Optical cross module, optical cross device and data center

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide an optical cross module, an optical cross device and a data center, aiming to realize optical path switching between an input fiber array and an output fiber array. The optical cross module provided by the present application comprises an optical switching array, the optical switching array comprises a plurality of switching layers arranged in a stack, each switching layer comprises a plurality of optical switches, the optical switch comprises a polarization conversion component and a liquid crystal prism; the liquid crystal prism comprises a first liquid crystal layer with gradually decreasing thickness, after being selected by the polarization conversion component, the light beam with the first polarization direction or the second polarization direction enters the first liquid crystal layer; the first liquid crystal layer refracts the two light beams with different polarization directions at different angles, so that the light beam after the polarization conversion component has the first polarization direction or the second polarization direction can be controlled to control the light beam to be shot from the first optical path to the port or from the second optical path to another port, thereby realizing the optical path switching between the input fiber array and the output fiber array by the optical cross module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical switching technology, specifically to an optical cross-connect module, an optical cross-connect device, and a data center. Background Technology

[0002] Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) equipment includes an input fiber array, a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) micromirror array, and an output fiber array. The MEMS micromirrors can rotate in two dimensions. Signal light is directed to the MEMS micromirrors through the input fiber, and the MEMS micromirrors can deflect the beam to any output fiber in the output fiber array to achieve optical path switching between multiple input fibers and multiple output fibers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an optical cross-connect module, an optical cross-connect device, and a data center, which aim to realize optical path switching between the input fiber array and the output fiber array.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0005] On one hand, embodiments of this application provide an optical cross-connect module, which includes an optical switching array. The optical switching array includes multiple switching layers stacked along a first direction. Each switching layer includes multiple optical switches. Each optical switch includes a polarization converter and a liquid crystal prism. The polarization converter and the liquid crystal prism are attached to each other in the first direction. The liquid crystal prism is disposed on the light-emitting side of the polarization converter. The liquid crystal prism includes a first liquid crystal layer. The first liquid crystal layer has an angle along the length direction of the optical switch. The length direction of the optical switch is perpendicular to the first direction. The light beam passing through the polarization converter has a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction. The light beam with the first polarization direction propagates along a first optical path through the first liquid crystal layer. The light beam with the second polarization direction propagates along a second optical path through the first liquid crystal layer. The first optical path and the second optical path intersect.

[0006] The optical cross-connect module provided in this application includes an optical switching array, which includes multiple switching layers stacked together. Each switching layer includes multiple optical switches, and each optical switch includes a polarization converter and a liquid crystal prism. The liquid crystal prism is disposed on the light-emitting side of the polarization converter. The liquid crystal prism includes a first liquid crystal layer, which has an angle along the length of the optical switch. After being selected by the polarization converter, a beam with a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction enters the first liquid crystal layer. Due to the birefringence of liquid crystal, the first liquid crystal layer refracts two beams with different polarization directions at different angles. Thus, by controlling the beam after passing through the polarization converter to have a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction, the beam can be controlled to be directed from the first optical path to the port, or from the second optical path to another port, thereby enabling the optical cross-connect module to switch the optical path between the input fiber array and the output fiber array.

[0007] In some embodiments, the angle between the first optical path and the second optical path is the deflection angle of the optical switch. The switching layer includes a first switching layer and a second switching layer. The first switching layer includes a plurality of first switching units arrayed on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. Each first switching unit includes a first optical switch and a second optical switch, which are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction of the optical switch. Along the length direction of the optical switch, the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the first optical switch gradually decreases, and the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the second optical switch gradually increases. The deflection angles of the first and second optical switches are the same. The second switching layer is located at the outlet of the first switching layer. On the light side, the second switching layer includes a plurality of second switching units arrayed on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. Each second switching unit includes two third optical switches and two fourth optical switches, which are arranged adjacent to each other along the length of the optical switches. Along the length of the optical switches, the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the third optical switches gradually decreases, while the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the fourth optical switches gradually increases. The deflection angles of the third and fourth optical switches are the same, and the deflection angle of the third optical switches is greater than that of the first optical switches. In the first direction, one second switching unit is arranged corresponding to two first switching units.

[0008] With the above settings, the four input ports corresponding to the same first switching unit share the four output ports, which realizes the optical path switching between the input ports and the output ports and improves the utilization efficiency of the output ports.

[0009] In some embodiments, the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the second switching layer is greater than the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the first switching layer; and the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer in the second switching layer is the same as the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer in the first switching layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the second switching layer is equal to the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the first switching layer; and the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer in the second switching layer is greater than the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer in the first switching layer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the switching layer includes a third switching layer located on the light-emitting side of the second switching layer. The third switching layer includes a plurality of third switching units arrayed on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. Each third switching unit includes four fifth optical switches and four sixth optical switches, which are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction of the optical switches. In the length direction of the optical switches, the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the fifth optical switches gradually decreases, while the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the sixth optical switches gradually increases. The included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the fifth optical switches and the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the sixth optical switches are the same, and the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the fifth optical switches is greater than the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the third optical switches. In the first direction, one third switching unit is correspondingly arranged with two second switching units.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first switching layer includes a first sub-switching layer and a second sub-switching layer. The length direction of the optical switch in the first sub-switching layer is parallel to the second direction, and the length direction of the optical switch in the second sub-switching layer is parallel to a third direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The second switching layer includes a third sub-switching layer and a fourth sub-switching layer. The length direction of the optical switch in the third sub-switching layer is parallel to the second direction, and the length direction of the optical switch in the fourth sub-switching layer is parallel to the third direction. The third switching layer includes a fifth sub-switching layer and a sixth sub-switching layer. The length direction of the optical switch in the fifth sub-switching layer is parallel to the second direction, and the length direction of the optical switch in the sixth sub-switching layer is parallel to the third direction.

[0013] With the above configuration, in the first direction, the optical switching array includes both optical switches extending along the second direction and optical switches extending along the third direction, which allows the input light passing through the optical switching array to be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the third direction and in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, thereby improving the optical switching capacity of the optical cross module between the input fiber array and the output fiber array.

[0014] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal prism includes a first cover plate and a second cover plate, the first cover plate and the second cover plate are spaced apart along a first direction, the second cover plate is attached to a polarization converter, the first cover plate has a first surface facing the second cover plate, the second cover plate has a second surface facing the first cover plate, and there is an angle between the plane containing the first surface and the plane containing the second surface; a first liquid crystal layer is located between the first surface and the second surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first cover plate further has a third surface facing away from the second cover plate, the plane of the third surface being parallel to the plane of the first surface, or the plane of the third surface being parallel to the plane of the second surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal prism further includes a first frame, which is located between the first cover plate and the second cover plate and is disposed around the first liquid crystal layer; the first frame includes a first part and a second part, the first part is connected to the relatively close ends of the first cover plate and the second cover plate, and the second part is connected to the relatively far ends of the first cover plate and the second cover plate; the size of the first part in a first direction is smaller than the size of the second part in a first direction, so that there is an included angle between the plane where the first surface is located and the plane where the second surface is located.

[0017] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal prism further includes a first alignment layer located between the first cover plate and the first liquid crystal layer, and / or, the first alignment layer located between the second cover plate and the first liquid crystal layer. That is, the first alignment layer is disposed adjacent to the first liquid crystal layer, and the first alignment layer is used to define the initial alignment direction and angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer.

[0018] In some embodiments, the polarization converter includes a third cover plate and a second liquid crystal layer, the third cover plate being located on the side of the second cover plate opposite to the first cover plate, the third cover plate being parallel to and spaced apart from the second cover plate, and the second liquid crystal layer being located between the second cover plate and the third cover plate; the polarization converter includes an electrode layer, the electrode layer being located between the second liquid crystal layer and the third cover plate, and the electrode layer being located between the second liquid crystal layer and the second cover plate.

[0019] With the above settings, the polarization direction of the incident light passing through the polarization converter can be adjusted by controlling the energization state of the electrode layer, so that the light beam passing through the polarization converter has a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the polarization converter further includes a second frame located between the third cover plate and the second cover plate, and disposed around the second liquid crystal layer; the second frame includes a third portion and a fourth portion disposed opposite to each other in the length direction of the optical switch; in a first direction, the size of the third portion is equal to the size of the fourth portion.

[0021] By setting the above, the third cover plate and the second cover plate are arranged in parallel, so that the polarization conversion element is only used to adjust the polarization direction of the incident light, thus avoiding changing the propagation path of the incident light.

[0022] In some embodiments, the polarization conversion element further includes a second alignment layer located between the electrode layer and the second liquid crystal layer. The second alignment layer is disposed adjacent to the second liquid crystal layer and is used to define the initial alignment direction and angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer.

[0023] In some embodiments, the polarization converter includes a first polarization converter and a second polarization converter, which are stacked on the light-incident side of the liquid crystal prism.

