Connection device, optical interconnect device and optical communication system

Abstract

The application relates to a connecting device, an optical interconnection device and an optical communication system, and relates to the technical field of optical communication, and aims to solve the technical problem of how to reduce the number of optical fibers while ensuring coupling precision. The connecting device comprises a multi-core optical fiber, a demultiplexing module and a waveguide device. The multi-core optical fiber comprises a plurality of cores, the plurality of cores transmit a plurality of wavelength division multiplexing signals, and the input end of each core receives one wavelength division multiplexing signal. The input end of the demultiplexing module is coupled with the output end of each core, the plurality of wavelength division multiplexing signals are demultiplexed into a plurality of first output optical signals, the input end of the waveguide device is coupled with the output end of the demultiplexing module, and the plurality of first output optical signals are output as an output optical signal array; or, the input end of the waveguide device is coupled with the output end of each core, the plurality of wavelength division multiplexing signals are output as a wavelength division multiplexing signal array, the input end of the demultiplexing module is coupled with the output end of the waveguide device, and the wavelength division multiplexing signal array is demultiplexed into a plurality of second output optical signals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a connection device, an optical interconnect device, and an optical communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic arrays, due to their advantages of high precision, high density, and high reliability, are often coupled with optical transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) modules in optical interconnect scenarios. However, as the amount of optical signal transmission increases, the number of optical fibers connecting the transmitter and receiver modules also increases. This increase in the number of fibers leads to a larger fiber optic array size and increased maintenance complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application discloses a connection device, an optical interconnect device, and an optical communication system, which are used to solve the technical problem of how to reduce the number of optical fibers while transmitting a large number of optical signals.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a connection device, including a multi-core optical fiber, a demultiplexing module, and a waveguide device. The multi-core optical fiber includes multiple fiber cores for transmitting multiple wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signals, with each fiber core's input end receiving one WDM signal. The input end of the demultiplexing module is coupled to the output end of each fiber core to demultiplex the multiple WDM signals into multiple first output optical signals. The input end of the waveguide device is coupled to the output end of the demultiplexing module to output the multiple first output optical signals as an array of output optical signals; or, the input end of the waveguide device is coupled to the output end of each fiber core to output the multiple WDM signals as an array of WDM signals, and the input end of the demultiplexing module is coupled to the output end of the waveguide device to demultiplex the array of WDM signals into multiple second output optical signals.

[0005] In this embodiment, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology can combine multiple input optical signals into a single WDM signal, and multi-core optical fibers can transmit multiple WDM signals via space division multiplexing (SDM) technology. Specifically, the demultiplexing module demultiplexes the multiple WDM signals into multiple first output optical signals, and the waveguide device outputs the multiple first output optical signals as an array of output optical signals. This allows the connection device to output multiple first output optical signals distributed in an array, enabling the optical connection device to be used with array-distributed optical transmitting or receiving modules. Alternatively, the waveguide device outputs multiple WDM signals as an array of WDM signals, and the demultiplexing module demultiplexes the array of WDM signals into multiple second output optical signals. The connection device combines wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and space division multiplexing (SDM) to couple a large number of input optical signals to a multi-core optical fiber for transmission. Then, the signals are demultiplexed into multiple first output optical signals by a demultiplexing module and output as an array of output optical signals by waveguide devices, or output as a wavelength division multiplexed signal array by waveguide devices and demultiplexed into multiple second output optical signals by a demultiplexing module. This significantly reduces the number of optical fibers required for the connection device during the transmission of a large number of optical signals.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the input of the demultiplexing module is coupled to the output of each fiber core to demultiplex multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals into multiple first output optical signals. The input of the waveguide device is coupled to the output of the demultiplexing module to output the multiple first output optical signals as an array of output optical signals. Specifically, the demultiplexing module outputs the multiple first output optical signals in a linear distribution. The waveguide device includes a first conversion waveguide, which adjusts the output of the multiple first output optical signals from a linear distribution to an array of output optical signals.

[0007] This method first demultiplexes multiple wavelength division multiplexing signals, and then adjusts multiple first output optical signals into an array distribution of output optical signals, thereby reducing the attenuation of wavelength division multiplexing signals and improving the reliability of demultiplexing.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the demultiplexing module includes multiple demultiplexers, each corresponding to one of multiple fiber cores. Each demultiplexer is used to demultiplex the wavelength division multiplexed signal transmitted by the corresponding fiber core into at least two first output optical signals. This allows the connection device to perform demultiplexing using existing demultiplexers, reducing the equipment cost of the connection device.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the demultiplexing module includes a second conversion waveguide and a first planar optical waveguide. The input end of the second conversion waveguide is coupled to the output end of each optical fiber, for receiving multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals transmitted from multiple fiber cores and outputting the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals in a linear distribution. The input end of the first planar optical waveguide is coupled to the output end of the second conversion waveguide, for demultiplexing the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals, forming multiple first output optical signals, and outputting the multiple first output optical signals in a linear distribution.

[0010] In this way, multiple wavelength division multiplexing signals can be demultiplexed through a single first planar optical waveguide, reducing the number of first planar optical waveguides required for the optical waveguide mechanism and lowering the cost of the connection device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the demultiplexing module includes a third conversion waveguide and multiple second planar optical waveguides. The input end of the third conversion waveguide is coupled to the output end of each fiber core, and is used to demultiplex multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals transmitted by the multi-core fiber in a linear distribution. The multiple second planar optical waveguides are arranged along the distribution direction of the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals, with each second planar optical waveguide corresponding to a specific fiber core. Each planar optical waveguide is used to demultiplex the wavelength division multiplexed signal transmitted by its corresponding fiber core.

