A positioning apparatus, optical fiber apparatus, and related apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a positioning device, an optical fiber device and related devices, which realizes high-density transmission of optical signals while effectively reducing insertion loss. The positioning device comprises a plurality of channels wrapped by a shell, the plurality of channels are fixedly arranged in the shell as a whole, the channels are used for being passed through by optical fibers, and the plurality of channels are communicated with an inlet and an outlet of the positioning device. The spacing between adjacent channels at the inlet is greater than the spacing between adjacent channels at the outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optical fiber communication technology, and in particular to a positioning device, an optical fiber device, and related devices. Background Technology

[0002] A two-dimensional fiber optic array consists of multiple optical fibers arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, which enables flexible routing of optical signals.

[0003] To obtain a two-dimensional fiber array, V-shaped grooves arranged in a single row can be etched on a single-layer substrate. The optical fibers are held in the V-shaped grooves, and then multiple substrates with etched V-shaped grooves are stacked to realize a two-dimensional fiber array.

[0004] However, the accuracy of the V-groove etching process is limited by the substrate processing accuracy. This can lead to a situation where the optical fiber is misaligned relative to the V-groove when multiple substrates are stacked, and there is also a situation where the V-grooves in different layers are misaligned. This increases the insertion loss of the optical fiber array in transmitting optical signals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a positioning device, an optical fiber device, and related devices. The positioning device enables high-density transmission of optical signals while effectively suppressing optical fiber position errors and pointing accuracy errors, thereby increasing transmission bandwidth and reducing insertion loss.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a positioning device, including multiple channels enclosed in a housing. The multiple channels are fixedly arranged within the housing, and each channel is for the passage of an optical fiber. The multiple channels connect the inlet and outlet of the positioning device. The optical fiber fixed to the positioning device enters the positioning device through the inlet and exits through the outlet. The spacing between adjacent channels at the inlet is greater than the spacing between adjacent channels at the outlet.

[0007] As shown in this embodiment, optical fibers pass through channels to achieve fiber positioning. Due to the enclosure effect, the relative positional relationship between different channels remains unchanged, effectively preventing positional shifts between channels and reducing the positional and pointing accuracy errors of the fiber exiting the outlet, thus reducing insertion loss. When the spacing between adjacent channels at the entrance is greater than the spacing between adjacent channels at the exit, the number of channels per unit area at the entrance is less than the number of channels per unit area at the exit. Therefore, the outlet of the positioning device can integrate a large number of optical fibers per unit area, improving the space utilization at the outlet of the positioning device, achieving high-density optical signal transmission, and meeting the needs of high-density integration.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the channel has a varying inner diameter, wherein the inner diameter of the channel at the inlet is larger than the inner diameter at the outlet. The inner diameter of the channel refers to the diameter of the flow-through or penetrating portion within the channel, i.e., the actual effective diameter allowing the optical fiber to pass through.

[0009] In this implementation, the optical fiber is inserted through a channel with a relatively large inner diameter at the entrance, and exits through a channel with a relatively small inner diameter at the exit. Because the inner diameter at the entrance is larger, it facilitates the insertion of the optical fiber, improving the efficiency of fixing the fiber to the positioning device. This achieves coarse positioning of the fiber by the positioning device's channel. The inner diameter at the entrance allows for significant positional and pointing accuracy errors during fiber insertion. The smaller inner diameter at the exit enables fine positioning of the optical fiber, effectively reducing positional and pointing accuracy errors as the fiber exits.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the number of channels is greater than or equal to the number of optical fibers.

[0011] Using this implementation method, if it is necessary to position the optical fiber, the optical fiber passes through the channel included in the positioning device. Due to the enclosure effect of the shell, the relative positional relationship between different optical fibers fixed through the channel remains unchanged, effectively avoiding the positional offset between different optical fibers, effectively reducing the positional error and pointing accuracy error of the optical fiber when it exits the outlet, and reducing insertion loss.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in one alternative implementation, the channel has a first ramp at the entrance, the first ramp serving as a guide for guiding the optical fiber through the channel.

[0013] With this implementation, when the channel has a first inclined surface at the entrance, the efficiency of guiding the optical fiber along the first inclined surface and inserting it into the channel is effectively improved. Moreover, it effectively avoids damage to the optical fiber caused by the optical fiber directly entering the channel.

[0014] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the channel includes a connecting transition hole and an enlarged hole between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the inner diameter of the channel at the enlarged hole is larger than the inner diameter of the channel at the transition hole.

[0015] In this implementation, when the optical fiber passes through the channel, there is a gap between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the enlarged aperture. Therefore, the channel including the enlarged aperture can effectively reduce the contact area between the inner surface of the channel and the optical fiber, thereby effectively reducing the degree of contact between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the channel, reducing mechanical damage during optical fiber insertion, reducing the friction between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the channel, avoiding the probability of poor fiber insertion caused by excessive friction between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the channel, reducing the difficulty of optical fiber passing through the channel, and also avoiding fiber core distortion caused by local stress concentration in the optical fiber, so as to reduce optical signal attenuation.

[0016] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, a lens assembly is coupled at the exit, the lens assembly being used to adjust the optical path of the light signal emitted from the exit.

[0017] In this implementation, the lens assembly is used to adjust the optical path of the light signal emitted from the positioning device's outlet. For example, the lens assembly can be used to collimate, diverge, or converge the light signal.

[0018] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the channel includes a first positioning channel and a second positioning channel connected together, the first positioning channel being connected to the inlet, the second positioning channel being connected to the outlet, and the inner diameter of the first positioning channel being larger than the inner diameter of the second positioning channel.

[0019] In this implementation, the fiber optic cable is inserted into the first positioning channel, which has a larger inner diameter, while the fiber optic cable exits through the second positioning channel, which has a smaller inner diameter. Because the first positioning channel has a larger inner diameter, it facilitates the insertion of the fiber optic cable, improving the efficiency of fixing the fiber optic cable to the positioning device. The first positioning channel achieves coarse positioning of the fiber optic cable, and its inner diameter allows for larger positional and pointing accuracy errors during insertion. The second positioning channel has a smaller inner diameter, enabling fine positioning of the fiber optic cable. This fine positioning effectively reduces the positional and pointing accuracy errors of the fiber optic cable exiting through the second positioning channel.

[0020] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the channel has a second inclined surface between the first positioning channel and the second positioning channel, and the guide of the second inclined surface is used to guide the optical fiber into the second positioning channel.

[0021] With this implementation, when the channel has a second inclined surface between the first positioning channel and the second positioning channel, the efficiency of guiding the optical fiber along the second inclined surface and inserting it into the second positioning channel is effectively improved. This ensures that even if the inner diameter of the second positioning channel is small, the optical fiber can be prevented from being damaged by directly entering the second positioning channel.

[0022] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the guide of the first positioning channel intersects with the guide of the second positioning channel.