[0024] In some embodiments, the optical cross module further includes a fine-tuning layer located on the light-incident side of any switching layer in the optical switching array. The fine-tuning layer includes a plurality of fine-tuning prisms arranged in an array. In a first direction, the plurality of fine-tuning prisms and a plurality of optical switches located in the same switching layer are correspondingly arranged.

[0025] With the above settings, the fine-tuning prism is used to fine-tune multiple input beams emitted from the input fiber array, so that the input beams passing through the fine-tuning prism can be directed in parallel to the optical switches in the optical switching array, thereby improving the coupling efficiency of the input fiber array and the optical cross module, reducing insertion loss during optical switching, and improving the reliability of the optical cross module when performing optical switching on the input beams.

[0026] In some embodiments, the length direction of the fine-tuning prism is the same as the length direction of the optical switch; the fine-tuning prism includes a first fine-tuning cover plate and a second fine-tuning cover plate, the first fine-tuning cover plate and the second fine-tuning cover plate are spaced apart along a first direction, and the first fine-tuning cover plate and the second fine-tuning cover plate form a fine-tuning angle in the length direction of the fine-tuning prism; the fine-tuning prism also includes a fine-tuning liquid crystal layer and a fine-tuning electrode layer, the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer is located between the first fine-tuning cover plate and the second fine-tuning cover plate, the fine-tuning electrode layer is located between the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer and the first fine-tuning cover plate, and is located between the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer and the second fine-tuning cover plate.

[0027] With the above configuration, the first and second fine-tuning cover plates form a fine-tuning angle along the length of the fine-tuning prism. The fine-tuning prism also includes a fine-tuning liquid crystal layer and a fine-tuning electrode layer. The fine-tuning liquid crystal layer is located between the first and second fine-tuning cover plates, allowing the light beam to be deflected after passing through the fine-tuning prism. The fine-tuning electrode layer is located between the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer and the first fine-tuning cover plate, and between the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer and the second fine-tuning cover plate. By adjusting the fine-tuning electrode layer to generate electric fields of different intensities, the refractive index of the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer is changed, further adjusting the deflection angle of the light beam after passing through the fine-tuning prism.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fine-tuning layer includes a first fine-tuning layer and a second fine-tuning layer, wherein the length direction of the fine-tuning prism in the first fine-tuning layer is parallel to a second direction; and the length direction of the fine-tuning prism in the second fine-tuning layer is parallel to a third direction.

[0029] With the above configuration, in the first direction, the fine-tuning layer includes both a fine-tuning prism extending along the second direction in the length direction and a fine-tuning prism extending along the third direction in the length direction, so that the input light passing through the fine-tuning layer can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the third direction and in a plane perpendicular to the second direction.

[0030] In some embodiments, the optical cross module further includes a compensation layer located on the incident light side of the optical switching array. The compensation layer includes multiple compensation prisms, which are correspondingly arranged with multiple compensation prisms and multiple optical switches in a first direction.

[0031] In some embodiments, the compensating prism has a first compensation angle in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and a second compensation angle in a plane perpendicular to the third direction.

[0032] With the above settings, the compensation layer can adjust the angle of the beam in a plane perpendicular to a third direction, and also adjust the angle of the beam in a plane perpendicular to a second direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the optical cross module further includes an optical collimating array, which is located on the light-emitting side of the optical switching array and is symmetrically arranged with respect to the optical switching array.

[0034] In this embodiment, multiple input optical fibers are directed to multiple input beams of the optical cross-connect module in parallel. However, during the optical switching process in the optical cross-connect module, the propagation direction of the input beams may be deflected. By setting an optical collimating array symmetrical to the optical switching array, the multiple output beams output by the optical cross-connect module can also be parallel to each other, which facilitates setting the positions of the input fiber array and the output fiber array in the optical cross-connect device.

[0035] In some embodiments, the optical switching array and the optical collimating array are spaced apart so that the input light emitted from the optical switching array has a sufficient distance to reach the corresponding port.

[0036] In some embodiments, the optical crossing module further includes a lens located between the optical switching array and the optical collimating array, wherein the distance from the optical switching array to the lens is equal to the focal length of the lens; and the distance from the optical collimating array to the lens is equal to the focal length of the lens.

[0037] With the above settings, the optical switching array and the optical collimating array are located on the two sides of the lens at their respective focal lengths, which facilitates the adjustment of the optical path between the optical switching array and the optical collimating array.

[0038] In some embodiments, the optical cross-connect module further includes at least one reflector, with the optical switching array and the optical collimating array both located on the same side of the reflector, and the reflector situated on the optical path between the optical switching array and the optical collimating array. The reflector can fold the optical path between the optical switching array and the optical collimating array, allowing the input fiber array and the output fiber array to be positioned on the same side, facilitating the fabrication of the optical cross-connect device.

[0039] On the other hand, this application also provides an optical switch, which includes a polarization converter and a liquid crystal prism. The polarization converter and the liquid crystal prism are attached to each other in a first direction, and the liquid crystal prism is disposed on the light-emitting side of the polarization converter. The liquid crystal prism includes a first liquid crystal layer, which has an angle in the length direction of the optical switch, and the length direction of the optical switch is perpendicular to the first direction. The light beam passing through the polarization converter has a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction. The light beam with the first polarization direction propagates along a first optical path through the first liquid crystal layer, and the light beam with the second polarization direction propagates along a second optical path through the first liquid crystal layer. The first optical path and the second optical path intersect.

[0040] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal prism includes a first cover plate and a second cover plate, the first cover plate and the second cover plate are spaced apart along a first direction, the second cover plate is attached to a polarization converter, the first cover plate has a first surface facing the second cover plate, the second cover plate has a second surface facing the first cover plate, and there is an angle between the plane containing the first surface and the plane containing the second surface; a first liquid crystal layer is located between the first surface and the second surface.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first cover plate further has a third surface facing away from the second cover plate, the plane of the third surface being parallel to the plane of the first surface, or the plane of the third surface being parallel to the plane of the second surface.

[0042] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal prism further includes a first frame, which is located between the first cover plate and the second cover plate and is disposed around the first liquid crystal layer; the first frame includes a first part and a second part, the first part is connected to the relatively close ends of the first cover plate and the second cover plate, and the second part is connected to the relatively far ends of the first cover plate and the second cover plate; the size of the first part in a first direction is smaller than the size of the second part in a first direction, so that there is an included angle between the plane where the first surface is located and the plane where the second surface is located.

[0043] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal prism further includes a first alignment layer located between the first cover plate and the first liquid crystal layer, and / or, the first alignment layer located between the second cover plate and the first liquid crystal layer. That is, the first alignment layer is disposed adjacent to the first liquid crystal layer, and the first alignment layer is used to define the initial alignment direction and angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer.

[0044] In some embodiments, the polarization converter includes a third cover plate and a second liquid crystal layer, the third cover plate being located on the side of the second cover plate opposite to the first cover plate, the third cover plate being parallel to and spaced apart from the second cover plate, and the second liquid crystal layer being located between the second cover plate and the third cover plate; the polarization converter includes an electrode layer, the electrode layer being located between the second liquid crystal layer and the third cover plate, and the electrode layer being located between the second liquid crystal layer and the second cover plate.

[0045] With the above settings, the polarization direction of the incident light passing through the polarization converter can be adjusted by controlling the energization state of the electrode layer, so that the light beam passing through the polarization converter has a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction.

[0046] In some embodiments, the polarization converter further includes a second frame located between the third cover plate and the second cover plate, and disposed around the second liquid crystal layer; the second frame includes a third portion and a fourth portion disposed opposite to each other in the length direction of the optical switch; in a first direction, the size of the third portion is equal to the size of the fourth portion.

[0047] By setting the above, the third cover plate and the second cover plate are arranged in parallel, so that the polarization conversion element is only used to adjust the polarization direction of the incident light, thus avoiding changing the propagation path of the incident light.

[0048] In some embodiments, the polarization conversion element further includes a second alignment layer located between the electrode layer and the second liquid crystal layer. The second alignment layer is disposed adjacent to the second liquid crystal layer and is used to define the initial alignment direction and angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer.

[0049] In some embodiments, the polarization converter includes a first polarization converter and a second polarization converter, which are stacked on the light-incident side of the liquid crystal prism.

[0050] This application also provides an optical cross-connect device, which includes an input fiber array, an output fiber array, and an optical cross-connect module as described above. The input fiber array is located on the input side of the optical switching array, and the output fiber array is located on the output side of the optical switching array. The input fiber array includes a plurality of input fibers arranged in an array, and the plurality of input fibers are correspondingly arranged with a plurality of optical switches located in the same switching layer. The output fiber array includes a plurality of output fibers arranged in an array, and the plurality of output fibers are correspondingly arranged with a plurality of optical switches located in the same switching layer.

[0051] In another aspect, this application also provides a data center, which includes data communication equipment, server clusters, and optical cross-connect devices as described above, wherein the data communication equipment and server clusters are connected via the optical cross-connect devices.