[0012] In this way, each wavelength division multiplexed signal is demultiplexed through a second planar optical waveguide, which reduces the mutual interference between wavelength division multiplexed signals and improves signal accuracy. When there are a large number of wavelength division multiplexed signals and a large number of input optical signals combined from each wavelength division multiplexed signal, this embodiment can effectively complete the demultiplexing of wavelength division multiplexed signals and the transmission of output optical signals.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the input end of the waveguide device is coupled to the output end of each fiber core to output multiple wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signals as a WDM signal array. The input end of the demultiplexing module is coupled to the output end of the waveguide device to demultiplex the WDM signal array into multiple second output optical signals. The waveguide device includes a fourth conversion waveguide, the input end of which is coupled to the output end of each fiber core to receive the WDM signals transmitted from each fiber core and output multiple WDM signals as a WDM signal array. The demultiplexing module includes multiple third planar optical waveguides coupled to the output end of the fourth conversion waveguide. The multiple third planar optical waveguides are distributed along the row or column direction of the WDM signal array, and each third planar optical waveguide is used to demultiplex one row or one column of WDM signals to demultiplex the WDM signal array into multiple second output optical signals.

[0014] In this way, each wavelength division multiplexed signal is demultiplexed through a third-plane optical waveguide, reducing mutual interference between wavelength division multiplexed signals and improving signal accuracy. Furthermore, each third-plane optical waveguide can demultiplex multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals, giving the connection device higher transmission capacity.

[0015] In one possible implementation, at least one multicast switching optical switch is also included, disposed between the demultiplexing module and the waveguide device, wherein the at least one multicast switching optical switch is used to selectively connect the channel of the demultiplexing module to the channel of the waveguide device.

[0016] If some channels in the waveguide device are damaged, the multicast switching optical switch can replace the input channel of the waveguide device connected to the output channel of the demultiplexer, thereby controlling the optical signal to be transmitted to the intact channel in the waveguide device, so that the connection device can operate normally.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the waveguide device has multiple transmission channels formed within it; each transmission channel corresponds one-to-one with a plurality of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signals, and at least one transmission channel has a bent shape to bend the optical path of the corresponding at least one WDM signal; or, each transmission channel corresponds one-to-one with a plurality of first output optical signals, and at least one transmission channel has a bent shape to bend the optical path of the corresponding at least one first output optical signal. This allows the waveguide device to change the propagation direction of the WDM signals or the plurality of first output optical signals, enabling the connection device to better match the optical path configuration. Furthermore, achieving optical path bending within the waveguide device results in a smaller bending radius compared to fiber optic bending, thus helping to reduce the size of the connection device.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides an optical interconnect device. The optical interconnect device includes a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) mechanism and a connection device in any of the above embodiments. The WDM mechanism includes a WDM device, the output of which is connected to the input of each core of the multi-core optical fiber. The WDM device receives multiple input optical signals of different wavelengths, converts these signals into multiple WDM multiplexed signals, and transmits these signals to the multi-core optical fiber.

[0019] In this embodiment, the optical interconnect device employs the connection device from any of the above embodiments, thereby reducing the size of the optical interconnect device and the space occupied by the optical interconnect device.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) mechanism or connection device further includes an optical intensity modulation (OIM) component connected to the output of the WDM device for adjusting the signal strength of multiple WDM signals. This allows the OIM component to regulate the intensity of the optical signals, thereby achieving power equalization among the multiple optical signals and improving their uniformity and reliability.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the light intensity modulation component includes a variable optical attenuator and / or a semiconductor optical amplifier. The variable optical attenuator can adjust the attenuation of the optical signal, and the semiconductor optical amplifier can amplify the optical signal, thereby adjusting the intensity of the optical signal and improving its uniformity and reliability.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) mechanism includes a fan-in module disposed between the output of the WDM device and the multi-core optical fiber, for transmitting multiple WDM signals to multiple cores of the multi-core optical fiber.

[0023] In this way, the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) mechanism can connect the multi-core optical fiber to the WDM device through the fan-in module, making the WDM mechanism smaller and improving the reliability of the connection.

[0024] Thirdly, this application provides an optical communication system. The optical communication system includes multiple optical transmitting modules, one or more optical receiving modules, and an optical interconnect device in any of the above embodiments. The input terminal of the wavelength division multiplexing mechanism of the optical interconnect device is coupled to the multiple optical transmitting modules, and the output terminal of the optical interconnect device is coupled to the multiple optical receiving modules. The optical interconnect device is used to transmit multiple input optical signals from the one or more optical transmitting modules to the one or more optical receiving modules. The one or more optical receiving modules are used to receive the multiple input optical signals, and the one or more optical output modules are used to output an array of output optical signals or multiple second output optical signals. Thus, the use of an optical interconnect device in the optical communication system can reduce the size of the optical communication system. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical communication system provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fiber optic array in related technologies; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical interconnect device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connecting device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another connecting device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another optical interconnect device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another optical interconnect device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of a multi-core optical fiber; Figure 9 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a mid-waveguide device; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another optical interconnect device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 11 for Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the optical waveguide mechanism; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another optical interconnect device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the optical waveguide mechanism.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Optical receiver module; 2-Optical output module; 3-Optical module; 4-Processing chip; 5-Fiber optic array; 51-Fiber optic cable; 10-Optical interconnect device; 100 - Connection device; 110 - Multi-core optical fiber; 111 - Fiber core; 112 - Fan-in module; 120 - Optical waveguide mechanism; 121 - Demultiplexing module; 1211 - Demultiplexer; 1212 - Multicast switching optical switch; 1213 - Second conversion waveguide; 1214 - First planar optical waveguide; 1215 - Third conversion waveguide; 1216 - Second planar optical waveguide; 1217 - Third planar optical waveguide; 122 - Waveguide device; 1221 - First conversion waveguide; 1222 - Fourth conversion waveguide; 200 - Wavelength division multiplexing mechanism; 201 - Wavelength division multiplexing device; 202 - Semiconductor optical amplifier. Detailed Implementation