[0023] By adopting this implementation method, when the guide of the first positioning channel intersects with the guide of the second positioning channel, it effectively ensures that the spacing between adjacent channels at the entrance is greater than the spacing between adjacent channels at the exit, so as to achieve the goal of integrating a large number of optical fibers in a unit area at the exit of the positioning device, thereby realizing high-density transmission of optical signals.

[0024] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the first positioning channel includes a first channel sidewall, the optical fiber passes through the first positioning channel along the guide of the first channel sidewall, and the curvature of the first channel sidewall has a continuously changing structure along the guide of the first channel sidewall.

[0025] Using this implementation, the curvature of the first channel sidewall, which represents the bending state of the first channel sidewall of the first positioning channel, is guided along the first channel sidewall. When the curvature of the first channel sidewall is a continuously changing structure, the bending state of the first channel sidewall of the first positioning channel smoothly transitions along the first channel sidewall without abrupt changes or discontinuities. This significantly improves the smoothness of the optical fiber passing through the first positioning channel, reduces mechanical damage during optical fiber insertion, and ensures that the optical fiber is in a naturally bent state within the first positioning channel. This avoids fiber core distortion caused by local stress concentration, thereby reducing optical signal attenuation and also reducing Fresnel reflection and lowering return loss.

[0026] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the second positioning channel includes a second channel sidewall, the optical fiber passes through the second positioning channel along the guide of the second channel sidewall, and the second channel sidewall has a continuous material distribution structure along the guide of the second channel sidewall.

[0027] Using this implementation, the second positioning channel can be integrally formed through laser modification, resulting in a continuous material distribution structure on the sidewalls of the second channel. This effectively improves the dimensional accuracy of the second positioning channel. The dimensional accuracy of the second positioning channel directly determines the magnitude of the optical fiber's positional and pointing accuracy errors. Laser modification improves the dimensional accuracy of each second positioning channel, effectively reducing the magnitude of optical fiber positional and pointing accuracy errors, enabling high-density optical signal transmission, increasing transmission bandwidth, and reducing insertion loss.

[0028] Based on the first aspect, in one alternative implementation, the second positioning channel is integrally formed from one of glass, metal, ceramic, composite material, or semiconductor material.

[0029] Using this implementation method, the second positioning channel can be integrally formed, effectively improving the dimensional accuracy of the second positioning channel. The dimensional accuracy of the second positioning channel directly determines the magnitude of the optical fiber's position error and pointing accuracy error. By obtaining the second positioning channel through integral forming, the dimensional accuracy of each second positioning channel can be improved, effectively reducing the magnitude of the optical fiber's position error and pointing accuracy error, achieving high-density transmission of optical signals, increasing transmission bandwidth, and reducing insertion loss.

[0030] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the inner diameter of the first positioning channel is greater than or equal to the diameter of the optical fiber with the optical fiber coating, and the inner diameter of the second positioning channel is greater than or equal to the diameter of the clad optical fiber; or, the inner diameter of the first positioning channel is greater than or equal to the diameter of the clad optical fiber, and the inner diameter of the second positioning channel is greater than or equal to the diameter of the optical fiber core.

[0031] In this implementation, the optical fiber enters the first positioning channel through the inlet and exits through the outlet. Because the inner diameter of the first positioning channel is relatively large (e.g., greater than or equal to the diameter of the fiber with fiber coating, or greater than or equal to the diameter of the clad fiber), it facilitates the insertion of the optical fiber, improving the efficiency of fixing the fiber to the positioning device and achieving coarse positioning of the fiber by the first positioning channel. The inner diameter of the second positioning channel is only slightly larger than the fiber core diameter or slightly larger than the diameter of the clad fiber. The second positioning channel can precisely define the position and pointing accuracy of the optical fiber, effectively suppressing positional and pointing accuracy errors. Moreover, since the optical fiber passing through the second positioning channel can be either a cored or clad fiber, the spacing between two adjacent second positioning channels is not limited by the diameter of the fiber coating, increasing the number of optical fibers arranged per unit area at the outlet of the positioning device, improving the space utilization of the positioning device, meeting the needs of high-density integration, and enhancing the flexibility of fiber arrangement.

[0032] Secondly, this application provides an optical fiber device, including a positioning device and multiple optical fibers. The positioning device includes multiple channels enclosed in a housing. The multiple channels are fixedly arranged within the housing. The multiple channels connect the inlet and outlet of the positioning device. The spacing between adjacent channels at the inlet is greater than the spacing between adjacent channels at the outlet. The multiple optical fibers pass through the multiple channels. For a description of the optical fiber device and its effects, please refer to the first aspect; specific details will not be repeated here.

[0033] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the channel has a varying inner diameter, wherein the inner diameter of the channel at the inlet is greater than the inner diameter at the outlet.

[0034] Based on the second aspect, in one alternative implementation, the channel has a first ramp at the entrance, the first ramp serving as a guide for guiding the optical fiber through the channel.

[0035] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the channel includes a connecting transition hole and an expansion hole between the inlet and the outlet, the inner diameter of the channel at the expansion hole is larger than the inner diameter of the channel at the transition hole, and there is a gap between the optical fiber passing through the channel and the expansion hole.

[0036] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the channel includes a first positioning channel and a second positioning channel connected together, the first positioning channel being connected to the inlet, the second positioning channel being connected to the outlet, and the inner diameter of the first positioning channel being larger than the inner diameter of the second positioning channel.

[0037] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the channel has a second inclined surface between the first positioning channel and the second positioning channel, and the guide of the second inclined surface is used to guide the optical fiber into the second positioning channel.

[0038] Thirdly, this application provides an optical switching network, including a scheduling module and an optical fiber device as described in any of the second aspects above. The scheduling module is used to change the transmission direction of a first optical signal from the optical fiber device to obtain a second optical signal and to output the second optical signal; or, the scheduling module changes the transmission direction of a third optical signal to obtain a fourth optical signal and to transmit the fourth optical signal to the optical fiber device.

[0039] Fourthly, this application provides an optical communication device, including a processor, a photoelectric conversion module, and an optical fiber device as described in any of the second aspects above. The photoelectric conversion module is used to perform photoelectric conversion on a first optical signal from the optical fiber device to obtain a first electrical signal and send the first electrical signal to the processor. Alternatively, the photoelectric conversion module receives a second electrical signal from the processor and is used to perform electro-optical conversion on the second electrical signal to obtain a second optical signal and send the second optical signal to the optical fiber device.

[0040] Fifthly, this application provides a fiber optic spectrometer, including a processor, a detector array, and a fiber optic device as described in any of the second aspects above. The fiber optic device is used to receive multiple optical signals, the detector array is used to perform photoelectric conversion on the multiple optical signals from the fiber optic device to obtain multiple electrical signals, and the processor is used to obtain spectral information based on the multiple electrical signals from the detector array.

