AU2020100779A4

AU2020100779A4 - A multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array

Info

Publication number: AU2020100779A4
Application number: AU2020100779A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Qi XIA; Libo Yuan
Original assignee: Guilin University of Electronic Technology
Current assignee: Guilin University of Electronic Technology
Priority date: 2020-05-19
Filing date: 2020-05-19
Publication date: 2020-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 2028-05-19

Abstract

The invention provides a multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array. The multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device is composed of a MEMS reflectors array base, a base housing, MEMS reflectors array, a deflection light window housing, collimating microlens array, input-output fibers array, and a multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board. The input-output fibers array is composed of N-core optical fibers (N>1, is an integer) and at least N single-mode optical fibers. The MEMS reflectors array is composed of N reflectors that can rotate along two mutually perpendicular rotation axes. The light input through the input-output fibers array is collimated by the collimating microlens array, deflected by the MEMS reflectors array, and then coupled by the collimating microlens array into the output fiber of the input-output fibers array. The invention can be widely used in the fields of multi-core optical fiber sensing, optical communication field. 1/8 DRAWINGS b/ 0O 00 '0 T 0 00 |OI CIA II L i FIG.1

Description

1/8 DRAWINGS

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DESCRIPTION TITLE OF INVENTION

A multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS

reflectors array, which belongs to the technical fields of optical communication, optical passive

devices, multi-core optical fiber devices and optical fiber sensing.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In recent years, with the rise and popularity of the Internet and the vigorous development

of new services and applications such as smart terminals, the Internet of Things, and cloud

computing, modern society has entered an era of information explosion, and the demand for

network bandwidth is increasing. However, with the research of various traditional multiplexing

technologies and advanced modulation formats including wavelength division multiplexing

technology, time division multiplexing technology, polarization multiplexing technology, etc.,

the transmission rate of a single fiber has gradually approached the theoretical limit, the optical

fiber transmission system has a capacity bottleneck.

[0003] The new space-division multiplexing technology using multi-core optical fibers as the

carrier fully utilizes the dimension of "space", which can effectively increase the transmission

capacity of a single fiber and solve the above bottleneck problem. This has been verified in ultra

high-capacity long-distance fiber transmission systems and has attracted widespread industry

attention. The multi-core fiber Fan-in/out device is a key device for the development and

application of multi-core fiber. Its small structure size, low insertion loss, low crosstalk and long

term stability are important advantages.

[0004] The patent No. CN105589223A proposes a kind of good stability, high integration, can

realize the phase modulation of multiple optical paths simultaneously, compatible with the input

of various forms of cores, and has significant advantages in mechanical performance and

temperature diffusion. The multi-core optical fiber beam splitter uses lithium niobate crystal as a

substrate to make three optical waveguides, and parallel electrodes are embedded on both sides

of the optical waveguide, and a single-core optical fiber is used to guide the output light. This

kind of device can realize the splitting of multi-core optical fiber, but it cannot be led out for

each core of multi-core optical fiber.

[0005] Patent No. CN110441862A proposes a low-insertion loss crosstalk suppression type

multi-core fiber fan-in/fan-out device, which is an all-fiber device with low fusion loss and is

suitable for multi-core fibers with high spatial density and multi-core number beam splitting.

However, the shortcoming of this device is also that it cannot be led out for each core of a multi

core fiber.

[0006] With the development of multi-core optical fibers and the improvement of sensing

technology, it is common to collect some sensing information on different cores on a multi-core

optical fiber, and then analyze the information of each core separately to avoid different mutual

interference of information, and then unified analysis and processing of the collected information, such as the three-dimensional shape sensing technology based on multi-core fiber, so the single core of the multi-core fiber leads to a huge practical demand.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array.

[0008] The purpose of the invention is achieved as follows:

[0009] A multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array as FIG.1. The multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array is composed of a MEMS reflectors array base 1, MEMS reflectors array 2, a base housing 3, a deflection light window housing 4, collimating microlens array 5, input-output fibers array 6, and a multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board. Through the control of the multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board, the function of the multi-core fiber Fan in/out device is realized.