[0052] It is understood that the beneficial effects of the optical cross-connect device and data center provided in the above embodiments of this application can be referred to the beneficial effects of the optical cross-connect module mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0053] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application, the accompanying drawings used in some embodiments of this application will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings. In addition, the drawings described below can be regarded as schematic diagrams and are not intended to limit the actual size of the product, the actual flow of the method, the actual timing of the signals, etc. involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the data center connection in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the optical cross-connect device in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical cross-connect device in the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the input unit in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the output unit in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the optical switching array in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical switch in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0061] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical switch in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0062] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical switch in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0063] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the input light passing through the optical switch in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the switching layer structure in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first switching layer in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first switching layer and the second switching layer in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0067] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0068] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0069] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0070] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 ;

[0071] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first switching layer and the second switching layer in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0072] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first switching layer, the second switching layer, and the third switching layer in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0073] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first switching layer, the second switching layer, and the third switching layer in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0074] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first switching layer, the second switching layer, and the third switching layer in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0075] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the optical cross module in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0076] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the optical cross module in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0077] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fine-tuning prism in the embodiments of this application;

[0078] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the optical cross module in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0079] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the optical cross module in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 ;

[0080] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the optical cross module in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 ;

[0081] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the optical cross module in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 ;

[0082] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the optical cross module in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7 ;

[0083] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the optical cross module in the embodiments of this application. Figure 8 .

[0084] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Data center; 2. Data communication equipment; 3. Server cluster; 4. Optical cross-connect device; 5. Input fiber array; 6. Output fiber array; 7. Optical cross-connect module; 8. Input unit; 9. Input fiber; 10. First collimating lens; 11. Polarizing beam splitter prism; 12. First half-glass slide; 13. Output unit; 14. Output fiber; 15. Second collimating lens; 16. Polarizing beam combiner prism; 17. Second half-glass slide; 18. Optical switching array; 19. Switching layer; 20. Optical switch; 21. Polarization converter 22. Liquid crystal prism; 23. First cover plate; 24. Second cover plate; 25. First surface; 26. Second surface; 27. First liquid crystal layer; 28. Third surface; 29. ​​First frame; 30. First part; 31. Second part; 32. First alignment layer; 33. Third cover plate; 34. Second liquid crystal layer; 35. Second frame; 36. Third part; 37. Fourth part; 38. Second alignment layer; 39. Electrode layer; 40. First polarization converter; 41. Second polarization converter; 42. First switching layer; 43. First cut Switching Unit; 44. First Optical Switch; 45. Second Optical Switch; 46. First Input Unit; 47. Second Input Unit; 48. First Output Unit; 49. Second Output Unit; 50. Second Switching Layer; 51. Second Switching Unit; 52. Third Optical Switch; 53. Fourth Optical Switch; 54. Third Input Unit; 55. Fourth Input Unit; 56. Third Output Unit; 57. Fourth Output Unit; 58. Third Switching Layer; 59. Third Switching Unit; 60. Fifth Optical Switch; 61. Sixth Optical Switch; 62. First Sub-Switch 63. Second sub-switching layer; 64. Third sub-switching layer; 65. Fourth sub-switching layer; 66. Fifth sub-switching layer; 67. Sixth sub-switching layer; 68. Optical collimating array; 69. Collimation layer; 70. Fine-tuning layer; 71. Fine-tuning prism; 72. First fine-tuning cover plate; 73. Second fine-tuning cover plate; 74. Fine-tuning liquid crystal layer; 75. Fine-tuning electrode layer; 76. First fine-tuning layer; 77. Second fine-tuning layer; 78. Compensation layer; 79. Compensation prism; 82. Lens; 83. Mirror; 84. First mirror; 85. Second mirror. Detailed Implementation

[0085] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0086] Hereinafter, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0087] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "horizontal," and "vertical" are defined relative to the orientation of the components shown 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 of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0088] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0089] It should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or an integral connection; they can also refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0090] Reference Figure 1This application provides a data center 1 for transmitting, accelerating, displaying, calculating, and storing data information on an internet network infrastructure. The data center 1 includes data communication equipment 2, server clusters 3, and optical cross-connect devices 4. The data communication equipment 2 and server clusters 3 are connected via the optical cross-connect devices 4. The optical cross-connect devices 4 enable optical cross-connections between multiple data communication equipment 2 and multiple server clusters 3, improving communication efficiency between them. In the above embodiments, the server clusters 3 include processors and chips, and the optical cross-connect devices 4 can also be used to enable communication connections between the processors and chips in the server clusters 3. In some implementations, the server clusters 3 may also include multiple chips, and the optical cross-connect devices 4 can also be used to enable communication connections between multiple chips in the server clusters 3. The optical cross-connect devices can achieve transparent transmission of optical signals, supporting or being compatible with the exchange of optical signals in optical fibers at any rate. For example, the propagation rate of optical signals may include 200GB / s, 400GB / s, 600GB / s, 800GB / s, 1.6TB / s, etc.

[0091] Reference Figure 2 In the above embodiments, the optical cross-connect device 4 provided by this application includes an input fiber array 5, an output fiber array 6, and an optical cross-connect module 7. The input fiber array 5 is located on the light input side of the optical cross-connect module 7, and the output fiber array 6 is located on the light output side of the optical cross-connect module 7. The input fiber array 5 and the output fiber array 6 can be mounted on the chassis panel of the optical cross-connect device 4. The optical cross-connect device 4 also includes a control system and a drive system, which are electrically connected to the optical cross-connect module 7.

[0092] Among them, reference Figure 3 , Figure 4The input fiber array 5 includes multiple input units 8 arranged in an array. Each input unit 8 includes an input fiber 9, a first collimating lens 10, a polarizing beam splitter prism 11, and a first half-glass 12. The input light from the input fiber 9 directed towards the optical cross-section module 7 is collimated by the first collimating lens 10 and then passes through the polarizing beam splitter prism 11, splitting the input light into an input light with a first polarization direction and an input light with a second polarization direction (it should be noted that the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction are perpendicular to each other). In some embodiments, the first half-glass 12 can be placed in the optical path of the input light with the first polarization direction to convert the input light with the first polarization direction into the input light with the second polarization direction; similarly, the first half-glass 12 can also be placed in the optical path of the input light with the second polarization direction to convert the input light with the second polarization direction into the input light with the first polarization direction. In the above embodiments, the two beams of input light passing through the polarizing beam splitter prism 11 can have a single polarization direction without losing some of the intensity of the input light.

[0093] Similarly, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 5 The output fiber array 6 includes multiple output units 13 arranged in an array. Each output unit 13 includes an output fiber 14, a second collimating lens 15, a polarization combining prism 16, and a second half-glass 17. The two output beams directed by the optical cross module 7 toward the output fiber 14 have a single polarization direction (e.g., both output beams have a first polarization direction or both have a second polarization direction). The second half-glass 17 is disposed in the optical path of one of the output beams. The second half-glass 17 can convert the output beam with the first polarization direction into the output beam with the second polarization direction, or it can convert the output beam with the second polarization direction into the output beam with the first polarization direction, so that the two output beams directed toward the polarization combining prism 16 include the output beam with the first polarization direction and the output beam with the second polarization direction. The polarization combining prism 16 is used to combine the output beam with the first polarization direction and the output beam with the second polarization direction.

[0094] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 6The optical cross-connect module 7 includes an optical switching array 18, which includes a switching layer 19. Multiple optical switches 20 are arrayed in the switching layer 19. Multiple input units 8 in the input fiber array 5 are correspondingly arranged with the multiple optical switches 20, and multiple output units 13 in the output fiber array 6 are also correspondingly arranged with the multiple optical switches 20. Input light from an input unit 8 to the optical switching array 18 is directed to its corresponding optical switch 20 and exits the optical switching array 18; this is called output light. The optical switch 20 can switch the optical path of the input light, allowing the output light from the optical switching array 18 to reach the target output unit 13 in the output fiber array 6.

[0095] In some embodiments, the optical switching array 18 in the optical cross module 7 provided in this application is arranged along a first direction on the input and output sides, and multiple switching layers 19 are provided, which are stacked along the first direction. Each switching layer 19 includes multiple arrayed optical switches 20; wherein, referring to Figure 7 , Figure 8 The optical switch 20 includes a polarization converter 21 and a liquid crystal prism 22. The polarization converter 21 and the liquid crystal prism 22 are attached to each other in a first direction, and the liquid crystal prism 22 is disposed on the light-emitting side of the polarization converter 21.

[0096] In the above embodiments, the liquid crystal prism 22 includes a first cover plate 23 and a second cover plate 24, which are spaced apart along a first direction. The second cover plate 24 is attached to the polarization converter 21. The first cover plate 23 has a first surface 25 facing the second cover plate 24, and the second cover plate 24 has a second surface 26 facing the first cover plate 23. An angle A is formed between the plane containing the first surface 25 and the plane containing the second surface 26. The liquid crystal prism 22 also includes a first liquid crystal layer 27, which is located between the first surface 25 and the second surface 26.