[0041] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a lidar, including a light source and an optical fiber device as described in any of the second aspects above, wherein the light source is used to send multiple probe optical signals to the optical fiber device, the optical fiber device is used to send the multiple probe optical signals to a target object, and the multiple probe optical signals are used to detect relevant information of the target object.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a lidar, including a detector array and an optical fiber device as described in any of the second aspects above, wherein the optical fiber device is used to receive multiple echo light signals reflected by a target object, the detector array is used to perform photoelectric conversion on the multiple echo light signals to obtain multiple detection electrical signals, and the processor is used to obtain relevant information about the target object based on the multiple detection electrical signals.

[0043] Eighthly, this application provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body and a radar fixed to the vehicle body, the radar being as described in the sixth or seventh aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 A structural example of an optical switching network used for positioning devices;

[0045] Figure 2 An example diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the positioning device provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Example diagram of the structure of the first positioning module of the included positioning device;

[0047] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Example diagram of the structure of the second positioning module of the included positioning device;

[0048] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional structural example of one embodiment of the positioning device is shown;

[0049] Figure 6 A first structural example diagram of the first positioning channel and the second positioning channel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 7 A second structural example diagram of the first positioning channel and the second positioning channel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the preparation of the second positioning channel provided in this application;

[0052] Figure 9 Example cross-sectional structure of the second positioning channel provided in this application;

[0053] Figure 10 An example exploded view of one embodiment of the optical fiber device provided in this application;

[0054] Figure 11 An example structural diagram of an embodiment of the optical communication device provided in this application;

[0055] Figure 12 A structural example diagram of one embodiment of the fiber optic spectrometer provided in this application;

[0056] Figure 13 Example structural diagram of the first embodiment of the lidar provided in this application;

[0057] Figure 14 This is a structural example diagram of a second embodiment of the lidar provided in this application;

[0058] Figure 15 An example structural diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this application will be presented in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the application in conjunction with embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this application. To provide a thorough understanding of this application, many specific details will be included in the following description. This application may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0060] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0061] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0062] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] This application provides a positioning device for clamping and fixing N optical fibers, where N is any integer greater than 1. This embodiment does not limit the arrangement of the N optical fibers fixed by the positioning device. For example, the N optical fibers can be arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) configuration. Specifically, the N optical fibers can be arranged in an i-row, j-column configuration, where i and j are both any integer greater than 1. Alternatively, the N optical fibers can be arranged in a single row or a single column. Furthermore, the N optical fibers can be arranged in a three-dimensional (3D) configuration. The positioning device features high-precision positioning and high-density integration, and can support multiple optical fiber types.

[0065] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a structural example of an optical switching network used for positioning devices. Taking an optical cross-connect (OXC) as an example, the optical switching network includes a first scheduling module 101, a second scheduling module 102, a first positioning device 111, and a second positioning device 112. Taking the first scheduling module 101 as an example, it can be a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS), without limitation. For example, the first scheduling module 101 can also be a liquid crystal phase modulator switch (LCOS), a silicon photonic optical switch (SiPh switch), etc. For a description of the type of the second scheduling module 102, please refer to the description of the type of the first scheduling module 101; specific details will not be repeated here. It should be noted that this example does not limit the number of scheduling modules or positioning devices included in the optical switching network. For example, the source optical fiber 120 fixed in the first positioning device 111 emits an optical signal 131 (the source optical fiber 120 is one of multiple optical fibers fixed in the first positioning device 111). This optical signal 131 is transmitted to the first scheduling module 101. The first scheduling module 101 can change the transmission direction of the optical signal 131 to reflect an optical signal 132 to the second scheduling module 102. The second scheduling module 102 changes the transmission direction of the optical signal 132 to reflect an optical signal 133 to the target optical fiber 121 of the second positioning device 112 (the target optical fiber 121 is one of multiple optical fibers fixed in the second positioning device 112). This is understandable. Figure 1The optical switching network shown enables optical signals to be quickly switched from an input port (e.g., the source fiber 120 shown above) to an output port (e.g., the target fiber 121 shown above), thereby improving the reliability of optical signal transmission direction switching. It should be noted that the application of the positioning device is not limited; for example, the positioning device can also be applied to optical communication equipment, fiber optic spectrometers, and LiDAR (light detection and ranging), etc., without specific limitations.

[0066] The positioning device specifically includes an inlet and an outlet. N optical fibers fixed to the positioning device enter the device through the inlet and exit through the outlet. For example, the first positioning device 111 has an outlet 141, and the N optical fibers (including the source fiber 120) fixed to the first positioning device 111 exit from the outlet 141. Similarly, the second positioning device 112 has an inlet 142, and the N optical fibers (including the target fiber 121) fixed to the second positioning device 112 enter the second positioning device 112 through the inlet 142. Taking the first positioning device 111 as an example, among the N optical fibers fixed to the first positioning device 111, each fiber independently exits through one of the N perforations in the outlet 141. The two optical fibers exiting from two adjacent perforations are spaced apart by a certain distance, which can be called the "positional spacing." This positional spacing can be understood as the distance between the fiber cores of the two optical fibers exiting from two adjacent perforations. Even a very small error (on the order of micrometers) in this positional spacing will affect the optical signal transmission process (e.g., Figure 1 The process of crossing from the source fiber to the target fiber (as shown) introduces significant insertion loss. It's understandable that the positional spacing between the two fibers exiting the first positioning device 111 is related to the insertion loss during optical signal transmission. Continuing with the first positioning device 111 as an example, the pointing accuracy of the fiber fixed by the first positioning device 111 also affects the insertion loss during optical signal transmission. The fiber exiting the perforation of the first positioning device 111 needs to be perpendicular to the exit 141 so that the optical signal output from the fiber is perpendicular to the plane of the exit 141 and outputs from the first positioning device 111. In practical applications, the angle between the optical signal emitted from the source fiber and the direction perpendicular to the plane of the exit 141 is defined as the "pointing accuracy error." Bending or positional shifts in the source fiber during perforation will increase the angle between the optical signal emitted from the source fiber and the direction perpendicular to the plane of the exit 141, thus increasing the pointing accuracy error. Pointing accuracy error can cause problems such as coupling loss, beam distortion, scattering noise, and insertion loss. The positioning device provided in this application embodiment can effectively reduce the positional interval error and pointing accuracy error of two adjacent optical fibers in the positioning device, thereby reducing the insertion loss in the process of transmitting optical signals in the positioning device.

[0067] Combination Figures 2 to 4 The diagram illustrates the structure of the positioning device provided in the embodiments of this application, wherein, Figure 2 This is an example diagram illustrating the overall structure of one embodiment of the positioning device provided in this application. Figure 3 for Figure 2 Example diagram of the structure of the first positioning module of the included positioning device. Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows an example of the structure of the second positioning module in the positioning device. Among them, Figure 2 The diagram shows an example of the structure of a positioning device in a three-dimensional space XYZ, where the three-dimensional space XYZ includes a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z that are perpendicular to each other.