[0010] The MEMS reflectors array is composed of N (N>1, is an integer ) pieces of reflectors that can rotate within a certain angle along two mutually perpendicular rotation axes, and each piece of reflector is aligned with its corresponding fiber core and the central of collimating microlens.

[0011] The rotation angle of each reflector in the MEMS reflectors array can be individually controlled by the multi-core fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board.

[0012] The multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board is composed of a

controller interface and a multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board, and

the multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board is connected with pins drawn

from the base 1 of the MEMS reflectors array.

[0013] The collimating microlens array 5 is composed of a collimating microlens array substrate

-2 and collimating microlenses 5-1 on the substrate. Each collimating microlens corresponds to

a fiber core. It can collimate the light emitted from the fiber end into parallel light and enter the

MEMS reflectors array 2. It can also couple the parallel light reflected from the MEMS

reflectors array 2 into the fiber core.

[0014] The input-output fibers array is composed of an N-core optical fiber at the center of the

array, at least N standard single-mode optical fibers surrounding the N-core optical fiber, and a

hard sleeve. The multi-core optical fiber and the standard single-mode optical fibers are fixed in

a hard sleeve. The maximum value of the number N of multi-core fiber cores depends on the

maximum deflection angle and the distribution pitch of the MEMS reflectors 2. When the core

distance of the multi-core optical fiber is fixed, with the maximum deflection angle of the

MEMS reflector 2 being larger, the maximum number N of the multi-core optical fiber cores is

larger. When the maximum deflection angle of the MEMS reflector 2 is fixed, with the core

distance being smaller, the maximum number of cores N of the multi-core optical fiber is larger.

[0015] The optical fiber arrangement of the input-output fibers array may be a triangular

arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, or a circular arrangement; the hard sleeve section may

be a circular section, a triangular section, or a rectangular section.

[0016] The multi-core optical fiber may be a double-core optical fiber, a triple-core optical fiber,

or a few-core optical fiber, or a multi-core optical fiber with a higher density and a larger number

of cores, such as a 38-core optical fiber.

[0017] In the multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array, the

optical signal input into the Fan-in/out device from the multi-core fiber, after output from the

multi-core fiber, is immediately collimated by the collimating microlens array 5 and then passes

through the deflecting light window 4-1, and then is reflected back separately by the MEMS

reflectors array 2 to the deflection light window 4-1 at the corresponding deflection angle, and

then coupled into the corresponding standard single-mode optical fiber through the collimating

microlens array 5.

[0018] In the multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array, the

optical signal input to the Fan-in/out device from multiple standard single-mode optical fibers,

after exiting from the standard single-mode optical fiber, is immediately collimated by the

collimating microlens array 5 and then obliquely toward the MEMS reflectors array 2 into the

deflection window 4-1. Then, the MEMS reflectors array 2 is reflected back to the deflection

optical window 4-1 at corresponding deflection angles, and then coupled into a corresponding

one of the cores of the multi-core optical fiber through the collimating microlens array 5.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the invention are:

[0020] 1. The device is highly integrated, and the highly integrated devices can effectively

increase the core density of multi-core optical fibers.

[0021] 2. The multi-core fiber Fan-in/out devices based on MEMS reflectors array, each MEMS reflector can be adjusted individually, and is less affected by the temperature and humidity of the external environment, therefore, it can effectively maintain the consistency of each fiber channel or the difference of special requirements for a long time, so it is especially suitable for multi-core fiber sensing applications.