[0097] In some implementations, refer to Figure 7 The first cover plate 23 also has a third surface 28 facing away from the second cover plate 24. The plane of the third surface 28 is parallel to the plane of the first surface 25, meaning the first cover plate 23 is a parallel plate with parallel sides. In other embodiments, refer to... Figure 8 The plane containing the third surface 28 is parallel to the plane containing the second surface 26, so that the light-incident side and the light-outcident side of the optical switch 20 are parallel.

[0098] Continue to refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8In some embodiments, the liquid crystal prism 22 further includes a first frame 29, which is located between the first cover plate 23 and the second cover plate 24 and is disposed around the first liquid crystal layer 27. The first frame 29 includes a first portion 30 and a second portion 31. The first portion 30 connects the relatively close ends of the first cover plate 23 and the second cover plate 24, and the second portion 31 connects the relatively far ends of the first cover plate 23 and the second cover plate 24. The size of the first portion 30 in the first direction is smaller than the size of the second portion 31 in the first direction, so that there is an angle between the plane where the first surface 25 is located and the plane where the second surface 26 is located.

[0099] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal prism 22 further includes a first alignment layer 32, which is disposed adjacent to the first liquid crystal layer 27. The first alignment layer 32 is used to define the initial alignment direction and angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 27. For example, the first alignment layer 32 may be located between the first cover plate 23 and the first liquid crystal layer 27; or the first alignment layer 32 may be located between the second cover plate 24 and the first liquid crystal layer 27; or the first alignment layer 32 may be provided between the first cover plate 23 and the first liquid crystal layer 27 and between the second cover plate 24 and the first liquid crystal layer 27.

[0100] In the above embodiments, the polarization conversion element 21 includes a third cover plate 33 and a second liquid crystal layer 34. The third cover plate 33 is located on the side of the second cover plate 24 away from the first cover plate 23. The third cover plate 33 is parallel to and spaced apart from the second cover plate 24. The second liquid crystal layer 34 is located between the second cover plate 24 and the third cover plate 33. The polarization conversion element 21 includes an electrode layer 39, which is located between the second liquid crystal layer 34 and the third cover plate 33, and between the second liquid crystal layer 34 and the second cover plate 24.

[0101] In some embodiments, the polarization converter 21 further includes a second frame 35 located between the second cover plate 24 and the third cover plate 33, and surrounding the second liquid crystal layer 34. The second frame 35 includes a third portion 36 and a fourth portion 37 disposed opposite each other in the length direction of the optical switch 20. In a first direction, the size of the third portion 36 is equal to the size of the fourth portion 37. By arranging the third cover plate 33 and the second cover plate 24 in parallel, the polarization converter 21 is used only to adjust the polarization direction of the incident light, avoiding changes to the propagation path of the incident light.

[0102] In some embodiments, the polarization conversion element 21 further includes a second alignment layer 38, which is disposed adjacent to the second liquid crystal layer 34. The second alignment layer 38 is used to define the initial alignment direction and angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer 34. The second alignment layer 38 may be located between the electrode layer 39 and the second liquid crystal layer 34.

[0103] As can be seen from the above embodiments, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 7 The input light incident from the input unit 8 onto the light switching array 18 has a single polarization direction; that is, the output light incident onto the polarization converter 21 also has a single polarization direction (e.g., the incident light has only a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction). In the polarization converter 21, the electrode layer 39 is located between the second liquid crystal layer 34 and the third cover plate 33, and between the second liquid crystal layer 34 and the second cover plate 24. By controlling whether the electrode layer 39 is energized, the arrangement state of the liquid crystal molecules in the second liquid crystal layer 34 can be adjusted.

[0104] For example, when the electrode layer 39 is not energized, in the thickness direction (i.e., the first direction) of the second liquid crystal layer 34, the liquid crystal molecules gradually tilt on the plane perpendicular to the first direction, and the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules closest to the third cover plate 33 and the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules closest to the second cover plate 24 are perpendicular to each other; at this time, the polarization direction of the input light passing through the second liquid crystal layer 34 will change (for example, the incident light with the first polarization direction will be converted into the incident light with the second polarization direction after passing through the polarization conversion member 21, or the incident light with the second polarization direction will be converted into the incident light with the first polarization direction after passing through the polarization conversion member 21).

[0105] When the electrode layer 39 is energized, the axial direction of the liquid crystal molecules is the same in the thickness direction of the second liquid crystal layer 34, so the polarization direction of the incident light passing through the second liquid crystal layer 34 will not change.

[0106] With the above settings, the polarization direction of the incident light passing through the polarization converter 21 can be adjusted by controlling the energization state of the electrode layer 39, so that the light beam passing through the polarization converter 21 has a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction. For example, if the input light from the input unit 8 to the light switching array 18 has a first polarization direction, and if it is desired that the incident light incident on the liquid crystal prism 22 also has a first polarization direction, the electrode layer 39 can be energized without changing the polarization direction of the incident light; if it is desired that the incident light incident on the liquid crystal prism 22 has a second polarization direction, the electrode layer 39 can be de-energized to change the polarization direction of the incident light. If the input light from the input unit 8 to the light switching array 18 has a second polarization direction, the method for controlling the electrode layer 39 is the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0107] In the above embodiments, reference is made to Figure 9 The optical switch 20 may include a first polarization converter 40 and a second polarization converter 41, which are stacked on the light-incident side of the liquid crystal prism 22. It is understood that the structures of the first polarization converter 40 and the second polarization converter 41 are similar to those of the aforementioned polarization converter 21 (e.g., ...). Figure 7 The structure is the same as that shown, and will not be described in detail here. In the actual application of the optical switch 20, the first polarization converter 40 can switch between powered and unpowered states as needed, while the second polarization converter 41 is always powered on without changing the polarization direction of the input light. When the first polarization converter 40 fails (for example, the first polarization converter 40 cannot switch the powered state), the powered state of the second polarization converter 41 can be controlled, so that the optical switch 20 can continue to switch the input light path, thus improving the stability of the optical switch 20.

[0108] In some embodiments, the optical switch 20 has a length direction, which is perpendicular to a first direction; the first cover plate 23 and the second cover plate 24 are close to each other in the length direction of the optical switch 20, and the first liquid crystal layer 27 is located between the first cover plate 23 and the second cover plate 24, thereby defining the shape of the first liquid crystal layer 27, so that the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 27 gradually decreases in the length direction of the optical switch 20, that is, the first liquid crystal layer 27 has an angle in the length direction of the optical switch 20. This causes the exit direction of the incident light passing through the first liquid crystal layer 27 to be deflected. In the above embodiments, the incident light passing through the polarization converter 21 can have a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction. Due to the birefringence of the liquid crystal, the two orthogonally polarized incident lights passing through the first liquid crystal layer 27 have different exit angles; for example, refer to Figure 10 Incident light with a first polarization direction propagates along a first optical path after passing through the first liquid crystal layer 27, and incident light with a second polarization direction propagates along a second optical path after passing through the first liquid crystal layer 27; the first and second optical paths intersect, and the angle between the first and second optical paths is the deflection angle θ of the optical switch 20. Specifically, in, It is the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27, n e Let n0 be the unconventional refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 27, and n0 be the conventional refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 27. e -n0) represents the refractive index difference between liquid crystal molecules.

[0109] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 7The optical cross module 7 provided in this application includes an optical switching array 18, which includes multiple switching layers 19 stacked together. Each switching layer 19 includes multiple optical switches 20. Each optical switch 20 includes a polarization converter 21 and a liquid crystal prism 22. The liquid crystal prism 22 is disposed on the light-emitting side of the polarization converter 21. The liquid crystal prism 22 includes a first liquid crystal layer 27. The thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 27 gradually decreases along the length of the optical switch 20. After being selected by the polarization converter 21, a beam with a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction enters the first liquid crystal layer 27. Since liquid crystal has birefringence characteristics, the first liquid crystal layer 27 refracts two beams with different polarization directions at different angles. Thus, by controlling the beam after passing through the polarization converter 21 to have a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction, the beam can be controlled to be directed from the first optical path to the port, or from the second optical path to the other port, thereby realizing the optical path switching between the input fiber array 5 and the output fiber array 6.

[0110] Reference Figure 10 In some embodiments, the input light passing through the optical switch 20 can be deflected at a small angle and propagated along the first optical path, where the small angle can be 0; or, it can be deflected at a large angle and propagated along the second optical path.

[0111] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 11 Along the length of the optical switch 20, multiple optical switches 20 located in the same switching layer 19 are arranged sequentially, and the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the optical switch 20 gradually decreases; the propagation direction of the input light after being deflected by each optical switch 20 is the same.

[0112] In other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 12 The plurality of switching layers 19 includes a first switching layer 42, which includes a plurality of first switching units 43 arrayed on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. Each first switching unit 43 includes a first optical switch 44 and a second optical switch 45, which are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction. Along the length direction, the first liquid crystal layer 27 of the first optical switch 44 (e.g., ...) Figure 7 The thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 27 of the second optical switch 45 (as shown) gradually decreases, and the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 27 of the second optical switch 45 (as shown) gradually decreases. Figure 7 The thickness of the light switch 44 (as shown) gradually increases, meaning that the first optical switch 44 and the second optical switch 45 in the same first switching unit 43 are symmetrically arranged along the length direction; wherein the deflection angle of the first optical switch 44 and the deflection angle of the second optical switch 45 are the same.