[0028] 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, and 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.

[0029] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0032] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0033] The connection device provided in this application can be applied to optical communication systems. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the optical communication system includes one or more optical receiving modules 1, optical interconnect devices 10, and one or more optical output modules 2. The one or more optical receiving modules 1 can be used to receive multiple optical signals. For example, the optical communication system is applied to a switch, such as... Figure 1 As shown, multiple optical modules 3 can emit multiple optical signals. Optical receiving module 1 receives multiple optical signals and transmits them as multiple input optical signals to optical interconnect device 10. Optical interconnect device 10 then sends the output optical signals to optical output module 2. Optical output module 2 outputs an array of output optical signals or multiple second output optical signals to processing chip 4. Processing chip 4 has a photodiode array, which can convert the array of output optical signals or multiple second output optical signals into multiple electrical signals, and then transmit these electrical signals.

[0034] Optical interconnect device 10 is an important component of optical communication systems, used to transmit optical signals. With technological advancements, the number of optical signals that need to be transmitted in optical communication systems will increase. Related technologies utilize fiber optic array 5 to transmit multiple optical signals. Fiber optic array 5 can transmit multiple optical signals simultaneously with high transmission efficiency. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a fiber optic array 5 in related technologies. In these technologies, each optical signal needs to be transmitted through one optical fiber 51. As the number of optical signals increases, the number of optical fibers 51 in the fiber optic array 5 also increases. This increase in the number of optical fibers 51 increases the size of the fiber optic array 5, increasing the difficulty of maintenance and management, and also increasing the difficulty of connecting the fiber optic array 5 to other devices, thus affecting the coupling accuracy between the fiber optic array 5 and the optical transmitting and receiving modules.

[0035] This application provides an optical interconnect device 10, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optical interconnect device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the optical interconnect device 10 includes a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) mechanism 200 and a connection device 100. The WDM mechanism 200 includes WDM devices, the output of which is connected to the input of each core of the multi-core fiber (MCF) 110. The WDM devices receive multiple input optical signals of different wavelengths, convert them into multiple WDM multiplexed signals, and transmit these signals to the MCF 110. WDM devices include, but are not limited to, multiplexers (MUX), interference filter-type multiplexers, coupler-type multiplexers, grating-type multiplexers, and arrayed waveguide-type multiplexers.

[0036] The wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) mechanism 200 can form a WDM signal from multiple input optical signals of different wavelengths. A single WDM signal can be transmitted through a single optical fiber, thus reducing the number of optical fibers required to transmit multiple input optical signals. The connection device 100 can further reduce the number of optical fibers required to transmit multiple input optical signals by using space division multiplexing (SDM) technology.

[0037] It should be noted that the application scenarios of optical communication systems include, but are not limited to, switches, lasers, artificial intelligence chips, lidar, and fiber optic hydrophones.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connecting device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another connecting device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] This application provides a connecting device 100. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the connection device 100 includes a multi-core optical fiber 110 and an optical waveguide mechanism 120. The multi-core optical fiber 110 is used to connect to the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) mechanism 200 and to receive multiple WDM signals. The multi-core optical fiber 110 also transmits multiple WDM signals; it includes multiple fiber cores 111, each core 111 transmitting multiple WDM signals, with its input end connected to the output end of the WDM mechanism 200. The optical waveguide mechanism 120 includes a demultiplexing module 121 and a waveguide device 122. The input terminal of the demultiplexing module 121 is coupled to the output terminal of each fiber core 111 to demultiplex multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals into multiple first output optical signals. The input terminal of the waveguide device 122 is coupled to the output terminal of the demultiplexing module 121 to output the multiple first output optical signals into an array of output optical signals. Alternatively, the input terminal of the waveguide device 122 is coupled to the output terminal of each fiber core 111 to output multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals into a wavelength division multiplexed signal array. The input terminal of the demultiplexing module 121 is coupled to the output terminal of the waveguide device 122 to demultiplex the wavelength division multiplexed signal array into multiple second output optical signals. For example, the waveguide device 122 is an optical waveguide device (e.g., a waveguide optics device).

[0040] As one implementation method, the output optical signal array is N An array of form M. Here, N represents the number of rows and M represents the number of columns. For example, both N and M are greater than 1; or N is greater than or equal to 1 and M is greater than 1; or N is greater than 1 and M is greater than or equal to 1.