[0022] 3. After the packaging is completed, the multi-core fiber Fan-in/out device can be manufactured only by adjusting the angle of the array MEMS reflector, which can improve the yield rate of the multi-core fiber Fan-in/out device, and is convenient for the complex design, also facilitates the later maintenance of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a seven-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array. This embodiment is an input-output optical fibers array 6 composed of a seven-core optical fiber and eight standard single-mode optical fibers. The reference numbers in the figure are: base 1 of MEMS reflectors array, MEMS reflectors array 2, base housing 3, deflecting light window housing 4, deflecting light window 4-1, collimating microlens array 5, collimating microlens 5 -1, collimated microlens array substrate 5-2, input-output fibers array 6, a seven-core fiber 7, seven-core fiber core 7-1 to 7-7, standard single-mode fibers 8-1 to 8-8.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of MEMS reflectors array 2 based on MEMS reflectors array seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device. The reference numbers in the figure are MEMS reflectors 2-1 to 2-7.

[0025] FIG.3 is a diagram of a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors

array.

[0026] FIG.4 is a schematic diagram of the optical path of one core of the seven-core fiber Fan

in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram of working optical path of a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device based

on MEMS reflectors array.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a package diagram of a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS

reflectors array.

[0029] FIG.7 is a cross-sectional view of an input-output fibers array 6 of a dual-core fiber Fan

in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array.

[0030] FIG.8 is a cross-sectional view of an input-output fibers array 6 of a three-core fiber Fan

in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array.

[0031] FIG.9 is a cross-sectional view of an input-output fibers array 6 of a four-core fiber Fan

in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array. The four-core fiber in FIG. 9 (a) is a center

symmetric four-core fiber; the four-core fiber in FIG. 9 (b) is a four-core fiber with a rectangular

core distribution.

[0032] FIG.10 is a cross-sectional view of an input-output fibers array 6 of a five-core fiber Fan in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array.

[0033] FIG.11 is a cross-sectional view of an input-output fibers array 6 of a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array. FIG. 11 (a) is a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device that uses a circular cross-section hard sleeve and the fibers in the input and output fibers array 6 are in a rectangular arrangement. FIG. 11 (b) is a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device that uses a circular cross-section hard sleeve and the fibers in the input and output fibers array 6 are in a triangle-made-hexagonal arrangement. FIG. 11 (c) is a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device that uses a rectangular cross-section hard sleeve and the fibers in the input and output fibers array 6 are in a rectangular arrangement. FIG. 11 (d) is a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device that uses a rectangular cross-section hard sleeve and the fibers in the input and output fibers array 6 are in a triangle-made-hexagonal arrangement.

[0034] FIG.12 is a cross-sectional view of an input-output fibers array 6 of a 19-core fiber Fan in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The working principle of the invention will be described below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments, and the invention will be further described as below:

[0036] Embodiment 1: A seven-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array.

[0037] A schematic diagram of the structure of a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array is shown in FIG. 1. This embodiment is composed of base 1 of MEMS reflectors array, MEMS reflectors array 2, base housing 3, deflecting light window housing 4, collimating microlens array 5, input-output fibers array 6 and a multi-core optical fiber Fan in/out device control driving board (No Mark). The input and output fibers array 6 includes a seven-core fiber and eight standard single-mode fibers (redundant one fiber).

[0038] The technology for manufacturing MEMS reflectors 2 is well known, and it is preferable to choose MEMS reflectors 2 with higher performance. Each two-dimensional reflector in the array can be controlled individually, with small size, fast speed and stability quick features. In the invention, the MEMS reflectors array 2 has special features, and adopting these features makes the embodiments of the invention have better superior performance. In this embodiment, the device adopts a special MEMS reflectors array 2 distribution form as shown in the structure diagram of the MEMS reflectors array 2 in FIG.2. The number of multi-core fibers, the array MEMS reflectors 2 is almost the same as the core distribution of the multi-core fiber used by the device, so as to reduce the deflection angle of different MEMS reflectors 2 in the array to ensure all MEMS reflectors array 2 keep on the same plane, so as to use array manufacturing, which can effectively reduce the difficulty of batch manufacturing and installation.