[0113] The first switching layer 42 has two optical switches: a first optical switch 44 and a second optical switch 45. The optical cross-connect module 7 has two input units 8 (e.g., a first input unit 46 and a second input unit 47) and two output units 13 (e.g., a first output unit 48 and a second output unit 49) corresponding to the optical switches. The first input unit 46 directs input light towards the first optical switch 44. If the first optical switch 44 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a small angle, the input light passes through the first optical switch 44 and is directed towards the first output unit 48. If the first optical switch 44 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a large angle, the input light passes through the first optical switch 44 and is directed towards the second output unit 49. This achieves optical path switching between one input unit 8 and two output units 13.

[0114] Similarly, the second input unit 47 directs the input light towards the second optical switch 45. If the second optical switch 45 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a small angle, the input light passing through the second optical switch 45 is directed towards the second output unit 49; if the second optical switch 45 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a large angle, the input light passing through the second optical switch 45 is directed towards the first output unit 48. This also allows for optical path switching between one input unit 8 and two output units 13.

[0115] The first optical switch 44 and the second optical switch 45 in the same first switching unit 43 are symmetrically arranged along the length direction, so that the two input units 8 corresponding to the same first switching unit 43 share two output units 13. This realizes the optical path switching between the input unit 8 and the output unit 13, and also improves the utilization efficiency of the output unit 13.

[0116] In the above implementation method, refer to Figure 13 The multiple switching layers 19 also include a second switching layer 50, which is located on the light-emitting side of the first switching layer 42. The second switching layer 50 includes multiple second switching units 51 arrayed on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. In the first direction, one second switching unit 51 is correspondingly arranged with two first switching units 43. The second switching unit 51 includes two third optical switches 52 and two fourth optical switches 53, which are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction. Specifically, the first optical switch 44 and the second optical switch 45 in one first switching unit 43 are correspondingly arranged with the two third optical switches 52 in the second switching unit 51, and the first optical switch 44 and the second optical switch 45 in another first switching unit 43 are correspondingly arranged with the two fourth optical switches 53 in the second switching unit 51. Along the length direction of the optical switches, the first liquid crystal layer 27 of the third optical switch 52 (e.g., Figure 7 The thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 27 of the fourth optical switch 53 (as shown) gradually decreases, and the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 27 of the fourth optical switch 53 (as shown) gradually decreases. Figure 7The thickness of the light switch (as shown) gradually increases; that is, the two third optical switches 52 and the two fourth optical switches 53 in the same second switching unit 51 are symmetrically arranged along the length of the optical switch; wherein, the deflection angle of the third optical switch 52 and the deflection angle of the fourth optical switch 53 are the same, and the deflection angle of the third optical switch 52 is greater than the deflection angle of the first optical switch 44.

[0117] The first switching layer 42 and the second switching layer 50 each have four optical switches. The optical cross module 7 has four input units 8 (e.g., the first input unit 46, the second input unit 47, the third input unit 54 and the fourth input unit 55) and four output units 13 (e.g., the first output unit 48, the second output unit 49, the third output unit 56 and the fourth output unit 57) corresponding to the input optical fiber 9.

[0118] Reference Figure 14 The first input unit 46 directs the input light toward the first optical switch 44. If the first optical switch 44 deflects the direction of the input light by a small angle, the corresponding third optical switch 52 also deflects the direction of the input light by a small angle, and the input light is directed toward the first output unit 48. If the first optical switch 44 deflects the direction of the input light by a large angle, the corresponding third optical switch 52 deflects the direction of the input light by a small angle, and the input light is deflected to the right and directed toward the second output unit 49. Since the deflection angle of the input light after passing through the third optical switch 52 is greater than that after passing through the first optical switch 44, that is, the angle at which the third optical switch 52 deflects the input light is greater than the angle at which the first optical switch 44 deflects the input light at a smaller angle, the corresponding third optical switch 52 deflects the input light at a larger angle, so the input light is deflected to the right and directed toward the third output unit 56; if the first optical switch 44 deflects the input light at a larger angle, the corresponding third optical switch 52 also deflects the input light at a larger angle, so the input light is deflected to the right and directed toward the fourth output unit 57; thus, optical path switching between one input unit 8 and four output units 13 can be realized.

[0119] Reference Figure 15The second input unit 47 directs the input light toward the second optical switch 45. If the second optical switch 45 deflects the direction of the input light by a small angle, the corresponding third optical switch 52 also deflects the direction of the input light by a small angle, and the input light is directed toward the second output unit 49. If the second optical switch 45 deflects the direction of the input light by a large angle, the corresponding third optical switch 52 deflects the direction of the input light by a small angle, and the input light is deflected to the left and directed toward the first output unit 48. Since the deflection angle of the input light after passing through the third optical switch 52 is greater than that after passing through the first optical switch 44, and the deflection angle of the first optical switch 44 is equal to the deflection angle of the second optical switch 45, the deflection angle of the third optical switch 52 is also greater than that of the second optical switch 45. That is, the angle at which the third optical switch 52 deflects the input light is greater than the angle at which the second optical switch 45 deflects the input light. Therefore, if the second optical switch 45 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a large angle, the corresponding third optical switch 52 also deflects the direction of the input light at a large angle, and the input light is deflected to the right and directed towards the third output unit 56. If the second optical switch 45 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a small angle, the corresponding third optical switch 52 deflects the direction of the input light at a large angle, and the input light is deflected to the right and directed towards the fourth output unit 57. It can be seen that, since the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 52 (e.g., Figure 7 The tilt direction of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the second optical switch 45 is different from that of the tilt direction of the third optical switch 52. The deflection angle of the input light after passing through the third optical switch 52 is greater than that after passing through the second optical switch 45. This can prevent the input light from only deflecting to the left and being output from the first output unit 48 after passing through the second optical switch 45. It also allows the input light to deflect to the right and be output from the third output unit 56 or the fourth output unit 57. This enables the switching of the optical path between one input unit 8 and four output units 13.

[0120] Reference Figure 16 The third input unit 54 directs the input light toward the first optical switch 44. If the first optical switch 44 deflects the direction of the input light by a small angle, the corresponding fourth optical switch 53 also deflects the direction of the input light by a small angle, and the input light is directed toward the third output unit 56. If the first optical switch 44 deflects the direction of the input light by a small angle, the corresponding fourth optical switch 53 deflects the direction of the input light by a large angle, and the input light is deflected to the left and directed toward the first output unit 48. Since the deflection angle of the input light after passing through the fourth optical switch 53 is greater than that after passing through the first optical switch 44, that is, the angle at which the third optical switch 52 deflects the input light is greater than the angle at which the second optical switch 45 deflects the input light; therefore, if the first optical switch 44 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a large angle, the corresponding fourth optical switch 53 also deflects the direction of the input light at a large angle, then the input light is deflected to the left and directed towards the second output unit 49; if the first optical switch 44 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a large angle, the corresponding fourth optical switch 53 deflects the direction of the input light at a small angle, then the input light is deflected to the right and directed towards the fourth output unit 57; it can be seen that, due to the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the fourth optical switch 53 (such as Figure 7 The tilt direction of the input light (as shown) is different from the tilt direction of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first optical switch 44, and the deflection angle of the input light after passing through the fourth optical switch 53 is greater than the deflection angle after passing through the first optical switch 44. This can prevent the input light from only deflecting to the right and propagating from the fourth output unit 57 after passing through the first optical switch 44, and can realize the optical path switching between one input unit 8 and four output units 13.

[0121] Reference Figure 17 The fourth input unit 55 directs the input light towards the second optical switch 45. If the second optical switch 45 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a small angle, the corresponding fourth optical switch 53 also deflects the direction of the input light at a small angle, and the input light is directed towards the fourth output unit 57. If the second optical switch 45 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a large angle, the corresponding fourth optical switch 53 deflects the direction of the input light at a small angle, and the input light is deflected to the left and directed towards the third output unit 56. Since the deflection angle of the input light after passing through the fourth optical switch 53 is greater than the deflection angle after passing through the second optical switch 45, if the second optical switch 45 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a small angle, the corresponding fourth optical switch 53 deflects the direction of the input light at a large angle, and the input light is deflected to the left and directed towards the second output unit 49. If the second optical switch 45 deflects the propagation direction of the input light at a large angle, the corresponding fourth optical switch 53 also deflects the direction of the input light at a large angle, and the input light is deflected to the left and directed towards the first output unit 48, the optical path switching between one input unit 8 and four output units 13 can be realized.

[0122] Reference Figures 13 to 17 Through the above settings, the four input units 8 corresponding to the same first switching unit 43 share the four output units 13, which realizes the optical path switching between the input units 8 and the output units 13 and improves the utilization efficiency of the output units 13.

