Ultra-small multi-channel 1xn integrated optical switch

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of superminiature multi-channel 1XN integrated optical switch, it is related to optical communication and optical testing technical field.The utility model includes collimating fiber array, single-core collimator and by drive motor motor, motor screw and slide table constitute horizontal moving mechanism, collimating fiber array is coaxially arranged with single-core collimator and is located on same horizontal line, any channel is accurately aligned with single-core collimator by the horizontal moving mechanism along one-dimensional direction movement, and multi-channel optical path switching is realized.The device can significantly reduce insertion loss, improve channel consistency and reduce volume under superminiature structure, so as to realize high performance, low cost and easily integrated 1XN optical switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of optical communication and optical testing technology, and in particular to an ultra-small multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch. Background Technology

[0002] Optical switches are a mature type of optical device, primarily used for optical switching and interconnection in optical networks. Currently, traditional mechanical optical switches mainly use a motor to move a single-core collimator, sequentially aligning it with N single-core collimators on the other side to achieve switching between different channels. While the structure is simple, the output fiber channel composed of N single-core collimators is relatively large, with adjacent channels spaced at the centimeter level. The arrangement range is wide, and as the number of channels increases, the overall size and weight also increase. Furthermore, each single-core collimator is fixed to the base using an adhesive process, which can easily lead to slight displacement after curing, affecting optical path loss. The loss consistency between each channel is also poor, severely limiting the application of mechanical optical switches. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an ultra-small multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch. By adopting a coaxial arrangement of a collimated fiber array and a single-core collimator, and combining it with a one-dimensional horizontal movement mechanism to achieve precise alignment, it can complete stable switching of multi-channel optical paths in an ultra-small structure, significantly reducing insertion loss, improving channel consistency and reducing overall volume, thereby realizing a high-performance, low-cost and easy-to-integrate 1×N optical switch device.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following solution: An ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch includes: a collimated fiber array, a single-core collimator, and a horizontal moving mechanism consisting of a drive motor, a motor screw, and a slide. The collimated fiber array and the single-core collimator are arranged opposite to each other and located on the same horizontal line. The horizontal moving mechanism is used to drive a component fixed to the horizontal moving mechanism to move along a one-dimensional direction of the horizontal line, so that any channel in the collimated fiber array is axially aligned with the single-core collimator to achieve switching between different optical paths; N in 1×N is an integer greater than 1.

[0005] Preferably, the value of N satisfies 1 < N ≤ 128.

[0006] Preferably, the collimated fiber array includes a fiber array and a microlens array, wherein the fiber array and the microlens array are coaxially arranged in the light transmission direction and are coupled in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0007] Preferably, the fiber array consists of a V-groove disposed on a glass substrate, multiple optical fibers inserted into the V-groove, and an optical fiber cover plate covering the optical fibers.

[0008] Preferably, the microlens array is disposed on a silicon substrate and is formed by etching according to the designed lens parameters, and corresponds one-to-one with the channel of the optical fiber array in spatial position.

[0009] Preferably, the V-shaped groove is provided with N slots at equal intervals along a one-dimensional direction, and each slot accommodates one optical fiber.

[0010] Preferably, the spacing between adjacent slots is an integer multiple of 125 μm.

[0011] Preferably, the number of lenses in the microlens array is the same as the number of optical fibers in the optical fiber array, and the arrangement direction is consistent with the slot spacing of the V-groove.

[0012] Preferably, the single-core collimator is fixed on a fixed clamping arm, and the collimating fiber array is fixed on a sliding table.

[0013] Preferably, the horizontal moving mechanism fixes the single-core collimator, and the collimating fiber array is fixed on the base; the fiber array and the microlens array are fixed together by an adhesive process to form a stable collimating fiber array.

[0014] According to the specific embodiments provided by this utility model, the following technical effects are disclosed: 1. The V-groove manufactured using etching technology has high positioning accuracy, small size, and high degree of integration; 2. The fiber array, composed of V-groove, optical fiber, and fiber cover plate, is small in size, highly integrated, and has good scalability; 3. Microlens arrays using etching processes exhibit good consistency, small size, and high precision; 4. The collimated fiber array, composed of fiber array and microlens array, has a compact structure, good stability, high optical path consistency, and good channel scalability; 5. The horizontal moving motor has high stability and the moving step is adjustable with high precision. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an ultra-small multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch structure provided in this embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A collimated fiber array structure diagram provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 A diagram of the microlens array structure provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of optical path alignment provided for an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Drive motor; 2. Motor screw; 3. Slide table; 4. Fixed clamping arm; 5. Single-core collimator; 6. Collimating fiber array; 6-1. Fiber optic cable; 6-2. V-groove; 6-3. Fiber optic cover plate; 6-4. Microlens array. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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.