[0068] The positioning device shown in this embodiment is used to fix N optical fibers, where N is any integer greater than 1. Specifically, the positioning device includes M channels enclosed by a housing 200, and the M channels are fixedly arranged within the housing 200. It is understood that the enclosing effect of the housing 200 keeps the relative positional relationship between the different channels within the M channels unchanged. In the positioning device, the optical fibers pass through the channels to achieve the purpose of positioning the optical fibers. Due to the enclosing effect of the housing, the relative positional relationship between the different channels remains unchanged, effectively avoiding positional shifts between different channels and effectively reducing insertion loss of optical signals transmitted through the optical fibers. This embodiment does not limit the arrangement of the M channels within the housing 200. For example, the M channels can be arranged in an array (e.g., multiple rows and columns) within the housing 200, or in a single row or single column within the housing 200. In this embodiment, M is any integer greater than or equal to N. It is understood that the number of channels enclosed by the housing 200 in the positioning device is greater than or equal to the number of optical fibers fixed by the positioning device. Each channel is used to be traversed by one optical fiber.

[0069] Combination Figures 2 to 4As shown, the positioning device includes an inlet 310 and an outlet 320. M channels connect the inlet 310 and the outlet 320 of the positioning device. Specifically, optical fibers enter the channels through the inlet 310, pass through the channels along the channel guide, and exit from the outlet 320. In this embodiment, the spacing between adjacent channels at the inlet 310 is greater than the spacing between adjacent channels at the outlet 320. Each channel has an opening at the inlet 310 through which optical fibers are inserted, and the center point of the opening is its geometric center. For example, if the opening is circular, then the center point is the center of the circle. The spacing between adjacent channels at the inlet 310 specifically refers to the distance between the center points of the openings of adjacent channels at the inlet 310. Similarly, each channel has an outlet at the outlet 320 through which optical fibers are exited, and the spacing between adjacent channels at the outlet 320 specifically refers to the distance between the center points of the openings of adjacent channels at the outlet 320. When the spacing between adjacent channels at entrance 310 is greater than the spacing between adjacent channels at exit 320, the number of channel openings per unit area of ​​entrance 310 is less than the number of channel openings per unit area of ​​exit 320. Therefore, the exit 320 of the positioning device shown in this embodiment can integrate a large number of optical fibers per unit area, improving the space utilization rate at the exit of the positioning device, realizing high-density transmission of optical signals, meeting the needs of high-density integration, and improving the flexibility of optical fiber arrangement.

[0070] In this embodiment, each channel in the positioning device has a varying inner diameter, where the inner diameter refers to the diameter of the flow-through or through portion within the channel, i.e., the actual effective diameter allowing the optical fiber to pass through. The inner diameter of the channel at the inlet 310 is larger than its inner diameter at the outlet 320. It can be understood that the larger inner diameter at the inlet 310 allows the optical fiber to enter, while the smaller inner diameter at the outlet 320 allows it to exit. Because the inner diameter at the inlet 310 is larger, it facilitates the insertion of the optical fiber, improving the efficiency of fixing the optical fiber to the positioning device, thus achieving coarse positioning of the optical fiber by the channel. The inner diameter at the inlet 310 allows for larger positional and pointing accuracy errors when the optical fiber enters. The smaller inner diameter at the outlet 320 enables fine positioning of the optical fiber, effectively reducing the positional and pointing accuracy errors when the optical fiber exits from the outlet 320.

[0071] The following describes the specific structure of the positioning device. Specifically, the positioning device includes a first positioning module 210 and a second positioning module 220 enclosed in a housing, and the first positioning module 210 and the second positioning module 220 are arranged sequentially along a first direction X. The first positioning module 210 includes M first positioning channels, and the second positioning module 220 includes M second positioning channels. Each channel in the positioning device shown in this embodiment includes a first positioning channel and a second positioning channel that are interconnected. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 Describe the structure of the first positioning channel and the second positioning channel, wherein, Figure 5 for Figure 2 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the positioning device. Figure 6This diagram illustrates a first structural example of a first positioning channel and a second positioning channel provided in an embodiment of this application. A first positioning module 210 includes a first positioning channel 510 penetrating through it, and a second positioning module 220 includes a second positioning channel 520 penetrating through it. The first positioning channel 510 is a first positioning channel included in the first positioning module 210 of the positioning device, and the second positioning channel 520 is a second positioning channel included in the second positioning module 220 of the positioning device. Furthermore, the first positioning channel 510 and the second positioning channel 520 are connected. An optical fiber fixed to the positioning device passes sequentially through the interconnected first positioning channel 510 and second positioning channel 520. Specifically, the optical fiber passes through the first positioning channel 510 along the guide of the first positioning channel 510 to enter the second positioning channel 520. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the first positioning channel 510 is larger than the inner diameter of the second positioning channel 520. Taking the first positioning channel 510 as an example, the inner diameter of the first positioning channel 510 refers to the diameter of the internal flow-through or through-hole portion of the first positioning channel 510, i.e., the actual effective diameter allowing the optical fiber to pass through. The first positioning channel 510 enables coarse positioning of the optical fiber, while the second positioning channel 520 enables fine positioning. For example, the optical fiber specifically includes a core, a cladding covering the core, and a coating covering the cladding. This embodiment does not limit the diameters of the core, cladding, and coating; for example, the core diameter can be 125 micrometers (µm), the cladding diameter can be 250 µm, and the coating diameter can be 900 µm. For instance, if an optical fiber with a coating passes through the first positioning channel 510 and an optical fiber with a cladding passes through the second positioning channel 520, then the inner diameter of the first positioning channel 510 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the optical fiber with a coating (e.g., 900 µm), and the inner diameter of the second positioning channel 520 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the optical fiber with a cladding (e.g., 250 µm). For example, if the clad optical fiber passes through the first positioning channel 510 and the fiber core passes through the second positioning channel 520, then the inner diameter of the first positioning channel 510 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the clad optical fiber (e.g., 250 μm). The inner diameter of the second positioning channel 520 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the fiber core (e.g., 125 μm).

