration and transmission efficiency during transmission, and reducing optical signal loss and divergence. In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the lens 1 is 1.0 mm or 1.8 mm.

[0030] The optical path refers to the transmission route of the input optical signal. In one embodiment, when the wedge plate 2 leaves the optical path, the optical path is unaffected. However, when the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path, due to its special wedge-shaped structure and optical characteristics, it changes the propagation direction of the input optical signal, thereby causing the reflector 3 to reflect the input optical signal back to a different core in the multi-core fiber than the core from which the input optical signal was emitted, thus achieving switching of the optical signal between different cores in the multi-core fiber. In one embodiment, when the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path, the coupling surface between the wedge plate 2 and the lens 1 is perpendicular to the principal optical axis of the lens 1, and the coupling surface between the wedge plate 2 and the reflector 3 forms a preset angle with the principal optical axis of the lens 1. The calculation method of the preset angle is not explained in detail in this embodiment.

[0031] In one embodiment, the wedge plate 2 can be made of commonly used BK7 material, with a refractive index n1=1.5 at a light signal wavelength of 1550nm. The lens 1 can be made of commonly used SF11 material, with a refractive index n2=1.74 at a light signal wavelength of 1550nm. The radius of curvature R of the lens 1 is 1.2mm, and the given center length is 2.6mm. According to the above calculation method, the preset angle on the wedge plate 2 is calculated to be 4.55°. The information such as the lens 1 material, working wavelength, spherical curvature, center length, outer diameter, and wedge angle of the lens 1 is entered into the optical calculation software to calculate the front focal intercept and back focal intercept of the lens 1. The front focal intercept of the lens 1 is found to be 1.61mm, the back focal intercept is 0.12mm, and the geometric spot diameter is 0.45mm.

[0032] The function of the reflector 3 is to reflect optical signals. When the wedge plate 2 leaves the optical path, the reflector 3 reflects the input optical signal transmitted from the lens 1 back to the second core of the multi-core optical fiber. When the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path and changes the direction of optical signal propagation, the reflector 3 reflects the optical signal back to the third core of the multi-core optical fiber. Through cooperation with the wedge plate 2, precise transmission of optical signals between different cores is achieved, realizing the function of an optical switch. In one embodiment, the reflector 3 can be made of glass with an anti-reflective coating or gold-plated glass. To ensure that the optical signal converged by the lens 1 accurately illuminates the reflective surface of the reflector 3, in one embodiment, the distance between the reflective surface of the reflector 3 and the lens 1 (i.e., the distance between the optical center of the lens 1 and the reflective surface of the reflector 3) is the focal length of the lens 1. In one embodiment, the reflection point of the input optical signal on the reflector 3 coincides with the focal point of the lens 1. Furthermore, for the reflective effect of the reflector 3, in one embodiment, the reflective surface of the reflector 3 is coated with an anti-reflective coating or a metal film.

[0033] The braking mechanism 4 can precisely drive the wedge plate 2 to perform corresponding movements according to external commands or control signals, thereby realizing flexible control of the optical signal transmission path and ensuring that the optical switch can quickly and accurately complete the optical signal switching operation.

[0034] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the wedge plate 2 leaves the optical path, the input optical signal in the first optical fiber (i.e., Input) is reflected by the mirror 3 and coupled into the second optical fiber (i.e., Output 1); in one embodiment, as... Figure 4 As shown, when the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path, the input optical signal in the first optical fiber is coupled into the third optical fiber (i.e., Output2) after being refracted by the wedge plate 2 and reflected by the mirror 3. In one embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, the braking mechanism 4 includes a brake 40 and a brake lever 41; one end of the brake lever 41 is fixedly connected to one end of the wedge plate 2, and the other end of the brake lever 41 is connected to the brake 40; the brake 40 is used to control the movement of the brake lever 41 to drive the wedge plate 2 to move, so that the wedge plate 2 enters or leaves the optical path.

[0035] The brake lever 41 can be made of metal or other materials.

[0036] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 So and Figure 6 As shown, the braking mechanism 4 further includes a fulcrum block 42 and an armature 43. The brake 40 includes a magnet block 400 and a magnetic coil 401. The top surface of the armature 43 is attached to and fixedly connected to the brake rod 41, and the bottom surface of the armature 43 is movably connected to the top of the fulcrum block 42. The armature 43 is used to move with the fulcrum block 42 as the fulcrum (i.e., lever motion). The magnet block 400 is disposed at the bottom of the fulcrum block 42 and coupled to the magnetic coil 401. By passing current in different directions through the magnetic coil 401, the armature 43 drives the brake rod 41 to perform lever motion with the fulcrum block 42 as the fulcrum, thereby driving the wedge plate 2 to enter or leave the optical path.

