1*4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of optics, in particular to a 1 * 4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure which comprises a central optical path and a vertical optical path which are perpendicular to each other. The central light path comprises an input collimator, a first optical rotation assembly, a first wave plate, a first polarization splitting prism, a second optical rotation assembly, a second wave plate, a second polarization splitting prism and a Port1 collimator which are sequentially arranged from left to right along the light path direction; the vertical light path comprises a CIR collimator, a third wave plate, a third optical rotation assembly, a first polarization splitting prism, a fourth optical rotation assembly and a fourth wave plate which are sequentially arranged from top to bottom in the direction perpendicular to the center light path. According to the 1 * 4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure, the first polarization splitting prism serves as the center, the horizontal light path and the vertical light path are arranged in a crossed mode, the light paths are efficiently folded in space, compared with a traditional linear arrangement scheme, the size is reduced, and the 1 * 4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure is particularly suitable for integration of a high-density optical module and space-limited equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical technology, specifically to a 1×4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure. Background Technology

[0002] A magneto-optical switch is an optical switch that uses the Faraday rotation effect and a polarizing beam splitter to change the polarization plane of light. Its principle is to change the effect of the magneto-optical crystal on the polarization plane of the incident polarized light by changing the applied magnetic field, thereby achieving the effect of switching the optical path. This type of switch has a wide range of applications in optical fiber transmission systems, especially in polarization-maintaining optical fiber transmission systems, where the role of the magneto-optical switch is particularly important. With the changing requirements and smaller size of polarization-maintaining optical fiber transmission systems, this solution optimizes the size of the magneto-optical switch while also integrating the circulator function.

[0003] Magneto-optic switches have no moving parts, fast response speed, and low control voltage, offering significant advantages. Conventional magneto-optical switches typically use birefringent crystals for parallel beam splitting, switching the optical signal between two parallel optical paths by changing the beam's polarization state. However, the birefringent crystals used in this approach are expensive, and their splitting distance is limited. To ensure sufficient separation between the two beams during parallel splitting, techniques such as fiber beam expansion are needed to reduce the beam size or lengthen the birefringent crystal. Furthermore, to meet the requirements of the laser, a circulator is usually added after the switch for signal feedback. This complex technical approach is also costly. In addition, the optical path of this solution is relatively complex, making debugging more difficult.

[0004] Current magneto-optical switches are typically large in size, making it difficult to meet the current demand for ultra-small sizes. Future research still needs to solve these problems to make the magneto-optical switch + circulator even smaller, so as to better adapt to practical applications and various application scenarios. Utility Model Content

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a 1×4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure, comprising a central optical path and a vertical optical path that are perpendicular to each other. The central optical path includes an input collimator, a first optical rotation component, a first waveplate, a first polarizing beam splitter, a second optical rotation component, a second waveplate, a second polarizing beam splitter, and a Port1 collimator arranged sequentially from left to right along the optical path direction.

[0006] The vertical optical path includes, from top to bottom, a CIR collimator, a third waveplate, a third optical rotation component, a first polarizing beam splitter, a fourth optical rotation component, a fourth waveplate, a third polarizing beam splitter, and a Port3 collimator, arranged in sequence along the direction perpendicular to the central optical path.

[0007] The structure also includes a Port4 collimator opposite to the second polarizing beam splitter and a Port2 collimator opposite to the third polarizing beam splitter.

[0008] Furthermore, the first optical rotation component, the second optical rotation component, the third optical rotation component, and the fourth optical rotation component each include a magneto-optical crystal, which is covered by a magnetic element.

[0009] Furthermore, the optical rotation angle of the magneto-optical crystal is 45°.

[0010] Furthermore, the first waveplate, the second waveplate, the third waveplate, and the fourth waveplate are all 22.5°.

[0011] Furthermore, the first polarizing beam splitter, the second polarizing beam splitter, and the third polarizing beam splitter all have a first exit path and a second exit path that are perpendicular to each other. The second exit path passes through the side of the prism and is arranged at 90° to the incident direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the input collimator, Port1 collimator, CIR collimator, Port3 collimator, Port4 collimator, and Port2 collimator are all polarization-maintaining fiber collimators.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] 1. Centered on the first polarizing beam splitter, a cross-layout of horizontal and vertical optical paths is constructed, which enables the optical paths to be folded efficiently in space. Compared with the traditional linear arrangement scheme, the volume is reduced, making it particularly suitable for high-density optical modules and space-constrained equipment integration.