[0041] As one implementation method, the wavelength division multiplexing signal array is I An array in the form of J. Here, I represents the number of rows and J represents the number of columns. For example, both I and J are greater than 1; or I is greater than or equal to 1 and J is greater than 1; or I is greater than 1 and J is greater than or equal to 1. In this application, the specific arrangement of the "array distribution" is the same as or similar to the specific arrangement of the output optical signal array and / or wavelength division multiplexing signal array, and will not be explained further.

[0042] The wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) mechanism 200 can receive multiple input optical signals of different wavelengths and form multiple WDM signals. It should be noted that the connection device 100 may not include the WDM mechanism 200, but of course, the connection device 100 may also include the WDM mechanism 200, which is not limited here.

[0043] This embodiment does not limit the number of multi-core optical fibers 110 or the number of fiber cores 111 within the multi-core optical fiber 110. Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the connection device 100 includes a multi-core optical fiber 110, which comprises three fiber cores 111. When there are multiple multi-core optical fibers 110, the number of fiber cores 111 in each multi-core optical fiber 110 may be equal or unequal, and this is not limited here. The multi-core optical fiber 110 can be connected to the wavelength division multiplexing mechanism 200 and the optical waveguide mechanism 120 via a multi-core optical fiber 110 connector, a fan-in / fan-out device, or fusion splicing technology. Each fiber core 111 can be used to transmit one wavelength division multiplexed signal; one multi-core optical fiber 110 can transmit multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals; multiple multi-core optical fibers 110 can increase the number of transmitted wavelength division multiplexed signals. For example, if the wavelength division multiplexing mechanism 200 forms a single wavelength division multiplexed signal from three input optical signals of different wavelengths, and the connection device 100 includes three multi-core optical fibers 110, each comprising seven fiber cores 111, then the connection device 100 can simultaneously transmit 63 input optical signals. In related technologies, if each optical fiber transmits one input optical signal, 63 optical fibers are required for transmission. Therefore, this embodiment can significantly reduce the number of optical fibers, thereby reducing the size of the connection device 100.

[0044] In this embodiment, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology can combine multiple input optical signals into a single WDM signal, and the multi-core optical fiber 110 can transmit multiple WDM signals using space division multiplexing (SDM) technology. Specifically, the demultiplexing module 121 demultiplexes the multiple WDM signals into multiple first output optical signals, and the waveguide device 122 outputs the multiple first output optical signals as an array of output optical signals. Thus, the connection device 100 can output multiple first output optical signals distributed in an array, enabling the optical connection device 100 to be used with array-distributed optical transmitting or receiving modules. Alternatively, the waveguide device 122 outputs multiple WDM signals as an array of WDM signals, and the demultiplexing module 121 demultiplexes the array of WDM signals into multiple second output optical signals. By combining WDM and SDM, the connection device 100 can couple multiple input optical signals to a single multi-core optical fiber 110 for transmission, significantly reducing the number of optical fibers required for the optical interconnect device.

[0045] For example, the connecting device 100 is applied to a particle source, which outputs multiple particle beams in an array for processing a workpiece. The connecting device 100 is capable of transmitting multiple input optical signals and outputting multiple first output optical signals in an array manner.

[0046] The demultiplexing module 121 includes a demultiplexer 1211 and a planar optical waveguide, etc. The user can select the demultiplexing module 121 as needed. The waveguide device 122 is used to output multiple first output optical signals in the form of an output optical signal array. The waveguide device 122 may include a three-dimensional optical waveguide or multiple planar optical waveguides, and is used to output multiple first output optical signals in the form of an output optical signal array.

[0047] Multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals can first be demultiplexed by demultiplexing module 121, and then arranged by multiple waveguide devices 122 so that multiple first output optical signals are output in the form of an output optical signal array. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the multi-core optical fiber 110 is coupled to the demultiplexing module 121. The demultiplexing module 121 demultiplexes multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals into multiple first output optical signals. The demultiplexing module 121 can arrange the multiple first output optical signals in a linear or matrix distribution. The output end of the demultiplexing module 121 is coupled to the input end of the waveguide device 122, and the multiple first output optical signals obtained by demultiplexing are transmitted to the waveguide device 122. The waveguide device 122 has a propagation channel for optical signals. When the multiple first output optical signals are transmitted to the waveguide device 122, the waveguide device 122 rearranges the multiple first output optical signals to form multiple first output optical signals output in a matrix manner.

[0048] Multiple wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signals can first pass through waveguide device 122, which distributes the WDM signals into a WDM signal array. Then, demultiplexing module 121 demultiplexes each WDM signal, so that the WDM signal array is demultiplexed into multiple second output optical signals. It should be understood that since the multiple second output optical signals are generated based on the demultiplexing of the WDM signal array, the multiple second output optical signals are also output in an array manner.

[0049] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the multi-core optical fiber 110 is coupled to the waveguide device 122, transmitting multiple wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) signals to the waveguide device 122. The waveguide device 122 can output the multiple WDM signals in a matrix manner as a WDM signal array. The output end of the waveguide device 122 is coupled to the input end of the demultiplexing module 121. The multiple WDM signals (i.e., the WDM signal array) output in a matrix manner enter the demultiplexing module 121. The demultiplexing module 121 demultiplexes the multiple WDM signals to form multiple second output optical signals. The multiple second output optical signals formed by each WDM signal can be linearly distributed along the same direction, thereby enabling all second output optical signals to be output in an array manner.