[0123] In one embodiment of the above embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 7 and Figure 18 The included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the second switching layer 50 is equal to the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first switching layer 42; and the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the second switching layer 50 is greater than the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first switching layer 42.

[0124] For example, the included angles of the first liquid crystal layers 27 in the first optical switch 44, second optical switch 45, third optical switch 52, and fourth optical switch 53 are all the same. The two third optical switches 52 and two fourth optical switches 53 in the second switching unit 51 can be symmetrically arranged; the first optical switch 44 and second optical switch 45 in the first switching unit 43 can also be symmetrically arranged. That is, the included angles of the first liquid crystal layers 27 in the multiple optical switches 20 in the multiple switching layers 19 are all the same, and the same specification of optical switch 20 can be used in different switching layers 19, which facilitates the mass production of optical switches 20 and simplifies the processing complexity of the optical switching module. Among them, the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layers 27 in the first optical switch 44 and the second optical switch 45 is the same, so that the deflection angle of the first optical switch 44 and the deflection angle of the second optical switch 45 are the same. Similarly, the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layers 27 in the third optical switch 52 and the fourth optical switch 53 is the same, so that the deflection angle of the third optical switch 52 and the deflection angle of the fourth optical switch 53 are the same. However, the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 52 and the fourth optical switch 53 is greater than the refractive index of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first optical switch 44 and the second optical switch 45, so that the deflection angle of the optical switch 20 located in the second switching layer 50 is greater than the deflection angle of the optical switch 20 in the first switching layer 42.

[0125] In the above embodiments, the refractive index difference (n) of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 52 and the fourth optical switch 53 is... e -n0)2 can be the refractive index difference (n) between the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first optical switch 44 and the second optical switch 45. e -n0)1 is 1.5 to 2.5 times, for example: (n e -n0)2=1.5(n e -n0)1、(n e -n0)2=2(n e -n0)1、(n e -n0)2=2.5(n e -n0)1, specifically, (n e -n0)1 can be equal to 0.25, 0.5, etc.

[0126] In another embodiment of the above embodiments, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 13 The included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the second switching layer 50 is greater than the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first switching layer 42; and the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the second switching layer 50 is the same as the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first switching layer 42.

[0127] For example, the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 52 is equal to the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the fourth optical switch 53, so that the two third optical switches 52 and the two fourth optical switches 53 in the second switching unit 51 can be symmetrically arranged; the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 52 and the fourth optical switch 53 is the same, so that the deflection angle of the third optical switch 52 and the deflection angle of the fourth optical switch 53 are the same. Similarly, the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first optical switch 44 is equal to the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the second optical switch 45, so that the first optical switch 44 and the second optical switch 45 in the first switching unit 43 can be symmetrically arranged; the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first optical switch 44 and the second optical switch 45 is the same, so that the deflection angle of the first optical switch 44 and the deflection angle of the second optical switch 45 are the same. Furthermore, the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 52 is greater than the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first optical switch 44, and the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer 27 filled in the third optical switch 52 and the first optical switch 44 is the same, so that the deflection angle of the optical switch 20 located in the second switching layer 50 is greater than the deflection angle of the optical switch 20 in the first switching layer 42.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 52 and the fourth optical switch 53 The angle between the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first optical switch 44 and the second optical switch 45 can be... 1.5 to 2.5 times, for example:

[0129] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 19In an embodiment where the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the second switching layer 50 is greater than the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first switching layer 42, and the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the second switching layer 50 is the same as the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the first switching layer 42, the plurality of switching layers 19 may also have a third switching layer 58. The third switching layer 58 is located on the light-emitting side of the second switching layer 50. The third switching layer 58 includes a plurality of third switching units 59 arrayed on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. In the first direction, one third switching unit 59 is correspondingly arranged with two second switching units 51. The third switching unit 59 includes four fifth optical switches 60 and four sixth optical switches 61, which are arranged adjacent to each other along the length of the optical switch 20. Specifically, the third optical switches 52 and 53 in one second switching unit 51 correspond to the four fifth optical switches 60 in the third switching unit 59, and the third optical switches 52 and 53 in another second switching unit 51 correspond to the four sixth optical switches 61 in the third switching unit 59. Along the length of the optical switch 20, the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 27 of the fifth optical switch 60 gradually decreases, while the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 27 of the sixth optical switch 61 gradually increases. The included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the fifth optical switch 60 and the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the sixth optical switch 61 are the same; that is, the four fifth optical switches 60 and four sixth optical switches 61 in the same third switching unit 59 are symmetrically arranged along the length of the optical switch 20. Furthermore, the angle between the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the fifth optical switch 60 and the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 52 is greater than the angle between the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 52. For example, the angle between the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the fifth optical switch 60 and the sixth optical switch 61 is greater than the angle between the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the sixth optical switch 61 and the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 62. The angle between the first liquid crystal layer 27 in the third optical switch 52 and the fourth optical switch 53 can be... 1.5 to 2.5 times, for example:

[0130] The multiple optical switches 20 in the leftmost column are all tilted in the same direction, so that the deflection direction of the input light passing through the optical switch 20 remains unchanged or is all deflected to the right; the multiple optical switches 20 in the rightmost column are all tilted in the same direction, so that the deflection direction of the input light passing through the optical switch 20 remains unchanged or is all deflected to the left; among the remaining multiple optical switches 20 arranged along the first direction, at least one has a different tilt direction from the other optical switches 20, so that the input light passing through the middle optical switch 20 can be deflected to either the left or the right, realizing multiple input units 8 (such as... Figure 3 (as shown) and multiple output units 13 (such as) Figure 3 Optical path switching between (as shown).

[0131] In the above embodiments, the first switching unit 43 in the first switching layer 42 includes one optical switch 20 tilted to the right and one optical switch 20 tilted to the left; the second switching unit 51 in the second switching layer 50 includes two optical switches 20 tilted to the right and two optical switches 20 tilted to the left, with one second switching unit 51 corresponding to two first switching units 43; the third switching unit 59 in the third switching layer 58 includes four optical switches 20 tilted to the right and four optical switches 20 tilted to the left, with one third switching unit 59 corresponding to two second switching units 51... and so on. The optical switching array 18 may include N switching layers 19 (N is a positive integer), and the Nth switching unit in the Nth switching layer includes two... N-1 The optical switches 20 and 2 are tilted to the right. N-1 A left-tilted optical switch 20, with one Nth switching unit and two (N-1)th switching units corresponding to each other.

[0132] In an embodiment where the optical switching array 18 includes a first switching layer 42, a second switching layer 50, and a third switching layer 58, the optical switches 20 in the first switching layer 42, the second switching layer 50, and the third switching layer 58 are all arranged in an array along the second direction and the third direction, and the second direction and the third direction are both perpendicular to the first direction.

[0133] Reference Figure 20 and Figure 21 The first switching layer 42 includes a first sub-switching layer 62 and a second sub-switching layer 63. In the first sub-switching layer 62, the length direction of the optical switch 20 is set along the second direction, and the input light can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the third direction after passing through the first sub-switching layer 62. In the second sub-switching layer 63, the length direction of the optical switch 20 is set along the second direction, and the input light can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the second direction after passing through the second sub-switching layer 63.

[0134] The second switching layer 50 includes a third sub-switching layer 64 and a fourth sub-switching layer 65. In the third sub-switching layer 64, the length direction of the optical switch 20 is set along the second direction, and the input light can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the third direction after passing through the third sub-switching layer 64. In the fourth sub-switching layer 65, the length direction of the optical switch 20 is set along the second direction, and the input light can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the second direction after passing through the fourth sub-switching layer 65.

[0135] The third switching layer 58 includes a fifth sub-switching layer 66 and a sixth sub-switching layer 67. In the fifth sub-switching layer 66, the length direction of the optical switch 20 is set along the second direction, and the input light can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the third direction after passing through the fifth sub-switching layer 66. In the sixth sub-switching layer 67, the length direction of the optical switch 20 is set along the second direction, and the input light can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the second direction after passing through the sixth sub-switching layer 67.

[0136] Through the above settings, combined with Figure 3 In the first direction, the optical switching array 18 includes both optical switches 20 extending along the second direction and optical switches 20 extending along the third direction, which allows the input light passing through the optical switching array 18 to be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the third direction and in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, thereby improving the optical switching capacity of the optical cross module 7 between the input fiber array 5 and the output fiber array 6.