[0037] The armature 43 is attracted by a fixed magnet 400 and, after moving, forms a closed magnetic circuit with the magnet 400. The brake lever 41 is a rigid transmission component connecting the wedge plate 2 and the armature 43. When the armature 43 performs lever motion, the brake lever 41 transmits the motion to the wedge plate 2, causing it to move accordingly. The fulcrum block 42 provides a fixed pivot point for the armature 43. The bottom surface of the armature 43 is movably connected to the top of the fulcrum block 42, forming a rotatable contact point, ensuring that the armature 43 can perform lever motion around the fulcrum block 42.

[0038] The magnet 400 and the coil serve as a fixed magnetic field source, generating a controllable magnetic field by supplying currents in different directions to the magnetic coil 401. According to Ampere's law, a change in the direction of the current causes a reversal of the magnetic field polarity of the magnet 400, resulting in attraction or repulsion with the armature 43. In one embodiment, the armature 43 can be a metal sheet made of a soft magnetic material with good magnetic permeability. The top surface of the armature 43 is fixed to the brake rod 41, and the bottom surface contacts the fulcrum block 42, forming a lever structure. When the magnetic coil 401 is energized to generate a magnetic field, the armature 43 is subjected to magnetic force and moves around the fulcrum block 42, thereby driving the brake rod 41 and the wedge plate 2 to move.

[0039] In one embodiment, when the wedge plate 2 needs to be inserted into or removed from the optical path, the control system will supply a current in a specific direction (such as from left to right or from right to left) to the magnetic coil 401, so that the magnet block 400 generates an attractive or repulsive force on the left or right side of the armature 43.

[0040] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 6 As shown, when the wedge plate 2 needs to be inserted into the optical path, a current is passed through the magnetic coil 401 from left to right. At this time, the left end of the magnet block 400 and the left end of the armature 43 attract each other, causing the left end of the armature 43 to move downwards. Since the armature 43 uses the fulcrum block 42 as a fulcrum, the other end of the armature 43 will tilt upwards, driving the wedge plate 2 to move towards the optical path through the brake rod 41, ultimately causing the wedge plate 2 to be inserted into the optical path. In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, when the wedge plate 2 needs to leave the optical path, the direction of the current flowing through the magnetic coil 401 is changed (e.g., from right to left). The right end of the magnet block 400 attracts the right end of the armature 43, causing the right end of the armature 43 to move downward. Since the armature 43 uses the fulcrum block 42 as a fulcrum, the other end of the armature 43 will tilt upward, driving the wedge plate 2 away from the optical path through the brake rod 41.

[0041] In order to reduce the amount of electricity and the number of times electricity is applied, in one embodiment, a spring can be provided between the left end of the armature 43 and the left end of the magnet block 400, or a spring can be provided between the right end of the armature 43 and the right end of the magnet block 400, with the two ends of the spring being fixedly connected to the opposite surfaces of the armature 43 and the magnet block 400, respectively.

[0042] In one embodiment, when a spring is provided on the opposite side of the left end of the armature 43 and the left end of the magnet 400, the wedge plate 2 is always in the optical path. When the wedge plate 2 needs to leave the optical path, a current in a preset direction is supplied to the magnetic coil 401, causing the right end of the armature 43 and the right end of the magnet 400 to attract each other, so that the wedge plate 2 leaves the optical path. When it is necessary to switch back to inserting the wedge plate 2 into the optical path, it is only necessary to interrupt the current supplied to the magnetic coil 401. Under the action of the spring force, the left end of the armature 43 and the left end of the magnet 400 are connected, so that the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path.

[0043] In one embodiment, when a spring is provided on the opposite side of the right end of the armature 43 and the right end of the magnet 400, the wedge plate 2 is always in a state away from the optical path. When the wedge plate 2 needs to be inserted into the optical path, a current in a preset direction is supplied to the magnetic coil 401, causing the left end of the armature 43 and the left end of the magnet 400 to attract each other, so that the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path. When it is necessary to switch back to inserting the wedge plate 2 into the optical path, it is only necessary to interrupt the current supplied to the magnetic coil 401. Under the action of the spring force, the right end of the armature 43 and the right end of the magnet 400 are connected, thereby causing the wedge plate 2 to leave the optical path.

[0044] It is worth noting that, for the sake of explaining this solution, the terms "left end" and "right end" mentioned above are only used to illustrate the corresponding figures. In practice, the structures of the left end and the right end can be interchanged, and will not be explained in detail in this embodiment.