[0050] It should be noted that the above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the optical waveguide mechanism 120. The demultiplexing module 121 and the waveguide device 122 can also output the output optical signal, wavelength division multiplexing signal, etc. in other arrangements as needed, which are not limited here.

[0051] Optionally, the demultiplexing module 121 and waveguide device 122 can be integrated into a single structure by bonding or welding. The integrated structure of the optical waveguide mechanism 120 results in higher integration, reduces the size of the connecting device 100, and improves the structural strength of the optical waveguide mechanism 120, thus reducing the risk of misalignment between the corresponding channels of the demultiplexing module 121 and the waveguide device 122. One or more multi-core optical fibers 110 can also be welded to the optical waveguide mechanism 120, thereby forming a single integrated structure for the connecting device 100. This simplifies assembly and disassembly of the connecting device 100 and facilitates maintenance.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another optical interconnect device 10 provided in the embodiments of this application; as shown below. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another optical interconnect device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the input of the demultiplexing module 121 is coupled to the output of each fiber core 111, for demultiplexing multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals into multiple first output optical signals. The input of the waveguide device 122 is coupled to the output of the demultiplexing module 121, for outputting the multiple first output optical signals into an array of output optical signals. Specifically, the demultiplexing module 121 is used to output the multiple first output optical signals in a linear distribution. The waveguide device 122 includes a first conversion waveguide 1221, which is used to adjust the output of the multiple first output optical signals from a linear distribution to an array of output optical signals.

[0054] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the demultiplexing module 121 first demultiplexes multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals to form multiple first output optical signals, and then outputs the multiple first output optical signals in a linear distribution. For example, the demultiplexing module 121 has multiple output channels, and the multiple first output optical signals are output through these multiple output channels. The multiple output channels can be linearly distributed, thus enabling the multiple first output optical signals to be output in a linear distribution.

[0055] Optionally, the first conversion waveguide 1221 has multiple input channels, and each input channel is connected to a corresponding output channel of the demultiplexing module 121. The first conversion waveguide 1221 also has multiple output channels, each corresponding to an input channel. The multiple output channels are arranged in a matrix, allowing multiple first output optical signals to be output from these channels, thus forming a matrix distribution. The first conversion waveguide 1221 can be a three-dimensional waveguide, with the multiple input channels located on one side of the three-dimensional waveguide, connected to the output of the demultiplexing module 121. The multiple output channels are located on the other side of the three-dimensional waveguide, from which the first output optical signals are output.

[0056] In this embodiment, the demultiplexing module 121 can first demultiplex multiple wavelength division multiplexing signals, and then adjust multiple first output optical signals into an output optical signal array distribution, thereby reducing the attenuation of wavelength division multiplexing signals and improving the reliability of demultiplexing.

[0057] In one possible application scenario, the propagation directions of multiple input optical signals and multiple output optical signals are different. Therefore, the connection device 100 needs to change the propagation direction of the optical signals. Related technologies change the propagation direction of optical signals by bending optical fibers. However, optical fibers are at risk of breakage. To reduce the risk of fiber breakage, the bending radius of the optical fiber is usually large, which also means that the optical fiber array in related technologies needs to occupy a large space when bent.

[0058] In some possible implementations, the waveguide device 122 has multiple transmission channels formed within it; each transmission channel corresponds one-to-one with a plurality of wavelength division multiplexed signals, and at least one transmission channel has a bent shape to bend the optical path of the corresponding at least one wavelength division multiplexed signal; or, the multiple transmission channels correspond one-to-one with a plurality of first output optical signals, and at least one transmission channel has a bent shape to bend the optical path of the corresponding at least one first output optical signal. That is, at least a portion of the multiple transmission channels formed within the waveguide device 122 has a bent shape to bend the optical path of the at least one wavelength division multiplexed signal corresponding to this at least a portion of the transmission channels. For example, each of the multiple transmission channels corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of wavelength division multiplexed signals has a bent shape.

[0059] For example, the waveguide device 122 can be a cuboid, with multiple input channels located on one side of the cuboid and multiple output channels located on another side adjacent to that side. The transmission channels inside the waveguide device 122 are bent at 90°, allowing optical signals to be output from the multiple output channels. Of course, the waveguide device 122 can also adopt other shapes, and the bending angle of the transmission channels within the waveguide device 122 can be set as needed, without limitation here. It should be understood that the demultiplexing module 121 can also be configured with a bent channel similar to the transmission channel of the waveguide device 122 in the above embodiment, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0060] In this embodiment, the waveguide device 122 can change the propagation direction of the wavelength division multiplexing signal or multiple first output optical signals, enabling the connection device 100 to better match the optical path setup. Furthermore, the optical path bend is achieved in the waveguide device 122, and compared to fiber bending, the bend radius is smaller, thus helping to reduce the size of the connection device 100.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the demultiplexing module 121 includes a demultiplexer 1211 (DEMUX), with multiple demultiplexers 1211 corresponding one-to-one with multiple fiber cores 111. Each demultiplexer 1211 is used to demultiplex the wavelength division multiplexing signal transmitted by the corresponding fiber core 111 into at least two first output optical signals. Figure 6 As shown, the input of demultiplexer 1211 is connected to multi-core optical fiber 110. Optionally, demultiplexer 1211 is a passive optical demultiplexer. Passive optical demultiplexers do not require an external light source or power supply, simplifying the structure of connection device 100. Demultiplexer 1211 includes, but is not limited to, interference filter type demultiplexer, fiber coupler type demultiplexer, grating type demultiplexer, and arrayed waveguide grating type demultiplexer. Of course, demultiplexing module 121 can also use other devices with optical demultiplexing functions, such as optical transceivers, etc., which are not limited here. Connection device 100 can use off-the-shelf demultiplexer 1211, reducing the equipment cost of connection device 100.