[0039] In this embodiment, a collimating microlens array 5 as shown in FIG. 1 is provided. The collimating microlens array 5 can be accurately manufactured using techniques such as flat plate etching, and has the characteristics of small diameter and short focal length. These collimating microlens 5-1 is on a collimating microlens array substrate 5-2 (the intermediate spacer substrate is not shown). The substrate may be quartz, which is convenient for manufacturing and installation. When the collimating microlens substrate 5-2 is installed, the substrate is only limitedly installed in the deflection light window, and at the same time, the collimating microlens array 5 on the substrate is precisely defined in an accurate position.

[0040] Regarding the collimating microlens array 5, the invention has special features, which are

used to produce the superior performance of the preferred embodiments of the invention. In this

embodiment, the device uses the special collimated microlens array 5 distribution form shown in

FIG. 1 as a multi-core fiber Fan-in/out device. Ensure that the light beam emitted from each

multi-core fiber can pass through a collimating microlens 5-1, and after being well collimated, it

is directed to the MEMS reflectors 2, and then the parallel beam energy reflected from the

MEMS reflectors 2 , and coupled into a standard single-mode fiber through the collimating

microlens 5-1; At the same time, ensure that the beam emitted from each standard single-mode

fiber can pass through a collimating microlens 5-1, and after being well collimated, it is directed

to the MEMS reflectors 2 and then reflected from the MEMS reflectors 2. The output light from

MEMS reflectors 2 is parallel light beam can be coupled into one core of the multi-core fiber

through the collimating microlens 5-1. Therefore, the collimated microlens array 5 must

correspond to the core distribution of the multi-core optical fiber used in the device, the

distribution of the multi-core optical fiber and the standard single-mode optical fiber, in order to

achieve collimation and coupling of the multi-core optical fiber and the standard single-mode

optical fiber.

[0041] The following is a detailed description of an embodiment with preferred parameter.

[0042] The cross-sectional view of an input-output fibers array 6 as shown in FIG.1, the seven

core fiber and standard single-mode fibers are distributed in the shape of "EB" as shown in the

figure. Among them, the seven-core fiber is located in the center of "EB" , marked as number 7.

The remaining eight standard single-mode fibers are distributed around the word "EB", marked as

numbers from 8-1 to 8-8 from the upper left. The horizontal and vertical spacing are both 150

microns between each optical fiber. The distribution arrangement of 7 cores of the seven-core

optical fiber is shown in Figure 1, marked as numbers 7-1 to 7-7 from the bottom left. The

middle core is 7-4, and located in the center of the seven-core fiber. The remaining six cores are

distributed at the six vertices of the regular hexagon, the fiber diameter is 125 microns, and the

distance between each core is 35 microns. On the cross section of the input and output fibers array 6, the middle core 7-4 of the seven-core fiber 7 is selected as the coordinate origin, the direction of the standard single-mode fiber 8-8 is the positive direction of the X axis, and the direction of the standard single-mode fiber 8-2 is the positive direction of the Y axis, establishing a Cartesian coordinate system. At this time, the core coordinates of each core of the seven-core fiber and standard single-mode fiber are shown in the following table:

Unit: micron Table 1 The Number 7-1 7-2 7-3 7-4 7-5 7-6 7-7 seven- Core -32.48 -32.48 0 0 0 32.48 32.48 core Abscissa optical Core -18.75 18.75 -37.5 0 37.5 -18.75 18.75 fiber Y-axis Standard Number 8-5 8-1 8-6 8-4 8-2 8-7 8-3 single- Core -150 -150 0 -150 0 150 150 mode Abscissa optical Core fpier Y-axs -150 150 -150 0 150 -150 150 fiber Y-axis

[0043] Each MEMS reflector in the MEMS reflectors array 2 can be independently controlled, as shown in FIG. 2, and each MEMS reflector has two mutually perpendicular rotation shafts. For ease of expression, the Fan in/out device is placed horizontally, and the axis of rotation in the horizontal direction is the b-axis. The upward rotation of the MEMS reflector is defined as the positive direction of the b-axis, and the rotation angle of the b-axis is a positive number; the downward rotation of the MEMS reflector is defined as the negative direction of the b-axis, and the rotation angle of the b-axis is a negative number. The axis of rotation in the vertical direction is the a-axis. Turning the MEMS reflector to the right is specified as the positive direction of the a-axis, and the rotation angle of the a-axis is a positive number; turning to the left is specified as the negative direction of the a-axis, and the rotation angle of the a-axis is a negative number. The distribution of MEMS reflectors array 2 strictly corresponds to the core distribution of the multi core optical fiber, and the numbers are 2-1 to 2-7 from the lower left.