[0045] To facilitate reducing the overall size and package dimensions of the multi-core optical switch, this embodiment refers to... Figure 5 The position of the braking mechanism 4 is set in a certain way. In other embodiments, the braking mechanism 4 only needs to control the wedge plate 2 to insert into and leave the optical path. Other installation methods of the braking mechanism 4 will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the multi-core optical switch also includes a multi-core coupling device 5. The input end of the multi-core coupling device 5 is used to couple with multiple single-core optical fibers, and the output end of the multi-core coupling device 5 is coupled to one end of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0047] The multi-core coupling device 5 can be a fan-in / fan-out device. (Refer to...) Figure 8 Fiber cores 1, 2, 3, and 4 each correspond to different single-core optical fibers. These four single-core fibers are coupled to a single 4-core multi-core optical fiber via a 4-core fan-in / fan-out device. This allows input optical signals from one single-core fiber to be input and reflected back to the other single-core fibers, thus achieving the function of a multi-core fiber optic switch.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the multi-core optical switch also includes a sleeve 6 and a capillary tube 7; the capillary tube 7 and the lens 1 are partially disposed in the sleeve 6, and the capillary tube 7 and the lens 1 are coupled; the multi-core optical fiber is disposed in the capillary tube 7.

[0049] The capillary 7 is a single-core capillary 7, and its outer diameter can be 1.0 mm, 1.8 mm, or a customized outer diameter. The outer diameter of the sleeve 6 can be designed according to the outer diameter of the capillary 7 and the lens 1. The material of the sleeve 6 can be glass, metal, or plastic. In one embodiment, the multi-core optical switch further includes a packaging box (not shown in the figure). The reflector 3 is fixed to the sealing box with glue or other means, and the sleeve 6 is fixed to the sealing box with glue or other means. In one embodiment, the coupling surfaces between the capillary 7 and the lens 1 are respectively ground with an 8° bevel to reduce reflection.

[0050] This embodiment proposes a multi-core optical switch. In terms of performance, due to the focusing and collimating effect of lens 1 on the input optical signal, and the precise cooperation between reflector 3 and wedge plate 2, the loss of optical signal during transmission and switching is greatly reduced, improving the transmission efficiency and switching speed of optical signal. This meets the stringent performance requirements of high-speed, high-capacity optical communication systems for multi-core optical switches. The precise control of wedge plate 2 by braking mechanism 4 enables the optical switch to quickly and flexibly guide the optical signal to different cores in the multi-core optical fiber according to actual communication needs, greatly enhancing the scalability and adaptability of the optical communication network. The structural design of this scheme is reasonable, and the coupling method between components is stable, reducing the impact of environmental factors on the performance of the optical switch and ensuring stable transmission of optical signals under various environmental conditions, thereby improving the overall reliability of the optical communication system.

[0051] Example 2: To further illustrate the multi-core optical switch in Embodiment 1, this embodiment proposes an optical switching method for the multi-core optical switch. In one embodiment, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the optical switching method of the multi-core optical switch specifically includes: Step 101: The lens 1 transmits the input optical signal from the first core of the multi-core optical fiber to the reflector 3.

[0052] The lens 1 focuses the relatively divergent input optical signal from the first core of the multi-core optical fiber and transmits it to the reflector 3, ensuring that the input optical signal has high energy concentration and transmission efficiency during transmission, and reducing optical signal loss and divergence.

[0053] Step 102: The braking mechanism 4 controls the distance between the wedge plate 2 and the main optical axis of the lens 1, so as to reflect the input optical signal back to different cores in the multi-core optical fiber through the reflector 3.

[0054] The distance between the wedge plate 2 and the principal optical axis of the lens 1 refers to the distance between the center point of the wedge plate 2 and the principal optical axis of the lens 1 when the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path in the vertical direction. By controlling this distance, the input optical signal can be reflected back to the different cores of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0055] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the optical switching method of the multi-core optical switch further includes: Step 201: The braking mechanism 4 controls the wedge plate 2 to insert into or leave the optical path.

[0056] The braking mechanism 4 precisely drives the wedge plate 2 to move according to external commands or control signals, thereby realizing flexible control of the optical signal transmission path and ensuring that the optical switch can quickly and accurately complete the optical signal switching operation.

[0057] Step 202: When the wedge plate 2 leaves the optical path, the reflector 3 reflects the input optical signal back to the second core of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0058] The function of the reflector 3 is to reflect the optical signal. When the wedge plate 2 leaves the optical path, the reflector 3 reflects the input optical signal transmitted from the lens 1 back to the second core of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0059] Step 203: When the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path, the reflector 3 reflects the input optical signal back to the third core of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0060] When the wedge plate 2 is inserted into the optical path to change the direction of optical signal propagation, the reflector 3 reflects the optical signal back to the third fiber core in the multi-core optical fiber. Through cooperation with the wedge plate 2, the optical signal is accurately transmitted between different fiber cores, thus realizing the function of an optical switch.