[0019] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch. It utilizes an optical fiber array and a microlens array designed and fabricated using integrated processes (photolithography) to form the output optical fiber channel. The input end employs a miniature single-core collimator, which is aligned with the output end by horizontal movement of a motor-driven slide, enabling switching between different optical paths. The entire optical path uses an optical fiber array and microlens array designed and fabricated based on photolithography technology. The spacing between adjacent optical channels is 125μm or an integer multiple of 125μm. It features high integration, small size, high positioning accuracy, convenient channel expansion, and extremely high consistency in optical path loss across all channels.

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the right side of the ultra-small multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch module in this embodiment is a drive motor 1, which drives a motor screw 2 to rotate at a constant speed during operation. The motor screw 2 has evenly distributed fine threads. The slide 3 is made of metal, and the motor screw 2 passes through a through hole in the center of the slide 3. The threads of the through hole in the slide 3 are tightly engaged with the threads on the motor screw 2. The constant speed rotation of the motor screw 2 drives the slide 3 to move at a constant speed in the horizontal direction. The working step of the drive motor 1 is adjustable, which can achieve precise control of the displacement step of the slide 3.

[0022] Figure 1The single-core collimator 5 is fixed on the fixed clamp arm 4, which is fixed to the base with screws. The collimating fiber array 6 is fixed on the slide table 3. The horizontal movement of the slide table 3 drives the horizontal displacement of the collimating fiber array 6, achieving alignment of any optical path channel with the single-core collimator 5, which is on the same horizontal line.

[0023] Figure 2 The optical fiber 6-1 is placed in the V-groove 6-2. Each slot in the V-groove 6-2 holds one optical fiber 6-1. The spacing between adjacent slots is 125μm, or an integer multiple of 125μm, or other customized distances. The optical fiber cover plate 6-3 is placed on top. The optical fiber 6-1, V-groove 6-2 and optical fiber cover plate 6-3 are combined into an optical fiber array by adhesive bonding.

[0024] Figure 2 6-4 is a microlens array, with each microlens corresponding one-to-one with each optical fiber. The microlens array 6-4, together with the optical fiber array, forms a collimated optical fiber array through an adhesive bonding process.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a microlens array, which is made by etching N optical lenses with the same surface shape and parameters on a silicon substrate.

[0026] like Figure 4 As shown, in this example, N=6. The left side is the collimating fiber array 6, and the right side is the single-core collimator 5. The collimated light input to the single-core collimator 5 is converged into the corresponding fiber of the fiber array after passing through the microlens array of the collimating fiber array 6. By moving the collimating fiber array 6 and aligning any channel in the collimating fiber array 6 with the single-core collimator 5, switching between different optical channels can be achieved.

[0027] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0028] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this utility model, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch, comprising: A collimated fiber array, a single-core collimator, and a horizontal moving mechanism consisting of a drive motor, a motor screw, and a slide table are characterized in that the collimated fiber array and the single-core collimator are arranged opposite to each other and located on the same horizontal line; the horizontal moving mechanism is used to drive a component fixed to the horizontal moving mechanism to move along a one-dimensional direction of the horizontal line, so that any channel in the collimated fiber array is axially aligned with the single-core collimator to achieve switching between different optical paths; N in 1×N is an integer greater than 1.

2. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The value of N satisfies 1 < N ≤ 128.

3. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collimated fiber array includes a fiber array and a microlens array. The fiber array and the microlens array are coaxially arranged in the light transmission direction and are coupled in a one-to-one correspondence.

4. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fiber array consists of a V-groove disposed on a glass substrate, multiple optical fibers inserted into the V-groove, and an optical fiber cover plate covering the optical fibers.

5. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The microlens array is disposed on a silicon substrate and is formed by etching according to the designed lens parameters, and corresponds one-to-one with the channel of the optical fiber array in spatial position.

6. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The V-shaped groove has N slots evenly spaced along a one-dimensional direction, and each slot can accommodate one optical fiber.

7. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 6, characterized in that, The spacing between adjacent slots is an integer multiple of 125 μm.

8. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of lenses in the microlens array is the same as the number of optical fibers in the optical fiber array, and their arrangement direction is consistent with the spacing between the V-grooves.

9. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The single-core collimator is fixed on the fixed clamping arm, and the collimating fiber array is fixed on the slide table.

10. The ultra-miniature multi-channel 1×N integrated optical switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, The horizontal moving mechanism fixes the single-core collimator, and the collimating fiber array is fixed on the base; the fiber array and the microlens array are fixed together by an adhesive process to form a stable collimating fiber array.

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