Multicast Exchange Optical Switch Using Diffractive Beam Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multicast exchange optical switches face challenges in terms of size, assembly complexity, and high power consumption, particularly when using discrete planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitters and switches, and integrated configurations are difficult to fabricate and costly.
Innovation Solution
A compact multicast exchange optical switch design featuring an input port device, output port device, diffractive beam splitter, optical focusing component, and a 1×N array of reflective devices, including micro-lenses and MEMS mirrors, which allows for easy assembly and low cost, with the ability to direct input signal beams into multiple output ports efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discrete planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitters and switches are spliced together, then the multicast exchange optical switch can be assembled, but the assembly complexity increases and the device size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switch is divided into independent functional modules: input port device, output port device, diffractive beam splitter, optical focusing component, and reflective devices. Each module can be assembled separately and then integrated, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional planar spliced structure into a three-dimensional integrated configuration using diffractive beam splitting and optical focusing. This dimensional transformation allows compact arrangement of components, reducing device size while simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for extensive optical fiber interconnections between discrete components
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitters and switches are spliced together, then the multicast exchange optical switch can be assembled, but the device size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (beam splitting, focusing, reflection, and switching) into a single integrated optical system. The diffractive beam splitter and optical focusing component work together in a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate discrete components and reducing overall device size while maintaining ease of assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are arranged in a nested configuration where the reflective devices are positioned at the focal plane of the optical focusing component, which is itself positioned relative to the diffractive beam splitter. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall device footprint while keeping the structure easy to assemble
3Device complexity
If a single monolithic PLC is used, then integration is achieved, but fabrication difficulty increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single monolithic PLC, the patent segments the optical switch into separate functional components that can be manufactured using standard optical fabrication techniques. This segmentation maintains high integration level while significantly improving fabrication ease and reducing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive beam splitter acts as an intermediary element that enables integration of multiple optical functions without requiring a monolithic PLC structure. This intermediary approach allows standard manufacturing processes to be used while achieving high levels of integration
4Device complexity
If a single monolithic PLC is used, then integration is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switch uses passive optical components (diffractive beam splitter, focusing lenses, and reflective devices) that operate without requiring external power sources. The system self-regulates light paths through optical principles rather than active control, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining integration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, easy-to-assemble, and cost-effective multicast exchange optical switch that efficiently directs input signal beams into multiple output ports, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies in terms of size and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The diffractive beam splitter diffracts each input signal beam from the input ports into at least N directions
Implementation Method 2
The first focusing lens focuses sub-beams from the respective input ports distributed along the Y-axis direction having the same diffraction order
Implementation Method 3
the second focusing lens focuses on the X axis individual sub-beams from the same input port having different diffraction orders
Implementation Method 4
each reflective device is positioned at a focus point of the respective diffraction orders of signal beams to reflect a sub-beam from any one of the input ports to any one of the output ports
Data Source
AI summary
A multicast exchange optical switch includes an input port device including M input ports, an output port device including N output ports, a diffractive beam splitter, an optical focusing component, and a 1×N array of reflective devices. The diffractive beam splitter diffracts each input signal beam from the input ports into at least N directions. The optical focusing component includes a first focusing lens and a second focusing lens. The first focusing lens focuses sub-beams from the respective input ports along the Y-axis direction having the same diffraction order. The second focusing lens focuses on the X-axis direction sub-beams from the same input port having different diffraction orders. The 1×N array of reflective devices is provided at the focal plane of the optical focusing component and each reflective device reflects a sub-beam from any one of the input ports to any one of the output ports.