[0015] 2. The first polarizing beam splitter simultaneously performs horizontal beam splitting and vertical coupling functions, reducing the number of independent optical components. Compared with the traditional solution that requires 6-8 beam splitting components, this design only requires 3 polarizing beam splitters. By sharing components, the volume is further reduced, providing core component support for the miniaturization of optical communication equipment.

[0016] 3. The straight optical path design and polarization-maintaining fiber collimator reduce the scattering and reflection of optical signals during transmission. The intersection of the horizontal and vertical optical paths is naturally achieved through the polarization beam splitter, eliminating the need for additional steering components and significantly improving the optical signal transmission efficiency.

[0017] 4. Four optical rotation components, in conjunction with waveplates, enable precise adjustment of the polarization state of the optical signal. When the optical signal switches between different optical paths, the polarization beam splitter ensures efficient separation of horizontally or vertically polarized light, resulting in an extinction ratio far exceeding industry standards. This effectively suppresses crosstalk and improves the system's signal-to-noise ratio.

[0018] 5. The design adopts an assembly method of horizontal and vertical optical path modules. Each component is pre-aligned through positioning slots, which greatly reduces the difficulty of debugging. Traditional solutions require optical path calibration of each component, while this design improves production efficiency through modular assembly, making it suitable for large-scale industrial production. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path and polarization from the input collimator to the Port1 collimator of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path and polarization from the Port1 collimator to the CIR collimator of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path and polarization from the input collimator to the Port2 collimator of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path and polarization from the Port2 collimator to the CIR collimator of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path and polarization from the input collimator to the Port3 collimator of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path and polarization from the Port3 collimator to the CIR collimator of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path and polarization from the input collimator to the Port4 collimator of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path and polarization from the Port4 collimator to the CIR collimator of this utility model.

[0028] In the diagram: 201, Input collimator; 202, First optical rotation component; 203, First waveplate; 204, First polarizing beam splitter; 205, Second optical rotation component; 206, Second waveplate; 207, Second polarizing beam splitter; 208, Port1 collimator; 209, CIR collimator; 210, Third waveplate; 211, Third optical rotation component; 212, Fourth optical rotation component; 213, Fourth waveplate; 214, Third polarizing beam splitter; 215, Port3 collimator; 216, Port4 collimator; 217, Port2 collimator. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment of a 1×4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure includes a central optical path and a vertical optical path that are perpendicular to each other. The central optical path includes, from left to right along the optical path direction, an input collimator 201, a first optical rotation component 202, a first waveplate 203, a first polarizing beam splitter 204, a second optical rotation component 205, a second waveplate 206, a second polarizing beam splitter 207, and a Port1 collimator 208. The vertical optical path includes, from top to bottom along the direction perpendicular to the central optical path, a CIR collimator 209, a third waveplate 210, a third optical rotation component 211, a first polarizing beam splitter 204, a fourth optical rotation component 212, a fourth waveplate 213, a third polarizing beam splitter 214, and a Port3 collimator 215. The structure also includes, along with the second polarizing beam splitter... The Port4 collimator 216 opposite to prism 207 and the Port2 collimator 217 opposite to the third polarizing beam splitter 214 both have waveplates of 22.5°. The polarizing beam splitter each has a first exit path and a second exit path arranged perpendicularly to each other. The second exit path passes through the side of the prism and is arranged at 90° to the incident direction. The collimators are all polarization-maintaining fiber collimators. The first optical rotation component 202, the second optical rotation component 205, the third optical rotation component 211 and the fourth optical rotation component 212 each include a magneto-optical crystal. The optical rotation angle of the magneto-optical crystal is 45°. The magneto-optical crystal is covered by a magnetic element. The magnetic element generates a positive or negative magnetic field by controlling the direction of the input current, thereby driving the magneto-optical crystal to perform clockwise or counterclockwise optical rotation operation on the passing optical signal.

[0031] In the above structure, each optical rotation component includes a magneto-optical crystal with an optical rotation angle of 45°, externally covered with magnetic elements. The magnetic elements change the Faraday rotation effect of the magneto-optical crystal by applying a magnetic field, thereby adjusting the polarization state of the light. Waveplates are used to finely adjust the polarization direction of the light. Together with the optical rotation component, they achieve precise control of the polarization state. It has a first exit path where horizontally polarized light passes through directly and a second exit path where vertically polarized light is refracted 90° and exits from the side, realizing beam splitting and steering of the optical path. All collimators are polarization-maintaining fiber collimators to ensure that the polarization state of the optical signal remains stable during transmission.

[0032] like Figure 2 Firstly, input collimator to Port1 collimator.