[0072] Specifically, the first positioning channel 510 has a first channel opening 511 and a second channel opening 512 at both ends, and the second positioning channel 520 has a third channel opening 521 and a fourth channel opening 522 at both ends. The first channel opening 511, the second channel opening 512, the third channel opening 521, and the fourth channel opening 522 are sequentially connected. In this embodiment, the optical fiber enters the first positioning channel 510 through the first channel opening 511 and exits through the second channel opening 512. Because the inner diameter of the first channel opening 511 is relatively large (for example, greater than or equal to the diameter of the optical fiber with the fiber coating, or greater than or equal to the diameter of the clad optical fiber), it is convenient to insert the optical fiber into the first positioning channel 510, improving the efficiency of fixing the optical fiber on the positioning device, so as to achieve the purpose of coarse positioning of the optical fiber by the first positioning channel 510. The first positioning channel 510 allows for a large positional error and pointing accuracy error when the optical fiber is inserted. Optionally, such as Figure 7 As shown, where, Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a second structural example of the first and second positioning channels provided in this application embodiment. In this embodiment, the inner wall of the first channel opening 511 forms a first inclined surface 701. The first inclined surface 701 forms a first angle 702 with the guide of the second positioning channel 520. Taking the guide of the second positioning channel 520 extending along a first direction X as an example, the first angle 702 is an acute angle. This embodiment does not limit the size of the acute angle 702; for example, it can be approximately 60 degrees. With the first inclined surface 701 formed on the inner wall of the first channel opening 511, the efficiency of inserting the optical fiber into the first positioning channel 510 along the guide of the first inclined surface 701 is effectively improved. Furthermore, it effectively prevents damage to the optical fiber caused by directly entering the first positioning channel 510 with a smaller inner diameter.

[0073] The inner diameter of the second positioning channel 520 is only slightly larger than the fiber core diameter or slightly larger than the diameter of the clad fiber. The second positioning channel 520 can precisely define the position and pointing accuracy of the optical fiber, effectively suppressing positional and pointing accuracy errors. Optionally, the channel has a second inclined surface between the first positioning channel 510 and the second positioning channel 520. The guide of the second inclined surface is used to guide the optical fiber through the second positioning channel 520. Specifically... Figure 7As shown in the figure, the inner wall of the third channel opening 521 in this embodiment forms a second inclined surface 711. The second inclined surface 711 forms a second angle 712 with the guide of the second positioning channel (i.e., the first direction X). This second angle 712 is an acute angle. In this embodiment, the size of the acute angle 712 is not limited. For example, the size of the acute angle 712 can be about 60 degrees. With the second inclined surface 711 formed on the inner wall of the third channel opening 521, the efficiency of the optical fiber passing through the second channel opening 512 being inserted into the second positioning channel 520 along the guide of the second inclined surface 711 is effectively improved, and damage to the optical fiber is effectively avoided.

[0074] Combination Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the positioning device includes an inlet 310, which includes M first channel ports. A first distance d1 exists between the center points of any two adjacent first channel ports. The positioning device also includes an outlet 320, which includes M fourth channel ports. A second distance d2 exists between the center points of any two adjacent fourth channel ports. For a description of the center points of the fourth channel ports, please refer to the description of the first center points shown above; further details are omitted here. In this embodiment, the first distance d1 is greater than the second distance d2. It can be understood that when the first distance d1 is greater than the second distance d2, the number of first channel ports 511 per unit area of ​​the inlet 310 is less than the number of fourth channel ports 522 per unit area of ​​the outlet 320. Therefore, the outlet 320 of the positioning device shown in this embodiment can integrate a large number of optical fibers per unit area, achieving high-density optical signal transmission while suppressing optical fiber position and pointing accuracy errors in the second positioning channel.

[0075] Since the optical fiber through which the second positioning channel shown in this embodiment passes can be a cored or clad optical fiber, the second spacing between two adjacent second positioning channels is not limited by the diameter of the optical fiber coating, which increases the number of optical fibers arranged within the 320 unit area of ​​the positioning device's outlet, improves the space utilization of the positioning device, meets the needs of high-density integration, and enhances the flexibility of optical fiber arrangement.

[0076] Combination Figure 6 as well as Figure 7As shown, the curvature of the sidewall of the first positioning channel 510 has a continuously changing structure. Specifically, the first positioning channel 510 includes a first channel sidewall connecting the first channel opening 511 and the second channel opening 512. The optical fiber passes through the first channel opening 511 and the second channel opening 512 in sequence along the guide of the first channel sidewall. The curvature of the first channel sidewall has a continuously changing structure along the guide of the first channel sidewall. Along the guide of the first channel sidewall, the curvature of the first channel sidewall represents the bending state of the first channel sidewall of the first positioning channel 510. When the curvature of the first channel sidewall has a continuously changing structure, the bending state of the first channel sidewall of the first positioning channel 510 smoothly transitions along the guide of the first channel sidewall without abrupt changes or discontinuities, significantly improving the smoothness of the optical fiber passing through the first positioning channel 510 and reducing mechanical damage during optical fiber insertion. When the optical fiber passes through the first positioning channel 510, the optical fiber within the first positioning channel 510 is in a naturally bent state, avoiding fiber core distortion caused by local stress concentration, thereby reducing optical signal attenuation and also reducing Fresnel reflection and lowering return loss. To achieve the goal of the first distance d1 being greater than the second distance d2, the curvature of the first channel sidewall of the first positioning channel has a continuously changing structure, and the guide of the second channel sidewall of the second positioning channel extends along the first direction X. Therefore, the guide of the first positioning channel 510 intersects with the guide of the second positioning channel. It should be clarified that the description of the guidance of the first positioning channel and the second positioning channel in this embodiment is an optional example, as long as the first distance d1 in the entrance is greater than the second distance d2 in the exit. The guidance of the second positioning channel shown in this embodiment is related to the angle requirements of the positioning device for the transmitted and received optical signals. For example, if the optical signal emitted by the positioning device needs to be perpendicular to the plane where the exit is located, where the plane where the exit is located is parallel to the plane YZ, then the guidance of the second positioning channel extends along the first direction X. In this case, the optical signal emitted by the optical fiber fixed in the second positioning channel is perpendicular to the plane where the exit is located.

[0077] The second positioning module 220 shown in this embodiment is a one-piece molded structure. Therefore, each second positioning channel 520 included in the second positioning module 220 includes a second channel sidewall connecting the third channel opening 521 and the fourth channel opening 522. The optical fiber passes sequentially through the third channel opening 521 and the fourth channel opening 522 along the guide of the second channel sidewall. The second channel sidewall has a continuous material distribution structure along the guide. That is, the second positioning module 220 shown in this embodiment is integrally formed through a single manufacturing process, rather than being assembled from multiple components, effectively improving the reliability of the second positioning module 220 structure. Combined with... Figure 8The diagram illustrates the process of fabricating the second positioning channel 520. Among them, Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the fabrication process of the second positioning channel provided in this application. First, a laser modification process is performed. Specifically, a light source emits a laser beam towards the second positioning module 220. The laser acts on the location of the second positioning channel 520 to alter its chemical stability, making it more easily dissolved by the subsequent etching solution. Specifically, the laser beam emitted by the light source is focused at the location of the second positioning channel 520, significantly increasing its energy density. This leads to a change in the material properties of the second positioning channel 520, typically involving vaporization, melting, and resolidification of the second positioning module 220. The modification effect of the laser at the location of the second positioning channel 520 results in a continuous layered structure. This embodiment does not limit the material of the second positioning module 220, as long as the laser action on the second positioning module can alter its chemical stability. For example, the second positioning module 220 can be integrally formed from one of the following materials: glass, metal, ceramic, composite material, or semiconductor material. For example, the laser emitted by the light source can be an ultrafast laser (e.g., femtosecond / picosecond pulses) to improve the accuracy of the size and position of the formed second positioning channels 520. Then, a chemical etching process is performed, specifically, the second positioning module 220 is immersed in an etching solution. Under the action of the etching solution, the laser-modified area of ​​the second positioning module 220 (i.e., the location of the second positioning channel 520) forms a second positioning channel 520 penetrating the second positioning module 220. Then, microhole formation is performed, i.e., cleaning and drying the second positioning module 220, to form the second positioning channel 520 for passing through the optical fiber. It should be noted that the description of the formation method of each second positioning channel in this embodiment is an optional example and is not limited. For example, the second positioning channels can also be realized using resin photopolymerization 3D printing, metal powder 3D printing, and other technologies.