[0062] Optional, such as Figure 6 As shown, the optical waveguide mechanism 120 also includes at least one multicast switch (MCS), which is disposed between the demultiplexing module 121 and the waveguide device 122. The at least one multicast switch 1212 is used to selectively connect the channel of the demultiplexing module 121 to the channel of the waveguide device 122.

[0063] The number of output channels of demultiplexer 1211 is less than the number of input channels of waveguide device 122. Multicast switching optical switch 1212 connects each output channel of demultiplexer 1211 to each input channel of waveguide device 122. Multicast switching optical switch 1212 can switch the input channels of waveguide device 122 connected to the output channels of demultiplexer 1211 as needed.

[0064] During the processing, transportation, and use of the connection device 100, the channels in the waveguide device 122 may be damaged, resulting in the inability to output optical signals normally. In this embodiment, the multicast switching optical switch 1212 can replace the input channel of the waveguide device 122 connected to the output channel of the demultiplexer 1211, thereby controlling the optical signal to be transmitted to the intact channel in the waveguide device 122, enabling the connection device 100 to operate normally and improving the reliability of the connection device 100.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the demultiplexing module 121 includes a second conversion waveguide 1213 and a first planar optical waveguide 1214. The input end of the second conversion waveguide 1213 is coupled to the output ends of multiple fiber cores 111, and is used to output multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals from the multi-core optical fiber 110 in a linear distribution. The input end of the first planar optical waveguide 1214 is coupled to the output end of the second conversion waveguide 1213, and is used to demultiplex the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals into multiple first output optical signals, and output the multiple first output optical signals in a linear distribution.

[0066] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, a curved transmission channel may be provided in the waveguide device 122 to change the propagation direction of the optical signal.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first planar optical waveguide 1214 demultiplexes multiple wavelength multiplexed signals by utilizing the different refractive indices of light of different wavelengths. Since the input channels of the first planar optical waveguide 1214 are arranged in a straight line, multiple wavelength multiplexed signals need to be distributed along a straight line to be input into the first planar optical waveguide.

[0068] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of a multi-core optical fiber 110. Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-core optical fiber 110 includes seven cores 111, with one core 111 located in the center and the remaining six cores 111 distributed around the central core 111. The distribution of the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals output by the multi-core optical fiber 110 is the same as the distribution of the cores 111. Therefore, the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals output by the multi-core optical fiber 110 need to be adjusted before being input into the first planar optical waveguide 1214. Optionally, one adjustment method is to connect each of the multiple cores 111 of the multi-core optical fiber 110 to a corresponding input channel of the planar optical waveguide. Another connection method is to connect the multi-core optical fiber 110 to the first planar optical waveguide 1214 using an adapter. Of course, other connection methods can also be used between the multi-core optical fiber 110 and the first planar optical waveguide 1214, which are not limited here.

[0069] In this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the multi-core optical fiber 110 is connected to the first planar optical waveguide 1214 via a second conversion waveguide 1213. The second conversion waveguide 1213 can convert the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals output from the multi-core optical fiber 110 from a three-dimensional distribution to a linear distribution. The second conversion waveguide 1213 is connected to the first planar optical waveguide 1214, thereby transmitting the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals into the first planar optical waveguide 1214.

[0070] Figure 7 In the described embodiment, there is one first planar optical waveguide 1214, which is parallel to the straight line containing the multiple output channels of the second conversion waveguide 1213. Multiple wavelength division multiplexing signals can be demultiplexed using a single first planar optical waveguide 1214, reducing the number of first planar optical waveguides 1214 required for the optical waveguide mechanism 120 and lowering the cost of the connecting device 100.

[0071] Optional, Figure 9 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the middle waveguide device 122. (See diagram below.) Figure 9 As shown, the waveguide device 122 has a curved transmission channel, thereby changing the propagation direction of the optical signal.

[0072] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another optical interconnect device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 11 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the optical waveguide mechanism 120.

[0073] Optional, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the demultiplexing module 121 includes one or more third conversion waveguides 1215 and multiple second planar optical waveguides 1216. The input end of the third conversion waveguide 1215 is coupled to the output end of multiple fiber cores 111, and is used to output multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals from the multi-core optical fiber 110 in a linear distribution. The multiple second planar optical waveguides 1216 are arranged along the distribution direction of the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals, and each second planar optical waveguide 1216 corresponds to one wavelength division multiplexed signal, and is used to demultiplex the corresponding wavelength division multiplexed signal into multiple first output optical signals.

[0074] Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, multiple wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) signals are demultiplexed using multiple second planar optical waveguides 1216 to form multiple first output optical signals. Optionally, there is one third conversion waveguide 1215, which outputs the multiple WDM signals in a linear distribution. The second planar optical waveguides 1216 can be perpendicular to the plane containing the multiple WDM signals; however, they can also be at other angles to the plane, which is not limited here. Each second planar optical waveguide 1216 can be connected to one output channel of the third conversion waveguide 1215. When a WDM signal is output to a second planar optical waveguide 1216, the second planar optical waveguide 1216 can demultiplex the WDM signal to form multiple first output optical signals. The multiple second planar optical waveguides 1216 can demultiplex each WDM signal.