[0033] The input collimator 201 receives 0° horizontal linearly polarized light from the polarization-maintaining collimator. The optical rotation component 202 applies current to the coil in the forward direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotating plate rotates the 0° horizontal linearly polarized light 45° clockwise and outputs it. It then passes through the first waveplate 203 and rotates counterclockwise by 45° to return to the 0° horizontal direction. The 0° horizontal linearly polarized light passes directly through the first polarizing beam splitter 204. It then passes through the second optical rotation component 205 and applies current to the coil in the forward direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotating plate rotates the 0° horizontal linearly polarized light 45° clockwise and outputs it. The second waveplate 206 rotates counterclockwise by 45° to rotate the 45° linearly polarized light back to the 0° horizontal direction. The 0° horizontal linearly polarized light passes directly through the second polarizing beam splitter 207. The Port1 collimator 208 receives the optical signal.

[0034] like Figure 3 Secondly, from Port1 collimator to CIR collimator

[0035] Port1 collimator receives 0° horizontal linearly polarized light as input to the polarization-maintaining collimator. The 0° horizontal linearly polarized light passes directly through the second polarizing beam splitter 207. The second waveplate 206 rotates counterclockwise by 45°. The second optical rotation component 205 applies current to the coil in the forward direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotation plate rotates the 45° linearly polarized light counterclockwise by 45° to output 90° vertically polarized light. The 90° vertically polarized light is refracted by the first polarizing beam splitter 204 and output in a 90° direction. It then passes through the third optical rotation component 211, which applies current to the coil in the reverse direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotation plate then rotates the horizontal linearly polarized light counterclockwise by 45° and outputs it. It then passes through the third waveplate 210, which rotates counterclockwise by 45° to return the 45° linearly polarized light to the 0° horizontal direction. The CIR collimator 209 receives the optical signal.

[0036] like Figure 4 Thirdly, input collimator to Port2 collimator

[0037] The input collimator is a polarization-maintaining collimator that receives 0° horizontal linearly polarized light. The first optical rotator 202 applies a reverse current to the coil, generating a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotating plate rotates the 0° horizontal linearly polarized light 45° counterclockwise and outputs it. The first waveplate 203 rotates 45° counterclockwise, rotating the 45° linearly polarized light to a 90° vertical direction. The 90° vertical linearly polarized light is refracted 90° by the first polarizing beam splitter 204 and output. The fourth optical rotator 212 applies a forward current to the coil, generating a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotating plate rotates the 90° vertical linearly polarized light 45° clockwise and outputs it. The fourth waveplate 213 rotates 45° counterclockwise, rotating the linearly polarized light back to a 90° vertical direction. The 90° vertical linearly polarized light is refracted 90° by the third polarizing beam splitter 214 and output. The collimator 217 at port2 receives the optical signal.

[0038] like Figure 5 Fourth, from Port2 collimator to CIR collimator

[0039] Port2 collimator 217 inputs 90° vertically polarized light to the polarization-maintaining collimator. The 90° vertically polarized light is refracted 90° by the third polarizing beam splitter 214. The fourth waveplate 213 rotates counterclockwise by 45°. The fourth optical rotation component 212 applies current to the coil in the forward direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotating plate rotates the 45° linearly polarized light counterclockwise by 45° to output 0° vertically polarized light. The 0° vertically polarized light is output through the first polarizing beam splitter 204. The third optical rotation component 211 applies current to the coil in the forward direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotating plate rotates the horizontally polarized light clockwise by 45° to output. The third waveplate 210 rotates counterclockwise by 45° to rotate the 45° linearly polarized light back to the 0° horizontal direction. The CIR collimator 209 receives the optical signal.

[0040] like Figure 6 Fifth, input collimator to Port3 collimator.

[0041] Input collimator 201 inputs 0° horizontal linearly polarized light to the polarization-maintaining collimator. The first optical rotator 202 applies current to the coil in the opposite direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotating plate rotates the horizontally polarized light 45° counterclockwise and outputs it. The first waveplate 203 rotates 45° counterclockwise to rotate the 45° linearly polarized light back to the 90° vertical direction. The 90° vertically polarized light is refracted by the first polarizing beam splitter 204 and output in the 90° direction. The fourth optical rotator 212 applies current to the coil in the opposite direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotating plate rotates the 90° vertically polarized light 45° counterclockwise and outputs it. The waveplate 213 rotates 45° counterclockwise to rotate the linearly polarized light back to the 0° horizontal direction. The 0° horizontally polarized light is output through the third polarizing beam splitter 214. The port3 collimator 215 receives the optical signal.