[0137] Reference Figure 22 In some embodiments, the optical crossing module 7 further includes an optical collimating array 68, which is located on the light-emitting side of the optical switching array 18 and is symmetrically arranged with the optical switching array 18 along a first direction. For example, the optical switching array 18 includes multiple switching layers 19, each including multiple optical switches 20. In the optical switches 20 located in the switching layers 19, the polarization converter 21 is closer to the light-incident side of the optical crossing module 7 relative to the liquid crystal prism 22. Correspondingly, the optical collimating array 68 includes multiple collimating layers 69, each also including multiple optical switches 20. In the optical switches 20 located in the collimating layers 69, the polarization converter 21 is closer to the light-emitting side of the optical crossing module 7 relative to the liquid crystal prism 22. Further, the optical switches 20 respectively disposed in the switching layers 19 and collimating layers 69 are mirror-image arranged along the first direction. It can be understood that the two mirror-image optical switches 20 have the same tilt angle but opposite tilt directions. In this embodiment, multiple input optical fibers 9 are directed to multiple input light beams of the optical cross module 7 in parallel. However, during the optical switching process in the optical cross module 7, the propagation direction of the input light may be deflected. By setting an optical collimation array 68 that is symmetrical to the optical switching array 18, the multiple output light beams output by the optical cross module 7 can also be parallel to each other, which makes it easier to set the positions of the input optical fiber array 5 and the output optical fiber array 6 in the optical cross device 4.

[0138] In the above embodiments, the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68 are spaced apart to ensure that the input light emitted from the optical switching array 18 travels a sufficient distance to the corresponding port. For example, the distance Δ between the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68 is related to the length δ of the optical switch 20 in the optical switching array 18 and the tilt angle θ of the optical switch 20 in the switching layer 19 closest to the optical collimating array 68, as shown in the specific formula. Wherein, N is the number of switching layers 19 in the optical switching array 18. In this embodiment, the distance Δ between the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68 can be determined according to the length δ of the optical switch 20 and the tilt angle θ. Alternatively, the tilt angle θ can be adjusted according to the distance Δ between the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68 and the length δ of the optical switch 20.

[0139] In an embodiment where the optical cross module 7 includes an optical switching array 18 and an optical collimating array 68, multiple optical switching arrays 18 and multiple optical collimating arrays 68 may be included. Multiple optical switching arrays 18 are arranged on a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and multiple optical collimating arrays 68 are also arranged on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The multiple optical switching arrays 18 and multiple optical collimating arrays 68 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence in the first direction, which can improve the integration of the optical cross module 7.

[0140] Reference Figure 23 and Figure 24 In some embodiments, the optical cross module 7 further includes a fine-tuning layer 70, which includes a plurality of fine-tuning prisms 71 arranged in an array. In a first direction, the plurality of fine-tuning prisms 71 are correspondingly arranged with a plurality of optical switches 20 located in the same switching layer 19. The fine-tuning prism 71 includes a first fine-tuning cover plate 72 and a second fine-tuning cover plate 73, both of which are capable of transmitting light beams. The first fine-tuning cover plate 72 and the second fine-tuning cover plate 73 are spaced apart along a first direction, and form a fine-tuning angle along the length of the fine-tuning prism 71. The fine-tuning prism 71 also includes a fine-tuning liquid crystal layer 74 and a fine-tuning electrode layer 75. The fine-tuning liquid crystal layer 74 is located between the first fine-tuning cover plate 72 and the second fine-tuning cover plate 73, so that the light beam can be deflected after passing through the fine-tuning prism 71. The fine-tuning electrode layer 75 is located between the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer 74 and the first fine-tuning cover plate 72, and between the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer 74 and the second fine-tuning cover plate 73. By adjusting the fine-tuning electrode layer 75 to generate electric fields of different intensities, the refractive index of the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer 74 is changed, further adjusting the deflection angle of the light beam after passing through the fine-tuning prism 71.

[0141] In the above embodiments, the fine-tuning layer 70 can be located on the light-incident side of any switching layer 19 in the optical switching array 18. The fine-tuning layer 70 can adjust the deflection direction of the input light, so that the input light accurately enters the switching layer 19 located on the light-outceasing side of the fine-tuning layer 70. For example, the fine-tuning layer 70 is located on the light-incident side of the entire optical switching array 18, and can adjust the incident angle of the input light before the input light enters the optical switching array 18.

[0142] With the above settings, the fine-tuning prism 71 is used to adjust the input fiber array 5 (e.g., Figure 3 The multiple input beams emitted (as shown) are finely adjusted so that the input beams passing through the fine-tuning prism 71 can be directed parallelly to the optical switch 20 in the optical switching array 18, thereby improving the efficiency of the input fiber array 5 and the optical cross module 7 (as shown). Figure 3 The coupling efficiency (as shown) is improved, the insertion loss during optical switching is reduced, and the reliability of the optical cross module 7 when performing optical switching on the input light is enhanced.

[0143] In embodiments where the optical cross-connect module 7 includes an optical collimating array 68, the fine-tuning layer 70 can also be located on the output side of any collimating layer 69 in the optical collimating array 68, wherein the fine-tuning layer 70 located in the optical switching array and the fine-tuning layer 70 located in the optical collimating array 68 are symmetrically arranged in the first direction; this allows the fine-tuning layer 70 to further improve the coupling efficiency between the optical cross-connect module 7 and the output fiber array 6. The angle θ0 of the fine-tuning angle is related to the distance Δ between the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68 and the length δ of the optical switch 20 in the optical switching array 18, where θ0 < Δ δ This is to avoid making the size of the fine-tuning prism 71 too large, which would increase the volume of the optical cross module 7.

[0144] Reference Figure 25 and Figure 26 In the above embodiments, the fine-tuning layer 70 includes a first fine-tuning layer 76 and a second fine-tuning layer 77. In the first fine-tuning layer 76, the length direction of the fine-tuning prism 71 is set along the second direction, and the input light can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the third direction after passing through the first fine-tuning layer 76. In the second fine-tuning layer 77, the length direction of the fine-tuning prism 71 is set along the second direction, and the input light can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the second direction after passing through the second fine-tuning layer 77.

[0145] With the above configuration, in the first direction, the fine-tuning layer 70 includes both a fine-tuning prism 71 extending along the second direction in the length direction and a fine-tuning prism 71 extending along the third direction in the length direction, so that the input light passing through the fine-tuning layer 70 can be deflected in a plane perpendicular to the third direction and in a plane perpendicular to the second direction.

[0146] Reference Figure 27 In some embodiments, the optical crossover module 7 further includes a compensation layer 78 located on the light-incident side of the optical switching array 18. The compensation layer 78 includes multiple compensation prisms 79, which are correspondingly arranged with multiple optical switches 20 in a first direction. Each compensation prism 79 may include a triangular prism with its height direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each compensation prism 79 has a first compensation angle in a plane perpendicular to a second direction and a second compensation angle in a plane perpendicular to a third direction. Through these arrangements, the compensation layer 78 can adjust the angle of the light beam in both the plane perpendicular to the third direction and the plane perpendicular to the second direction.

[0147] Reference Figure 28In some embodiments, the optical crossing module 7 further includes a lens 82 located between the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68. The distance from the optical switching array 18 to the lens 82 is equal to the focal length of the lens 82; the distance from the optical collimating array 68 to the lens 82 is also equal to the focal length of the lens 82. The length of the lens 82 in the second or third direction is greater than or equal to the length of the optical switching array 18 in the second or third direction. With the above arrangement, the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68 are located at the focal lengths on both sides of the lens 82, facilitating the adjustment of the optical path between the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68.

[0148] Reference Figure 29 and Figure 30 In some embodiments, the optical cross module 7 further includes at least one reflector 83, with the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68 both located on the same side of the reflector 83, and the reflector 83 located on the optical path between the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68.

[0149] In some implementations, refer to Figure 29 The optical cross module 7 includes a reflector 83, which can fold the optical path between the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68, thereby reducing the size of the optical cross module 7.

[0150] In other embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 30 The optical crossover module 7 includes two reflectors 83. For example, the optical crossover module 7 includes a first reflector 84 and a second reflector 85. The planes of the first reflector 84 and the second reflector 85 are perpendicular to each other. The first reflector 84 is located on the light-emitting side of the optical switching array 18, and the angle between the light beam from the optical switching array 18 directed towards the first reflector 84 and the plane of the first reflector 84 is 45°. The second reflector 85 is located on the light-incident side of the optical collimating array 68, and the angle between the light beam reflected from the second reflector 85 to the optical collimating array 68 and the plane of the second reflector 85 is 45°. This arrangement further folds the optical path between the optical switching array 18 and the optical collimating array 68, and allows the input fiber array 5 and the output fiber array 6 to be placed on the same surface of the optical crossover device 4, thereby facilitating the coiling of the input fiber array 5 and the output fiber array 6 or the connection of other external devices.

[0151] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit them; although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An optical cross-connect module, characterized in that, The optical cross module includes an optical switching array, which includes multiple switching layers stacked along a first direction. Each switching layer includes multiple optical switches. Each optical switch includes a polarization converter and a liquid crystal prism. The polarization converter and the liquid crystal prism are attached to each other in the first direction. The liquid crystal prism is disposed on the light-emitting side of the polarization converter. The liquid crystal prism includes a first liquid crystal layer. The thickness of the first liquid crystal layer gradually decreases along the length direction of the optical switch. The length direction of the optical switch is perpendicular to the first direction. The light beam passing through the polarization converter has a first polarization direction or a second polarization direction. The light beam with the first polarization direction propagates along the first optical path through the first liquid crystal layer, and the light beam with the second polarization direction propagates along the second optical path through the first liquid crystal layer. The first optical path and the second optical path intersect.

2. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of switching layers includes a first switching layer and a second switching layer; The first switching layer includes a plurality of first switching units arrayed on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. Each first switching unit includes a first optical switch and a second optical switch. The first optical switch and the second optical switch are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction of the optical switch. In the length direction of the optical switch, the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the first optical switch gradually decreases, and the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the second optical switch gradually increases. The second switching layer is located on the light-emitting side of the first switching layer. The second switching layer includes a plurality of second switching units arrayed on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. The second switching unit includes two third optical switches and two fourth optical switches. The two third optical switches and the two fourth optical switches are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction of the optical switches. In the length direction of the optical switches, the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the third optical switch gradually decreases, and the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the fourth optical switch gradually increases. In the first direction, the first optical switch and the second optical switch in one of the first switching units are correspondingly configured with the two third optical switches in the second switching unit, and the first optical switch and the second optical switch in another of the first switching units are correspondingly configured with the two fourth optical switches in the second switching unit.

3. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The angle between the first optical path and the second optical path is the deflection angle of the optical switch. The deflection angle of the first optical switch and the deflection angle of the second optical switch are the same. The deflection angle of the third optical switch and the deflection angle of the fourth optical switch are the same. The deflection angle of the third optical switch is greater than the deflection angle of the first optical switch.

4. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the first liquid crystal layer gradually decreases so that an angle is formed between the two sides of the first liquid crystal layer, and the angle between the first liquid crystal layer in the second switching layer is greater than the angle between the first liquid crystal layer in the first switching layer.

5. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer in the second switching layer is greater than the refractive index difference of the first liquid crystal layer in the first switching layer.

6. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of switching layers further includes a third switching layer located on the light-emitting side of the second switching layer. The third switching layer includes a plurality of third switching units arrayed on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. Each third switching unit includes four fifth optical switches and four sixth optical switches, which are arranged adjacent to each other along the length of the optical switches. In the length of the optical switches, the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the fifth optical switches gradually decreases, while the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer of the sixth optical switches gradually increases. The included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the fifth optical switches and the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the sixth optical switches are the same, and the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the fifth optical switches is greater than the included angle of the first liquid crystal layer in the third optical switches. In the first direction, two third optical switches and two fourth optical switches in one second switching unit are correspondingly arranged with the four fifth optical switches in the third switching unit, and two third optical switches and two fourth optical switches in another second switching unit are correspondingly arranged with the four sixth optical switches in the third switching unit.

7. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first switching layer includes a first sub-switching layer and a second sub-switching layer. The length direction of the optical switch in the first sub-switching layer is parallel to the second direction. The length direction of the optical switch in the second sub-switching layer is parallel to the third direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. The second switching layer includes a third sub-switching layer and a fourth sub-switching layer. The length direction of the optical switch in the third sub-switching layer is parallel to the second direction, and the length direction of the optical switch in the fourth sub-switching layer is parallel to the third direction. The third switching layer includes a fifth sub-switching layer and a sixth sub-switching layer. The length direction of the optical switch in the fifth sub-switching layer is parallel to the second direction, and the length direction of the optical switch in the sixth sub-switching layer is parallel to the third direction.

8. The optical cross-connect module according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The liquid crystal prism includes a first cover plate and a second cover plate, which are spaced apart along the first direction. The second cover plate is attached to the polarization converter. The first cover plate has a first surface facing the second cover plate, and the second cover plate has a second surface facing the first cover plate. There is an angle between the plane containing the first surface and the plane containing the second surface. The first liquid crystal layer is located between the first surface and the second surface.

9. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first cover plate also has a third surface facing away from the second cover plate, wherein the plane of the third surface is parallel to the plane of the first surface, or the plane of the third surface is parallel to the plane of the second surface.

10. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The liquid crystal prism further includes a first frame, which is located between the first cover plate and the second cover plate and is disposed around the first liquid crystal layer; the first frame includes a first part and a second part, the first part is connected to the relatively close ends of the first cover plate and the second cover plate, and the second part is connected to the relatively far ends of the first cover plate and the second cover plate; the size of the first part in a first direction is smaller than the size of the second part in a first direction.

11. The optical cross-connect module according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that, The liquid crystal prism further includes a first alignment layer, which is located between the first cover plate and the first liquid crystal layer, and / or the first alignment layer is located between the second cover plate and the first liquid crystal layer.

12. The optical cross-connect module according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that, The polarization conversion element includes a third cover plate and a second liquid crystal layer. The third cover plate is located on the side of the second cover plate opposite to the first cover plate. The third cover plate is parallel to and spaced apart from the second cover plate. The second liquid crystal layer is located between the second cover plate and the third cover plate. The polarization converter includes an electrode layer located between the second liquid crystal layer and the third cover plate, and also located between the second liquid crystal layer and the second cover plate.

13. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The polarization converter further includes a second frame, which is located between the third cover plate and the second cover plate and is disposed around the second liquid crystal layer; the second frame includes a third part and a fourth part disposed opposite to each other in the length direction of the optical switch; in a first direction, the size of the third part is equal to the size of the fourth part.

14. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The polarization conversion element further includes a second alignment layer, which is located between the electrode layer and the second liquid crystal layer.

15. The optical cross-connect module according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The polarization conversion element includes a first polarization conversion element and a second polarization conversion element, which are stacked on the light-incident side of the liquid crystal prism.

16. The optical cross-connect module according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that, The optical cross module further includes a fine-tuning layer, which is located on the light-incident side of any of the switching layers in the optical switching array. The fine-tuning layer includes a plurality of fine-tuning prisms arranged in an array. In a first direction, the plurality of fine-tuning prisms and the plurality of optical switches located in the same switching layer are correspondingly arranged.

17. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The length direction of the fine-tuning prism is the same as the length direction of the optical switch; The fine-tuning prism includes a first fine-tuning cover plate and a second fine-tuning cover plate, the first fine-tuning cover plate and the second fine-tuning cover plate are spaced apart along the first direction, and the first fine-tuning cover plate and the second fine-tuning cover plate form a fine-tuning angle in the length direction of the fine-tuning prism; The fine-tuning prism further includes a fine-tuning liquid crystal layer and a fine-tuning electrode layer. The fine-tuning liquid crystal layer is located between the first fine-tuning cover plate and the second fine-tuning cover plate. The fine-tuning electrode layer is located between the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer and the first fine-tuning cover plate, and between the fine-tuning liquid crystal layer and the second fine-tuning cover plate.

18. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 17, characterized in that, The fine-tuning layer includes a first fine-tuning layer and a second fine-tuning layer. The length direction of the fine-tuning prism in the first fine-tuning layer is parallel to the second direction; the length direction of the fine-tuning prism in the second fine-tuning layer is parallel to the third direction.

19. The optical cross-connect module according to any one of claims 1-18, characterized in that, The optical cross module further includes a compensation layer located on the incident light side of the optical switching array. The compensation layer includes multiple compensation prisms, which are correspondingly arranged with the multiple compensation prisms and the multiple optical switches in a first direction.

20. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 19, characterized in that, The compensating prism has a first compensation angle in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and the compensating prism has a second compensation angle in a plane perpendicular to the third direction.

21. The optical cross-connect module according to any one of claims 1-20, characterized in that, The optical cross module further includes an optical collimating array, which is located on the light-emitting side of the optical switching array and is symmetrically arranged with respect to the optical switching array.

22. The optical cross-connect module according to claim 21, characterized in that, The optical switching array and the optical collimating array are spaced apart.

23. The optical cross-connect module according to any one of claims 1-22, characterized in that, The optical cross module also includes a lens, which is located between the optical switching array and the optical collimating array, and the distance from the optical switching array to the lens is equal to the focal length of the lens; The distance from the optical collimating array to the lens is equal to the focal length of the lens.

24. The optical cross-connect module according to any one of claims 1-23, characterized in that, The optical cross module further includes at least one reflector, and the optical switching array and the optical collimating array are both located on the same side of the reflector. The reflector is located on the optical path between the optical switching array and the optical collimating array.

25. An optical cross-connection device, characterized in that, The optical cross-connect device includes an input fiber array, an output fiber array, and an optical cross-connect module as described in any one of claims 1-24. The input fiber array is located on the input side of the optical switching array, and the output fiber array is located on the output side of the optical switching array. The input fiber array includes a plurality of input fibers arranged in an array, and the plurality of input fibers are correspondingly arranged with a plurality of optical switches located in the same switching layer. The output fiber array includes multiple output fibers arranged in an array, and the multiple output fibers are correspondingly arranged with multiple optical switches located in the same switching layer.

26. A data center, characterized in that, The data center includes data communication equipment, server clusters, and an optical cross-connect device as described in claim 25, wherein the data communication equipment and the server clusters are connected through the optical cross-connect device.

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