[0075] Optional, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the angle between the input and output channels of the second planar optical waveguide 1216 is 90°. The second planar optical waveguide 1216 can not only demultiplex wavelength division multiplexed signals but also change the propagation direction of the wavelength division multiplexed signals. Of course, the angle between the input and output channels of the second planar optical waveguide can also be other angle values, which are not limited here.

[0076] Optionally, the waveguide device 122 is connected to multiple second planar optical waveguides 1216 to arrange multiple first output optical signals so that the multiple first output optical signals are output in an array manner.

[0077] In this embodiment, each wavelength division multiplexed signal is demultiplexed through a second planar optical waveguide 1216, which can reduce the mutual interference between wavelength division multiplexed signals and improve signal accuracy. When there are a large number of wavelength division multiplexed signals and a large number of input optical signals combined from each wavelength division multiplexed signal, this embodiment can effectively complete the demultiplexing of wavelength division multiplexed signals and the transmission of the first output optical signal.

[0078] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another optical interconnect device 10 provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 13 for Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the optical waveguide mechanism 120.

[0079] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the input terminal of waveguide device 122 is coupled to the output terminal of each fiber core 111, for outputting multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals as a wavelength division multiplexed signal array. The input terminal of demultiplexing module 121 is coupled to the output terminal of waveguide device 122, for demultiplexing the wavelength division multiplexed signal array into multiple second output optical signals. Waveguide device 122 includes a fourth conversion waveguide 1222, and demultiplexing module 121 includes multiple third planar optical waveguides 1217. The input terminal of the fourth conversion waveguide 1222 is coupled to the output terminal of each fiber core 111, for receiving the wavelength division multiplexed signals transmitted from each fiber core and outputting multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals as a wavelength division multiplexed signal array. The multiple third planar optical waveguides 1217 are coupled to the output terminal of the fourth conversion waveguide 1222. Multiple third planar optical waveguides 1217 are distributed along the row or column direction of the wavelength division multiplexing signal array. Each third planar optical waveguide 1217 is used to demultiplex a row or column of wavelength division multiplexing signals to demultiplex the wavelength division multiplexing signal array into multiple second output optical signals.

[0080] Multiple multi-core optical fibers 110 can transmit multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals. A large number of wavelength division multiplexed signals will make it difficult to arrange the demultiplexing module 121. Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the embodiment shown, multiple wavelength division multiplexing signals first pass through the fourth conversion waveguide 1222, which can rearrange the multiple wavelength division multiplexing signals and output them in a matrix distribution manner.

[0081] The demultiplexing module 121 includes multiple third-plane optical waveguides 1217, each of which is used to demultiplex one row or one column of wavelength division multiplexed signals. By demultiplexing multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals through multiple third-plane optical waveguides 1217, the number of wavelength division multiplexed signals that need to be demultiplexed by each plane optical waveguide is reduced.

[0082] In this embodiment, each wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) signal is demultiplexed through a third planar optical waveguide 1217, which reduces mutual interference between WDM signals and improves signal accuracy. Furthermore, each third planar optical waveguide 1217 can demultiplex multiple WDM signals, giving the connection device 100 higher transmission capability.

[0083] When the connection device 100 transmits optical signals, the intensity of the optical signals changes, causing signal distortion. In some embodiments, the wavelength division multiplexing mechanism 200 further includes an optical intensity adjustment component connected to the output of the wavelength division multiplexing device 201, used to adjust the signal intensity of multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals. Alternatively, the connection device 100 includes an optical intensity adjustment component used to adjust the signal intensity of multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals or the signal intensity of multiple output optical signals.

[0084] After the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) device 201 outputs a WDM signal, the optical intensity modulation (OIM) component can adjust the intensity of the WDM signal, thereby increasing the signal strength of the output optical signal. For example, the optical interconnect device 10 or the optical communication system is equipped with a detector for detecting the signal strength of the output optical signal, and the OIM component can adjust the signal strength of the corresponding WDM signal according to the signal strength of the output optical signal. In this way, the OIM component can adjust the intensity of the output optical signal, thereby equalizing the power of multiple output optical signals and improving the uniformity and reliability of the output optical signal.

[0085] In other embodiments, an optical intensity adjustment component may be disposed in the connection device 100, and the optical intensity adjustment component may adjust the signal intensity of the wavelength division multiplexing signal or the output optical signal in the optical waveguide mechanism 120. The adjustment method is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0086] In some embodiments, the light intensity modulation component includes a variable optical attenuator (VOA) and / or a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). For example, in Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 In one embodiment, the optical intensity modulation component is a semiconductor optical amplifier 202, which can increase the signal strength of the wavelength division multiplexed signal. In other embodiments, the optical intensity modulation component may include a variable optical attenuator, which can reduce the signal strength of the wavelength division multiplexed signal or the output optical signal. The optical intensity modulation component may also adjust the signal strength of the wavelength division multiplexed signal or the output optical signal by cooperating with a variable optical attenuator and a semiconductor optical amplifier.