[0044] The basic workflow of a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors

array is shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, after starting the Fan-in/out device, the controller on the

MEMS reflector control board outputs the corresponding control signal according to the

deflection angle of each MEMS reflector preset after correction, and transmits it to the multi

core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board. The control signal is converted into

the corresponding driving voltage or current, and transmitted to the MEMS reflector 2, which

controls the deflection of each MEMS reflector to their respective preset angles.

[0045] If the function of the device is to separately extract the optical signal from the multi-core

optical fiber to each standard single-mode optical fiber, then this is not the only way to extract,

as shown in FIG. 4. The basic principle of the optical path is shown based on the schematic

diagram of the mid-axis cross-section of the Fan-in/out device, as shown in FIG. 5. Taking the

upper and lower cores of a seven-core fiber as an example, the light emitted from the upper core

7-5 of the seven-core fiber is collimated into parallel light after passing through the collimating

microlens 5-1, and passing through the collimating microlens array substrate 5-2 , entering the

space of the deflecting light window 4-1, reaching the MEMS reflector 2-5 that has been

deflected to a preset angle, passing the reflection of the MEMS reflector 2-5, entering the space

of the deflecting light window 4-1, and then pass the microlens array substrate 5-2, then coupled

into the standard single-mode optical fiber 8-2 by the collimating microlens 5-1. The light

emitted from the lower core 7-3 of the seven-core fiber passes through the collimating microlens

-1 and is collimated into parallel light, passes through the collimating microlens array substrate

-2, and enters the space of the deflection light window 4-1 , arriving at the MEMS reflector 2-3

that has been deflected to a preset angle, entering the space of the deflection light window 4-1

after being reflected by the MEMS reflector 2-3, and then pass through the collimating microlens

array substrate 5-2 , then coupled into the standard single-mode fiber 8-6 by the collimating

microlens 5-1.

[0046] Based on the same principle, the optical paths of the other cores of the seven-core fiber

are also according to the different cores of the seven-core fiber to the collimating microlens 5-1, the collimating microlens array substrate 5-2, the deflection light window 4-1, and MEMS reflectors array 2, deflection light window 4-1, collimating microlens array substrate 5-2, collimating microlens 5-1, standard single-mode fiber path transmission. The corresponding relationship is as follows: Table 2 The cores of the Standardsingle seven-core MEMS reflectors modeopticalfibers optical fiber Number Number Number 7-1 2-1 8-5 7-2 2-2 8-1 7-3 2-3 8-6 7-4 2-4 8-4 7-5 2-5 8-2 7-6 2-6 8-7 7-7 2-7 8-3

[0047] In order to complete the above optical path, if the length of the deflection window is 2000 microns, the theoretical deflection angle of each MEMS reflector corresponds to the following:

Unit: Degree Table 3 MEMS reflectors Number a-axis deflection angle b-axis deflection angle 2-1 -1.68142 -1.87733 2-2 -1.68142 1.877326 2-3 0 -1.60975 2-4 -2.14458 0 2-5 0 1.609747 2-6 1.681417 -1.87733 2-7 1.681417 1.877326

[0048] If the function of the device is to separately emit the light of a standard single-mode optical fiber into different cores of the seven-core optical fiber except optical fiber 8-8, if it is in the manner of FIG. 4, but it is not the only corresponding way and the corresponding relationship as follows:

Table 4 The cores of the Single-mode opticalfiber MEMS reflectors seven-core optical fiber Number Number Number