[0078] As shown above, the accuracy of the dimensions of the second positioning channel 520 of the second positioning module 220 directly determines the magnitude of the position error and pointing accuracy error of the optical fiber. By using laser modification to form M second positioning channels 520 in the second positioning module 220, the accuracy of the dimensions of each second positioning channel 520 can be improved, effectively reducing the magnitude of the position error and pointing accuracy error of the optical fiber, realizing high-density transmission of optical signals, increasing transmission bandwidth, and reducing insertion loss.

[0079] Figure 9This is a cross-sectional structural example of the second positioning channel provided in this application. The second positioning channel 520 shown in this embodiment includes a third channel opening 521 and a fourth channel opening 522. The third channel opening 521 has a second inclined surface; for details, please refer to the above description, which will not be repeated here. Specifically, the second positioning channel 520 shown in this embodiment includes a connecting transition hole 902 and an enlarged hole 901. This embodiment does not limit the number of transition holes 902 and enlarged holes 901, as long as the second positioning channel 520 includes connecting transition holes 902 and enlarged holes 901. Figure 9 The example shown illustrates a hole 901 connected between two transition holes 902. The inner diameter of the hole 901 is larger than the inner diameter of the transition holes 902. When the optical fiber passes through the second positioning channel, there is a gap between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the hole 901. Therefore, the second positioning channel 520, including the hole 901, can effectively reduce the contact area between the inner surface of the second positioning channel 520 and the optical fiber, thereby effectively reducing the degree of contact between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the second positioning channel 520, reducing mechanical damage during optical fiber insertion, reducing the friction between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the second positioning channel 520, and avoiding the probability of poor fiber insertion caused by excessive friction between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the second positioning channel 520. This helps to reduce the difficulty of the optical fiber passing through the second positioning channel 520, and also avoids fiber core distortion caused by local stress concentration, thereby reducing optical signal attenuation. The hole 901 shown in this embodiment can also be achieved by laser modification. For specific implementation, please refer to the above description, which will not be elaborated further.

[0080] The first positioning channel 510 shown in this embodiment may also include a connecting transition hole and an enlarged hole. The inner diameter of the enlarged hole in the first positioning channel is larger than the inner diameter of the transition hole in the first positioning channel. For details, please refer to the description of the transition hole and enlarged hole included in the second positioning channel, which will not be repeated here. When the optical fiber passes through the first positioning channel 510, there is a gap between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the enlarged hole. The first positioning channel 510 including the enlarged hole can effectively reduce the contact area between the inner surface of the first positioning channel 510 and the optical fiber, thereby effectively reducing the degree of contact between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the first positioning channel 510, reducing mechanical damage during optical fiber insertion, reducing the friction between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the first positioning channel 510, avoiding the probability of poor fiber insertion caused by excessive friction between the optical fiber and the inner surface of the first positioning channel 510, reducing the difficulty of the optical fiber passing through the first positioning channel 510, and also avoiding fiber core distortion caused by local stress concentration in the optical fiber, thereby reducing optical signal attenuation.

[0081] This application provides an optical fiber device. Figure 10This is an exploded view illustrating an embodiment of the optical fiber device provided in this application. The optical fiber device shown in this embodiment includes N optical fibers 1001 and a positioning device. Specifically, the positioning device includes a first positioning module 1002, a housing 1003, and a second positioning module 1004. For a description of the N optical fibers 1001, the first positioning module 1002, and the second positioning module 1004, please refer to the above embodiment; further details will not be repeated here. The housing 1003 shown in this embodiment is used to encapsulate and fix the first positioning module 1002 and the second positioning module 1004, ensuring that each first positioning channel included in the first positioning module 1002 is connected to a second positioning channel included in the second positioning module 1004. For a description of the connection between the first and second positioning channels, please refer to the above embodiment; further details will not be repeated here. The second positioning module 1004 shown in this embodiment includes an outlet, which includes M channel openings of the second positioning channels through which optical fibers pass. The outlet of the second positioning module 1004 can also be coupled to a lens assembly 1005, so that the lens assembly 1005 is located on the transmission optical path of the optical signal transmitted from the outlet. In this embodiment, the number of lenses included in the lens assembly 1005 is not limited. The lens assembly 1005 is used to adjust the optical path of the optical signal emitted from the outlet. For example, the lens assembly 1005 can be used to collimate, diverge, or converge the optical signal, etc., without specific limitations. To improve the reliability of the coupling structure between the outlet of the positioning device and the lens assembly 1005, the outlet can be polished to reduce the roughness of the outlet, increase the bonding force between the outlet and the lens assembly 1005, improve the reliability of the positioning device structure, and improve the coupling efficiency of the optical signal between the lens assembly 1005 and the optical fiber fixed in the second positioning channel.

[0082] This application also provides an optical switching network, which includes one or more scheduling modules and one or more optical fiber devices. For a description of the optical fiber devices, please refer to the above embodiments; specific details will not be repeated here. For a description of the scheduling modules, please refer to... Figure 1 The corresponding explanation is that the scheduling module is used to change the transmission direction of the first optical signal from the output of the optical fiber equipment to obtain a second optical signal, and then output the second optical signal; or, the scheduling module changes the transmission direction of the third optical signal to obtain a fourth optical signal, and then transmits the fourth optical signal to the input of the optical fiber equipment. For a detailed description of the optical switching network structure, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The corresponding explanations will not be elaborated upon here.