[0087] In this embodiment, the variable optical attenuator can adjust the attenuation of the optical signal, and the semiconductor optical amplifier can amplify the optical signal, thus adjusting the intensity of the optical signal and improving the uniformity and reliability of the optical signal.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the wavelength division multiplexing mechanism 200 includes a fan-in module 112, which is disposed between the output end of the wavelength division multiplexing device 201 and the multi-core optical fiber 110, for transmitting multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals one-to-one to the multiple fiber cores 111 of the multi-core optical fiber 110.

[0089] exist Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 In one embodiment, the wavelength division multiplexing mechanism 200 is connected to the multi-core optical fiber 110 via the fan-in module 112, which can reduce the size of the wavelength division multiplexing mechanism 200 and improve the reliability of the connection.

[0090] The foregoing preferred embodiments have further illustrated the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connecting device, characterized in that, The device includes a multi-core optical fiber, a demultiplexing module, a waveguide device, and at least one multicast switching optical switch. The waveguide device includes a three-dimensional optical waveguide with multiple transmission channels formed within it. The multi-core optical fiber includes multiple fiber cores for transmitting multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals, and the input end of each fiber core is used to receive one wavelength division multiplexed signal. The input end of the demultiplexing module is coupled to the output end of each fiber core, and is used to demultiplex the plurality of wavelength division multiplexed signals into a plurality of first output optical signals. The input end of the waveguide device is coupled to the output end of the demultiplexing module, and is used to output the plurality of first output optical signals into an array of output optical signals. The plurality of transmission channels of the waveguide device correspond one-to-one with the plurality of first output optical signals. At least one transmission channel has a bent shape so that the optical path of the corresponding at least one first output optical signal is bent to change the propagation direction of the at least one first output optical signal. The demultiplexing module includes multiple demultiplexers, each corresponding one-to-one with one of the multiple fiber cores. Each demultiplexer is used to demultiplex the wavelength division multiplexed signal transmitted by the corresponding fiber core into at least two first output optical signals. At least one multicast switching optical switch is disposed between the demultiplexing module and the waveguide device. The number of output channels of the demultiplexer is less than the number of input channels of the waveguide device. The multicast switching optical switch connects each output channel of the demultiplexer to each input channel of the waveguide device. The at least one multicast switching optical switch is used to selectively connect the channels of the demultiplexing module to the channels of the waveguide device. The multicast switching optical switch can switch the input channels of the waveguide device connected to the output channels of the demultiplexer.

2. The connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The demultiplexing module is specifically used to output the plurality of first output optical signals in a linear distribution manner; The waveguide device includes a first conversion waveguide, which is used to adjust the plurality of first output optical signals from being output in a linear distribution manner to being output in an array manner.

3. The connecting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The demultiplexing module includes: The second conversion waveguide, whose input end is coupled to the output end of each fiber core, is used to receive the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals transmitted by the multiple fiber cores and output the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals in a linear distribution manner; A first planar optical waveguide, the input end of which is coupled to the output end of the second conversion waveguide, is used to demultiplex each wavelength division multiplexed signal in the plurality of wavelength division multiplexed signals, so that the plurality of wavelength division multiplexed signals form the plurality of first output optical signals, and output the plurality of first output optical signals in a linear distribution manner.

4. The connecting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The demultiplexing module includes: The third conversion waveguide, whose input end is coupled to the output end of each fiber core, is used to receive the multiple wavelength division multiplexing signals transmitted by the multi-core optical fiber and output the multiple wavelength division multiplexing signals in a linear distribution manner. Multiple second planar optical waveguides are arranged along the distribution direction of the multiple wavelength division multiplexing signals. Each of the multiple second planar optical waveguides corresponds one-to-one with the multiple fiber cores. Each second planar optical waveguide is used to demultiplex the wavelength division multiplexing signal transmitted by the corresponding fiber core.

5. An optical interconnect device, characterized in that, Includes a wavelength division multiplexing mechanism and a connection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) mechanism includes a WDM device, the output of which is connected to the input of each fiber core in the multi-core optical fiber. The WDM device is used to: receive multiple input optical signals of different wavelengths, convert the multiple input optical signals of different wavelengths into multiple WDM multiplexed signals, and transmit the multiple WDM multiplexed signals to the multi-core optical fiber.

6. The optical interconnect device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The wavelength division multiplexing mechanism or the connecting device includes an optical intensity adjustment component, which is connected to the output terminal of the wavelength division multiplexing device and is used to adjust the signal strength of the plurality of wavelength division multiplexed signals.

7. The optical interconnect device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The light intensity modulation component includes a variable light attenuator and / or a semiconductor light amplifier.

8. The optical interconnect device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The wavelength division multiplexing mechanism includes a fan-in module, which is disposed between the output end of the wavelength division multiplexing device and the multi-core optical fiber, and is used to transmit the multiple wavelength division multiplexed signals to multiple cores of the multi-core optical fiber.

9. An optical communication system, characterized in that, It includes one or more optical receiving modules, one or more optical output modules, and the optical interconnect device according to any one of claims 5 to 8; The one or more optical receiving modules are used to receive multiple input optical signals; The input end of the wavelength division multiplexing mechanism of the optical interconnect device is coupled to the one or more optical receiving modules, and the output end of the optical interconnect device is coupled to the one or more optical output modules. The optical interconnect device is used to transmit the multiple input optical signals from the one or more optical receiving modules to the one or more optical output modules. The one or more optical output modules are used to output the output optical signal array.

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