8-1 2-2 7-2

8-2 2-5 7-5

8-3 2-7 7-7

8-4 2-4 7-4

8-5 2-1 7-1

8-6 2-3 7-3 8-7 2-6 7-6

[0049] The basic optical path of the standard single-mode optical fibers 8-1 and 8-4 as examples,

the light emitted from standard single-mode optical fiber 8-1 passes through collimating

microlens 5-1 and is collimated into parallel light through collimating microlens array substrate

-2 , which is inclined toward the MEMS reflectors array 2 into the space of the deflection light

window 4-1, arrives at the MEMS reflector 2-2 that has been deflected to a preset angle, entering

the space of the deflection light window 4-lafter being reflected by the MEMS reflector 2-2,

then passing through the collimating microlens array substrate 5-2, and then is coupled into the

side core 7-2 of the seven-core fiber by the collimating microlens 5-1. The light emitted by the

standard single-mode optical fiber 8-4 passes through the collimating microlens 5-1 and is

collimated into parallel light. It passes through the collimating microlens array substrate 5-2 and

tilts toward MEMS reflectors array 2 into the space of deflection light window 4-, arrives at the

MEMS reflector 2-4 that has been deflected to a preset angle. In order to ensure better coupling,

the deflection angle of the MEMS reflector 2-4 has been different from the previous multi-core

with the same corresponding relationship. The deflection angle of the fiber to the standard

single-mode fiber, after being reflected by the MEMS reflector 2-4, enters the space of the

deflection light window 4-1, then passes through the collimating microlens array substrate 5-2,

and then is coupling into the middle core 7-4 of the seven-core fiber by the collimated microlens

-1.

[0050] Based on the same principle, the optical path of other standard single-mode optical fibers

is also according to the standard single-mode optical fiber to collimating microlens 5-1,

collimating microlens array substrate 5-2, deflection light window 4-1, MEMS reflectors array 2,

deflecting light window 4-1, collimating microlens array substrate 5-2, collimating microlens 5

1, the transmission of different core paths of seven-core fiber.

[0051] In order to complete the above-mentioned optical path, if the length of the deflecting light

window is 2000 microns, the theoretical deflection angle of each MEMS reflector at this time

due to the slight change of the optical path corresponds to the following:

Unit: Degree Table 5 MEMS reflectors Number a-axis deflection angle b-axis deflection angle 2-1 -1.67853 -1.87332 2-2 -1.67853 1.873316 2-3 0 -1.60722 2-4 -2.13861 2-5 0 1.607216 2-6 1.678533 -1.87332 2-7 1.678533 1.873316

[0052]In order to ensure the good working condition of the device, a redundant design can be

adopted, so that the number of single-mode optical fibers can be more than the number of multi

core optical fiber cores. The seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array

is packaged as shown in FIG.6. After the device packaging is completed, the deflection angle of

each MEMS reflector can be corrected by online monitoring to make the device achieve the best

use conditions.

[0053] Embodiment 2: A dual-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors

array.

[0054] A dual-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array, the cross section view of the input-output fibers array 6 is shown in FIG. 7, the principle is the same as in Embodiment 1, the difference of this dual-core fiber Fan-in/out device is to use a dual-core fiber and two standard single-mode fibers as input and output.

[0055] Embodiment 3: A three-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array.

[0056] A three-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array, the cross section view of the input-output fibers array 6 is shown in FIG. 8, the principle is the same as in Embodiment 1, the difference of this three-core fiber Fan-in/out device is to use a three-core fiber and three standard single-mode fibers as input and output.

[0057] Embodiment 4: A four-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array.

[0058] A four-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array, the cross section view of the input-output fibers array 6 is shown in FIG. 9 (a), the principle is the same as in Embodiment 1, the difference of this four-core fiber Fan-in/out device is to use a center symmetric four-core fiber and four standard single-mode fibers as input and output.