[0042] like Figure 7 Sixth, from Port3 collimator to CIR collimator

[0043] Port3 collimator 215 inputs 0° horizontal linearly polarized light to the polarization-maintaining collimator. The 0° horizontal linearly polarized light passes directly through the third polarizing beam splitter 214. The fourth waveplate 213 rotates counterclockwise by 45°. The fourth optical rotation component 212 applies current to the coil in the forward direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotation plate then rotates counterclockwise by 45° to output 0° horizontal linearly polarized light. The 0° horizontal linearly polarized light is output through the first polarizing beam splitter 204. The third optical rotation component 211 applies current in the reverse direction to the coil to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotation plate rotates counterclockwise by 45° to output the horizontal linearly polarized light. The third waveplate 210 rotates counterclockwise by 45° to rotate the 45° linearly polarized light back to the 0° horizontal direction. The CIR collimator 209 receives the optical signal.

[0044] like Figure 8 Seventh, input collimator to Port4 collimator

[0045] Input collimator 201 receives 0° horizontal linearly polarized light as input to the polarization-maintaining collimator. The first optical rotation component 202 applies current to the coil in the forward direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotating plate rotates the horizontally polarized light 45° clockwise and outputs it. The first waveplate 203 rotates 45° counterclockwise to rotate the 45° linearly polarized light back to the 0° horizontal direction. The 0° horizontally polarized light passes through the first polarizing beam splitter 204. The second optical rotation component 205 applies current to the coil in the reverse direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotating plate rotates 45° counterclockwise to rotate the 0° horizontally polarized light 45° and outputs it. The second waveplate 206 rotates 45° counterclockwise to rotate the linearly polarized light back to the 90° vertical direction. The 90° vertically polarized light is refracted 90° by the second polarizing beam splitter 207 and output. The collimator 216 at port4 receives the optical signal.

[0046] like Figure 9 8. Port4 collimator to CIR collimator

[0047] Port4 collimator 216 receives 90° vertically polarized light as input to the polarization-maintaining collimator. The 90° vertically polarized light is refracted 90° by the second polarizing beam splitter 207 and output. The second waveplate 206 rotates 45° counterclockwise. The second optical rotator 205 applies current to the coil in the forward direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotator then rotates the 45° linearly polarized light 45° counterclockwise to output 90° vertically polarized light. The 90° vertically polarized light is refracted 90° by the first polarizing beam splitter 204 and output. The third optical rotator 211 applies current to the coil in the reverse direction to generate a magnetic field. The magneto-optical rotator rotates the horizontally polarized light 45° counterclockwise to output. The third waveplate 210 rotates 45° counterclockwise to rotate the 45° linearly polarized light back to the 0° horizontal direction. The CIR collimator 209 receives the optical signal.

[0048] The entire workflow is now complete, and anything not described in detail in this specification is existing technology known to those skilled in the art.

[0049] It should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0050] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A 1×4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure, characterized in that: It includes a central optical path and a vertical optical path that are perpendicular to each other. The central optical path includes an input collimator (201), a first optical rotation component (202), a first wave plate (203), a first polarizing beam splitter (204), a second optical rotation component (205), a second wave plate (206), a second polarizing beam splitter (207), and a Port1 collimator (208) arranged sequentially from left to right along the optical path direction. The vertical optical path includes a CIR collimator (209), a third waveplate (210), a third optical rotation component (211), a first polarizing beam splitter (204), a fourth optical rotation component (212), a fourth waveplate (213), a third polarizing beam splitter (214), and a Port3 collimator (215) arranged sequentially from top to bottom along a direction perpendicular to the central optical path. The structure also includes a Port4 collimator (216) opposite to the second polarizing beam splitter (207) and a Port2 collimator (217) opposite to the third polarizing beam splitter (214).

2. The 1x4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first optical rotation component (202), the second optical rotation component (205), the third optical rotation component (211) and the fourth optical rotation component (212) each include a magneto-optical crystal, which is covered by a magnetic element.

3. The 1x4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The optical rotation angle of the magneto-optical crystal is 45°.

4. The 1×4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first waveplate (203), the second waveplate (206), the third waveplate (210) and the fourth waveplate (213) are all 22.5°.

5. The 1x4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first polarizing beam splitter (204), the second polarizing beam splitter (207) and the third polarizing beam splitter (214) all have a first exit path and a second exit path that are perpendicular to each other. The second exit path passes through the side of the prism and is arranged at 90° to the incident direction.

6. The 1x4 magneto-optical switch and circulator integrated structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input collimator (201), Port1 collimator (208), CIR collimator (209), Port3 collimator (215), Port4 collimator (216) and Port2 collimator (217) are all polarization-maintaining fiber collimators.

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