Waveguide Optical Switch Matrix Intersection Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional matrix optical switches have a high number of waveguide intersections, which lead to increased insertion losses and crosstalk, making it difficult to produce them on a single substrate with the required connecting function from multiple inputs to one output and one input to multiple outputs, and necessitate separate substrates with optical fiber wiring.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide type optical switch configuration with a matrix optical switch formed on a single substrate, where optical switches and combining devices are arranged to minimize intersections by connecting outputs of optical switches directly to inputs of optical combining devices without intermediate intersections, using unit optical switch elements and unit optical combining elements with specific power ratios to achieve the desired connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional matrix optical switch configuration is used, then connecting function from multiple inputs to one output and one input to multiple outputs is achieved, but number of waveguide intersections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical combining device is divided into multiple unit optical combining elements (first, second, third unit optical combining elements) with different combining ratios. This segmentation allows each unit to handle specific input combinations, reducing the overall complexity of waveguide intersections while maintaining the multiple-input-to-one-output connecting function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different unit optical combining elements are assigned different combining ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3) tailored to their specific positions and functions within the optical switch matrix. This local differentiation optimizes the connecting function for each region while minimizing unnecessary intersections in other areas.
2Reliability
If number of waveguide intersections is reduced, then insertion losses and crosstalk are reduced, but device miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges unit optical combining elements and optical switches in a systematic dimensional layout where inputs and outputs are organized in specific spatial relationships. This dimensional arrangement allows waveguides to connect efficiently with minimal intersections while maintaining a compact overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Unit optical combining elements are nested within the matrix optical switch structure, with each unit integrated into the overall configuration. This nesting allows the combining functions to be embedded within the switch fabric, reducing the need for separate external components and minimizing intersection points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical fiber wiring is used to connect separate substrates, then connecting function is achieved, but component count and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates optical combining functions directly into the waveguide structure on the same substrate as the optical switches. By merging the combining and switching functions into a unified integrated structure, the need for separate optical fiber wiring and multiple substrates is eliminated, significantly simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Unit optical combining elements serve as intermediary components within the integrated structure, mediating between multiple input waveguides and the single output waveguide. These intermediaries are embedded within the substrate rather than requiring external fiber connections, reducing production complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide type optical switch that can reduce the number of intersections in a matrix optical switch having the configuration of connecting unit optical switches and optical combining devices or optical branching devices to have a connecting function from “multiple inputs to one output” to “one input to multiple outputs”. To reduce the number of intersections in an entire matrix optical switch, an optical combining device of M inputs and one output is divided into (M−1) pieces of unit optical combining elements each having two inputs and one output, which are arranged immediately after (N−1) pieces of respective output ports excluding one piece of the output port closer to the input in the matrix optical switch out of N pieces of the output ports in the optical switch of one input and N outputs.