[0059] A four-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array, the cross section view of the input-output fibers array 6 is shown in FIG. 9 (b), the principle is the same as in Embodiment 1, the difference of this four-core fiber Fan-in/out device is to use a four-core optical fiber with rectangular core distribution and four standard single-mode fibers as input and output.

[0060] Embodiment 5: A five-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors

array.

[0061] A five-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array, the cross section

view of the input-output fibers array 6 is shown in FIG. 10, the principle is the same as in

Embodiment 1, the difference of this five-core fiber Fan-in/out device is to use a five-core fiber

and five standard single-mode fibers as input and output.

[0062] Embodiment 6: A seven-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors

array.

[0063] A seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array, the cross section

view of the input-output fibers array 6 is shown in FIG. 11, the principle is the same as in

Embodiment 1. FIG. 11 (a) is a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device that uses a circular cross

section hard sleeve and the fibers in the input and output fibers array 6 are in a rectangular

arrangement. FIG. 11 (b) is a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device that uses a circular cross-section

hard sleeve and the fibers in the input and output fibers array 6 are in a triangle-made-hexagonal

arrangement. FIG. 11 (c) is a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device that uses a rectangular cross

arrangement. FIG. 11 (d) is a seven-core fiber Fan-in/out device that uses a rectangular cross

section hard sleeve and the fibers in the input and output fibers array 6 are in a triangle-made

hexagonal arrangement.

[0064] Embodiment 7: A 19-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors

array.

[0065] A 19-core fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array, the cross section view of the input-output fibers array 6 is shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, a hard sleeve with a circular cross section is used, and one 19-core optical fiber and 31 standard single-mode optical fibers in the input-output optical fiber array 6 are arranged in a rectangular shape.

[0066] In the description and drawings, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. The specific terms are only used for generality and illustrative meaning, and are not intended to limit the protected scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array. Its

characteristics are: the multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors

array is composed of a MEMS reflectors array base, a base housing, MEMS reflectors array, a

deflection light window housing, collimating microlens array, input-output fibers array, and a

multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board. The light input through the

input-output fibers array is collimated by the collimating microlens array, deflected by the

MEMS reflectors array, and then coupled by the collimating microlens array into the output fiber

of the input-output fibers array. Through the control of the multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out

device control driving board, the function of the multi-core fiber Fan-in/out device is realized.

2. A multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device based on MEMS reflectors array according to

claim 1. Its characteristics are:

(1) The MEMS reflectors array is composed of N (N>1, is an integer ) pieces of

reflectors that can rotate within a certain angle along two mutually perpendicular rotation

axes, and each piece of reflector is aligned with its corresponding fiber core and the

central of collimating microlens.

(2) The rotation angle of each reflector in the MEMS reflectors array can be

individually controlled by the multi-core fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board.

(3) The multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board is composed of

a controller interface and a multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving

board, and the multi-core optical fiber Fan-in/out device control driving board is

connected with pins drawn from the base of the MEMS reflectors array.

(4) The collimating microlens array is composed of a collimating microlens array

substrate and collimating microlenses on the substrate. Each collimating microlens

corresponds to a fiber core. It can collimate the light emitted from the fiber end into

parallel light and enter the MEMS reflectors array. It can also couple the parallel light

reflected from the MEMS reflectors array into the fiber core.

(5) The input-output fibers array is composed of an N-core optical fiber at the center of

the array, at least N standard single-mode optical fibers surrounding the N-core optical

fiber, and a hard sleeve. The multi-core optical fiber and the standard single-mode optical

fibers are fixed in a hard sleeve.

(6) The optical fiber arrangement of the input-output fibers array may be a triangular

arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, or a circular arrangement; the hard sleeve

section may be a circular section, a triangular section, or a rectangular section.

(7) The multi-core optical fiber may be a double-core optical fiber, a triple-core optical

fiber, or a few-core optical fiber, or a multi-core optical fiber with a higher density and a

larger number of cores, such as a 38-core optical fiber.