[0083] This application also provides an optical communication device. Figure 11This is a structural example diagram of an embodiment of the optical communication device provided in this application. This embodiment does not limit the type of optical communication device. For example, the device type can be an optical network unit (ONU), optical network terminal (ONT), optical line terminal (OLT), optical transport network (OTN) device, optical transmission device, optical access device, router, switch, wireless base station, wireless remote access device, wireless baseband signal processing device, etc., or it can be a computing server (usually referred to as a server), high-performance computer (HPC), storage server, or memory resource pool, etc. The optical communication device 110 specifically includes a processor 1120, W photoelectric conversion modules, and an optical fiber device 1100, where W is any integer greater than or equal to 1. In this embodiment, the W photoelectric conversion modules specifically include photoelectric conversion module 1101, and so on up to photoelectric conversion module 110W. The processor 1120 can be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, processor 1120 can be one or more optical digital signal processors (oDSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), network interface cards (NICs), storage interface chips, or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processing modules, etc., which will not be elaborated further. Processor 1120 enables pluggable electrical connections with W optoelectronic conversion modules.For example, N optical fibers of the fiber optic device 1100 are used to receive N first optical signals and send N first optical signals to W optoelectronic conversion modules. The W optoelectronic conversion modules perform optoelectronic conversion on the N first optical signals to obtain N first electrical signals. The W optoelectronic conversion modules send the N first electrical signals to the processor 1120. Alternatively, the processor 1120 sends N second electrical signals to the W optoelectronic conversion modules. The W optoelectronic conversion modules perform electro-optic conversion on the N second electrical signals to obtain N second optical signals. The W optoelectronic conversion modules send the N second optical signals to the fiber optic device 1100, and the fiber optic device 1100 outputs N second optical signals. As another example, of the N optical fibers included in the fiber optic device, a portion of the fibers are used to receive the first optical signals and send them to the connected optoelectronic conversion modules, while another portion of the fibers are used to receive the second optical signals from the optoelectronic conversion modules. The specific use is not limited; it can be understood that the optical communication device 110 uses this fiber optic device to transmit and receive optical signals.

[0084] This application also provides a fiber optic spectrometer (FOS), which is an optical instrument that couples optical signals through optical fiber devices and uses spectral technology to detect and analyze the optical signals. Its core function is to measure the light intensity corresponding to each optical signal, thereby obtaining spectral information. Figure 12 This is a structural example diagram of an embodiment of the fiber optic spectrometer provided in this application. The fiber optic spectrometer 1200 shown in this embodiment specifically includes a processor 1220, a detector array 1210, and a fiber optic device 1230. For a description of the processor 1220 type, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 11 As shown, specific details are not elaborated upon. For a detailed description of the structure of the fiber optic device 1230, please refer to the above embodiment; specific details are not elaborated upon here. The detector array 1210 can be a charge-coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), etc. The fiber optic device 1230 is used to receive N optical signals, the detector array 1210 is used to perform photoelectric conversion on the N optical signals from the fiber optic device 1230 to obtain N electrical signals, and the processor 1220 is used to obtain spectral information based on the N electrical signals from the detector array 1210.

[0085] Figure 13This is a structural example diagram of a first embodiment of the lidar provided in this application. LiDAR is a target detection technology. LiDAR emits light signals for detection; these signals are diffusely reflected upon encountering a target object. The lidar then determines the target object's distance, azimuth, altitude, speed, attitude, shape, and other characteristics based on the reflected light signals. LiDAR is applied in fields such as intelligent driving vehicles, intelligent aircraft, 3D printing, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and service robots. The intelligent driving in this application embodiment can be autonomous driving, automatic driving, or assisted driving.

[0086] The lidar 1300 shown in this embodiment includes a processor 1301, a light source 1302, a beam splitter 1303, and an optical fiber device 1304. For a description of the structure of the optical fiber device 1304, please refer to the above embodiment; specific details will not be repeated here. The processor 1301 sends a detection electrical signal to the light source 1302. The light source 1302 converts the detection electrical signal into an optical signal and sends the optical signal to the beam splitter 1303. The beam splitter 1303 splits the optical signal to obtain N detection optical signals and sends these N detection optical signals to the optical fiber device 1304. The optical fiber device 1304 sends these N detection optical signals to a target object, and these N detection optical signals are used to detect relevant information about the target object. The optical fiber device 1304 shown in this embodiment can send multiple detection optical signals to the target object, covering a wider field of view, enabling high-resolution 3D imaging or precise measurement, and improving detection accuracy and efficiency. The beam splitter 1303 shown in this embodiment is an optional component. The light source 1302 can also directly send N probe light signals to the fiber optic device 1304. No specific limitation is made.

[0087] When the N-channel detection light signals encounter the target object, they are reflected off the surface of the target object, sending back N echo light signals to the lidar. Figure 14 This is a structural example diagram of a second embodiment of the lidar provided in this application. The lidar 1400 shown in this embodiment includes an optical fiber device 1403, a detector array 1402, and a processor 1401. For a description of the structure of the optical fiber device 1403, please refer to the above embodiment; specific details will not be repeated here. The optical fiber device 1403 receives N echo light signals reflected by a target object. The detector array 1402 is used to perform photoelectric conversion on the N echo light signals to obtain N detection electrical signals. The processor 1401 is used to obtain relevant information about the target object based on the N detection electrical signals.

[0088] Optionally, the processor, light source, fiber optic equipment, beam splitter, and detector array can be integrated into the same lidar unit. Please refer to the descriptions of each component for details. Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 As shown in the illustration, without going into detail, the fiber optic device includes N optical fibers used to send detection light signals to the target object and to receive the echo light signals reflected by the target object. Taking the application of the fiber optic device to a lidar system in transportation vehicles as an example, in other examples, the fiber optic device can also be applied to fixed radar (e.g., radar fixed on highways, surveillance radar, radar in industrial settings, etc.). The fiber optic device can also be applied to radar in unmanned transport vehicles in logistics warehouses or radar in smart home appliances (e.g., automatic cleaning robots), etc., without further limitation.

[0089] This embodiment also provides a means of transportation; for a detailed description of its structure, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 15 As shown, where, Figure 15 This is a structural example diagram of one embodiment of the vehicle provided in this application. The vehicle shown in this example may be a car, truck, motorcycle, public vehicle, lawnmower, recreational vehicle, amusement park vehicle, tram, golf cart, train, handcart, or drone, etc. This embodiment configures the vehicle 1500 in a fully or partially automated driving mode. The vehicle shown in this embodiment includes a vehicle body, which is used to fix a sensor system 1520, an advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) 1510, peripheral devices 1530, and a computer system 1540.

[0090] Sensing system 1520 includes one or more sensors that sense environmental information about the vicinity of vehicle 1500. For example, sensing system 1520 may include a positioning system, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) or BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. Sensing system 1520 also includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a lidar sensor, and a camera. For a description of lidar, please refer to [link to lidar documentation]. Figure 13 Alternatively, the embodiment corresponding to 14 may be used, without specific limitation. The sensing system 1520 may also include sensors for monitoring internal systems of the vehicle 1500 (e.g., in-vehicle air quality monitor, fuel gauge, oil temperature gauge, etc.). Sensor data from one or more of these sensors can be used to detect objects and their corresponding characteristics (position, shape, orientation, speed, etc.). A positioning system can be used to estimate the geographic location of the vehicle 1500. An IMU is used to sense changes in the position and orientation of the vehicle 1500 based on inertial acceleration. The IMU may be a combination of an accelerometer and a gyroscope. A lidar can utilize radio signals to detect target objects in the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1500, such as pedestrians, vehicles, or buildings.