[0061] This embodiment proposes a multi-core optical switch. In terms of performance, due to the focusing and collimating effect of lens 1 on the input optical signal, and the precise cooperation between reflector 3 and wedge plate 2, the loss of optical signal during transmission and switching is greatly reduced, improving the transmission efficiency and switching speed of optical signal. This meets the stringent performance requirements of high-speed, high-capacity optical communication systems for multi-core optical switches. The precise control of wedge plate 2 by braking mechanism 4 enables the optical switch to quickly and flexibly guide the optical signal to different cores in the multi-core optical fiber according to actual communication needs, greatly enhancing the scalability and adaptability of the optical communication network. The structural design of this scheme is reasonable, and the coupling method between components is stable, reducing the impact of environmental factors on the performance of the optical switch and ensuring stable transmission of optical signals under various environmental conditions, thereby improving the overall reliability of the optical communication system.

[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-core optical switch, characterized by, The application relates to a multi-core optical fiber coupling device. The device comprises a lens (1), a wedge angle piece (2), a reflector (3) and a brake mechanism (4); a multi-core optical fiber, the lens (1) and the reflector (3) are sequentially coupled along an optical path; the wedge angle piece (2) is movably coupled between the lens (1) and the reflector (3), and the brake mechanism (4) is connected with the wedge angle piece (2). The lens (1) is used for transmitting an input light signal from a first fiber core in a multi-core optical fiber to the reflector (3). The brake mechanism (4) is used for controlling the distance between the wedge angle piece (2) and the main optical axis of the lens (1) so as to reflect the input light signal back into different fiber cores in the multi-core optical fiber through the reflector (3).

2. The multi-core optical switch of claim 1, wherein, The brake mechanism (4) is used for controlling the wedge angle piece (2) to insert into or leave the optical path. When the wedge angle piece (2) leaves the optical path, the reflector (3) is used for reflecting the input light signal back into a second fiber core in the multi-core optical fiber; when the wedge angle piece (2) inserts into the optical path, the reflector (3) is used for reflecting the input light signal back into a third fiber core in the multi-core optical fiber.

3. The multi-core optical switch of claim 2, wherein, When the wedge angle piece (2) inserts into the optical path, the coupling surface between the wedge angle piece (2) and the lens (1) is perpendicular to the main optical axis of the lens (1), and the coupling surface between the wedge angle piece (2) and the reflector (3) is at a preset angle to the main optical axis of the lens (1).

4. The multi-core optical switch of claim 1, wherein, The reflection point of the input light signal on the reflector (3) coincides with the focal point of the lens (1).

5. The multi-core optical switch of claim 1, wherein, The brake mechanism (4) comprises a brake (40) and a brake rod (41); one end of the brake rod (41) is fixedly connected with one end of the wedge angle piece (2), and the other end of the brake rod (41) is connected with the brake (40). The brake (40) is used for controlling the movement of the brake rod (41) to drive the movement of the wedge angle piece (2) so as to make the wedge angle piece (2) insert into or leave the optical path.

6. The multi-core optical switch of claim 5, wherein, The brake mechanism (4) further comprises a fulcrum block (42) and an armature (43), and the brake (40) comprises a magnet block (400) and a magnetic coil (401). The top surface of the armature (43) is in contact with and fixedly connected with the brake rod (41), the bottom surface of the armature (43) is movably connected with the top of the fulcrum block (42), and the armature (43) is used for moving with the fulcrum block (42) as a fulcrum. The magnet block (400) is arranged at the bottom of the fulcrum block (42) and is coupled with the magnetic coil (401). Different directions of currents are input into the magnetic coil (401) to make the armature (43) drive the brake rod (41) to make a lever movement with the fulcrum block (42) as a fulcrum, so as to drive the wedge angle piece (2) to insert into or leave the optical path.

7. The multi-core optical switch of claim 1, wherein, The device further comprises a multi-core coupling device (5), the input end of the multi-core coupling device (5) is used for being coupled with a plurality of single-core optical fibers, and the output end of the multi-core coupling device (5) is coupled with one end of the multi-core optical fiber.

8. The multi-core optical switch of claim 1, wherein, The reflecting surface of the reflector (3) is coated with a reflection-increasing film or a metal film.

9. An optical switching method of a multi-core optical switch, characterized by, The method is applied to a multi-core optical switch as claimed in any of claims 1-8, comprising: The lens (1) transmits an input optical signal from a first core in a multi-core fiber to the mirror (3); The brake mechanism (4) controls the distance of the wedge (2) from the main optical axis of the lens (1) to reflect the input optical signal back into a different core in the multi-core fiber through the mirror (3).

10. The optical switching method of a multi-core optical switch according to claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: The brake mechanism (4) controls the insertion or removal of the wedge (2) from the optical path; When the wedge (2) is removed from the optical path, the mirror (3) reflects the input optical signal back into a second core in the multi-core fiber; When the wedge (2) is inserted into the optical path, the mirror (3) reflects the input optical signal back into a third core in the multi-core fiber.

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