[0091] ADAS1510 continuously senses the surrounding environment during vehicle operation, collects data, identifies, detects, and tracks static and dynamic objects, and combines this data with navigation map data for system calculations and analysis. This allows the driver to anticipate potential hazards, effectively increasing driving comfort and safety. For example, ADAS1510 can control the vehicle using data acquired by sensor system 1520. Furthermore, ADAS1510 can control the vehicle using vehicle driving-related information, such as key data displayed on the vehicle's dashboard (fuel consumption, engine speed, temperature, etc.), vehicle speed, steering wheel angle information, or vehicle attitude data.

[0092] Vehicle 1500 interacts with external sensors, other vehicles, other computer systems, or users via peripheral device 1530. Peripheral device 1530 may include a wireless communication system, an onboard computer, a microphone, and / or a speaker. For example, the onboard computer may provide information to the user of vehicle 1500. The user interface may also operate the onboard computer to receive user input. The onboard computer may be operated via a touchscreen. In other cases, peripheral device 1530 may provide a means for vehicle 1500 to communicate with other devices located within the vehicle. For example, a microphone may receive audio (e.g., voice commands or other audio input) from the user of vehicle 1500. A speaker may output audio to the user of vehicle 1500. The wireless communication system may communicate wirelessly with one or more devices directly or via a communication network.

[0093] Some or all of the functions of the vehicle 1500 are controlled by a computer system 1540. The computer system 1540 can control the functions of the vehicle 1500 based on input received from various systems (e.g., sensor system 1520, ADAS 1510, peripheral devices 1530) and from a user interface. The computer system 1540 may include at least one processor that executes instructions stored in memory.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions 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 modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A positioning device, characterized in that, The device includes multiple channels enclosed in a housing. These channels are fixedly arranged within the housing and are used by optical fibers. The channels connect the inlet and outlet of the positioning device. The spacing between adjacent channels at the inlet is greater than the spacing between adjacent channels at the outlet.

2. The positioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel has a varying inner diameter, wherein the inner diameter of the channel at the inlet is larger than the inner diameter at the outlet.

3. The positioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of channels is greater than or equal to the number of optical fibers.

4. The positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The channel has a first ramp at the entrance, and the first ramp is used to guide the optical fiber through the channel.

5. The positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The channel includes a connecting transition hole and an enlarged hole between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the inner diameter of the channel at the enlarged hole is larger than the inner diameter of the channel at the transition hole.

6. The positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The lens assembly is coupled at the outlet and is used to adjust the optical path of the light signal emitted from the outlet.

7. The positioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The channel includes a first positioning channel and a second positioning channel that are connected. The first positioning channel is connected to the inlet, and the second positioning channel is connected to the outlet. The inner diameter of the first positioning channel is larger than the inner diameter of the second positioning channel.

8. The positioning device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The channel has a second inclined surface between the first positioning channel and the second positioning channel, and the guide of the second inclined surface is used to guide the optical fiber into the second positioning channel.

9. The positioning device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The guide of the first positioning channel intersects with the guide of the second positioning channel.

10. An optical fiber device, characterized in that, The device includes a positioning device and multiple optical fibers. The positioning device includes multiple channels enclosed in a housing. The multiple channels are fixedly arranged within the housing. The multiple channels connect the inlet and outlet of the positioning device. The distance between adjacent channels at the inlet is greater than the distance between adjacent channels at the outlet. The multiple optical fibers pass through the multiple channels.

11. The optical fiber device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The channel has a varying inner diameter, wherein the inner diameter of the channel at the inlet is larger than the inner diameter at the outlet.

12. The optical fiber device according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that, The channel has a first ramp at the entrance, and the first ramp is used to guide the optical fiber through the channel.

13. The optical fiber device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The channel includes a connecting transition hole and an expansion hole between the inlet and the outlet. The inner diameter of the channel at the expansion hole is larger than the inner diameter of the channel at the transition hole. There is a gap between the optical fiber passing through the channel and the expansion hole.

14. The optical fiber device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The channel includes a first positioning channel and a second positioning channel that are connected. The first positioning channel is connected to the inlet, and the second positioning channel is connected to the outlet. The inner diameter of the first positioning channel is larger than the inner diameter of the second positioning channel.

15. The optical fiber device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The channel has a second inclined surface between the first positioning channel and the second positioning channel, and the guide of the second inclined surface is used to guide the optical fiber into the second positioning channel.

16. An optical switching network, characterized in that, The device includes a scheduling module and an optical fiber device as described in any one of claims 10 to 15. The scheduling module is configured to change the transmission direction of a first optical signal from the optical fiber device to obtain a second optical signal and to output the second optical signal; or, the scheduling module changes the transmission direction of a third optical signal to obtain a fourth optical signal and to transmit the fourth optical signal to the optical fiber device.

17. An optical communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor, a photoelectric conversion module, and an optical fiber device as described in any one of claims 10 to 15. The photoelectric conversion module is used to perform photoelectric conversion on a first optical signal from the optical fiber device to obtain a first electrical signal and send the first electrical signal to the processor. Alternatively, the photoelectric conversion module receives a second electrical signal from the processor and is used to perform electro-optical conversion on the second electrical signal to obtain a second optical signal and send the second optical signal to the optical fiber device.

18. A fiber optic spectrometer, characterized in that, The device includes a processor, a detector array, and an optical fiber device as described in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the optical fiber device is used to receive multiple optical signals, the detector array is used to perform photoelectric conversion on the multiple optical signals from the optical fiber device to obtain multiple electrical signals, and the processor is used to obtain spectral information based on the multiple electrical signals from the detector array.

19. A lidar, characterized in that, The device includes a light source and an optical fiber device as described in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the light source is used to send multiple probe optical signals to the optical fiber device, the optical fiber device is used to send the multiple probe optical signals to a target object, and the multiple probe optical signals are used to detect relevant information of the target object.

20. A lidar, characterized in that, The device includes a detector array and an optical fiber device as described in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the optical fiber device is used to receive multiple echo optical signals reflected by a target object, the detector array is used to perform photoelectric conversion on the multiple echo optical signals to obtain multiple detection electrical signals, and the processor is used to obtain relevant information about the target object based on the multiple detection electrical signals.

21. A means of transportation, characterized in that, Includes a vehicle body and a radar fixed to the vehicle body, the radar as described in claim 19 or 20.

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