CA1076857A - Optical fiber light transmission switch - Google Patents
Optical fiber light transmission switchInfo
- Publication number
- CA1076857A CA1076857A CA266,991A CA266991A CA1076857A CA 1076857 A CA1076857 A CA 1076857A CA 266991 A CA266991 A CA 266991A CA 1076857 A CA1076857 A CA 1076857A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cell
- liquid
- light
- switch
- light guide
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/29—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
- G02F1/31—Digital deflection, i.e. optical switching
- G02F1/315—Digital deflection, i.e. optical switching based on the use of controlled internal reflection
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B26/00—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
- G02B26/004—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements based on a displacement or a deformation of a fluid
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/3538—Optical coupling means having switching means based on displacement or deformation of a liquid
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/354—Switching arrangements, i.e. number of input/output ports and interconnection types
- G02B6/3544—2D constellations, i.e. with switching elements and switched beams located in a plane
- G02B6/3548—1xN switch, i.e. one input and a selectable single output of N possible outputs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/354—Switching arrangements, i.e. number of input/output ports and interconnection types
- G02B6/3544—2D constellations, i.e. with switching elements and switched beams located in a plane
- G02B6/3548—1xN switch, i.e. one input and a selectable single output of N possible outputs
- G02B6/3552—1x1 switch, e.g. on/off switch
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/3564—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details
- G02B6/3568—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details characterised by the actuating force
- G02B6/3576—Temperature or heat actuation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
- G02B6/3586—Control or adjustment details, e.g. calibrating
- G02B6/359—Control or adjustment details, e.g. calibrating of the position of the moving element itself during switching, i.e. without monitoring the switched beams
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Nonlinear Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Light Control Or Optical Switches (AREA)
Abstract
John C. Greenwood - 25 (Revision) OPTICAL FIBER SWITCH
Abstract of the Disclosure An optical fiber switching arrangement contains a parallel-sided cell arranged within an optical fiber at an angle to the fiber axis. The arrangement includes means for introducing either a liquid or a vapor into the path of light passing through the cell. The cell is completely transparent to light when filled with liquid and is completely reflective to light when containing vapor.
Abstract of the Disclosure An optical fiber switching arrangement contains a parallel-sided cell arranged within an optical fiber at an angle to the fiber axis. The arrangement includes means for introducing either a liquid or a vapor into the path of light passing through the cell. The cell is completely transparent to light when filled with liquid and is completely reflective to light when containing vapor.
Description
John C. Greenwood - 25 1~7~857 (Revision) Background of ~he Invention This invention relates to optical switch devices, and in . particular to an optical switch in which a fluid is employed to optically bridge a gap in an optical fiber or transmission line.
Summary o the Invention According to the invention there is provided an optical switch arrangement a~apted to control light passing along a solid light guide, including a parallel-sided cell formed in the light guide, and means for filling the cell selectively with a liquid or the vapor of the liquid. The liquid has a refractive index similar to that of the light guide material so that the cell when filled is substantially transparent. The cell is arranged at an angle to the axis of the light guide such that, when the cell is filled with the vapor, it is totally internally reflective to light traveling parallel to the axis of the guide.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs ' Figure 1 is a sectional view of the fluid operated optical : switch device of this invention; and Figure 2 is a sectional v.iew of a switching matrix employ-ing the switches of Fig. 1.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Fig. 1, the switch device is formed in a portion of an optical fiber or light guide 11 which fiber has a core 12 and is advantageously provided with a cladding 13.
: ~.
A parallel-sided cell 14 is formed by a diagonal cut in the fiber core 12 and communicates via a passageway 15 through the fiber cladding 13 to a reservoir 16 containing a liquid 18.
. The portion of the cell 14 above the liquid meniscus 17 is filled with the liquid vapor~ The liquid 18 has a refractive index similar to that of the fiber core 12 at the wavelengths at which the switch is intended to operate and, advantageously,
Summary o the Invention According to the invention there is provided an optical switch arrangement a~apted to control light passing along a solid light guide, including a parallel-sided cell formed in the light guide, and means for filling the cell selectively with a liquid or the vapor of the liquid. The liquid has a refractive index similar to that of the light guide material so that the cell when filled is substantially transparent. The cell is arranged at an angle to the axis of the light guide such that, when the cell is filled with the vapor, it is totally internally reflective to light traveling parallel to the axis of the guide.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs ' Figure 1 is a sectional view of the fluid operated optical : switch device of this invention; and Figure 2 is a sectional v.iew of a switching matrix employ-ing the switches of Fig. 1.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Fig. 1, the switch device is formed in a portion of an optical fiber or light guide 11 which fiber has a core 12 and is advantageously provided with a cladding 13.
: ~.
A parallel-sided cell 14 is formed by a diagonal cut in the fiber core 12 and communicates via a passageway 15 through the fiber cladding 13 to a reservoir 16 containing a liquid 18.
. The portion of the cell 14 above the liquid meniscus 17 is filled with the liquid vapor~ The liquid 18 has a refractive index similar to that of the fiber core 12 at the wavelengths at which the switch is intended to operate and, advantageously,
- 2 -~ John C. Greewood - 25 ` 107~5~ (~evision) has a comparatively large thermal volume coefficient of expan-sion.
-_ When the cell 1~ is illed with vapor, which has a refrac-tive index substantially equal ~o unity, light -traveling along the fiber 11 in either direction is totally internally reflected at the cell 14 i.e. the fiber is 'switched off'. If the cell 14 is then filled with the liquid 18, e.g. by heating the reservoir 16 thus causing the liquid 18 to expand, light is then permitted to pass along the fiber through the cell 14 in either direction, i.e. the fiber is 'switched on t, The liq~lid 18 may be removed from the cell 14 by cooling the reservoir 16. This heating and cooling may be accomplished via a Peltier type heater/cooler placed in thermal contact with the reservoir, or placed in the liquid. This device can employ a thermocouple junction which is heated or cooled depending on the direct of an electric current passed through the device.
Alternatively an electromechanical device may be used to control the liquid.
For most applications the cell 14 should be of sufficient width to prevent optical interference effects arising from ` diffraction and/or frustrated total internal reflection. In ~; some embodiments, however, the cell 14 may be made sufficiently thin to operate as a Fabry-Perot etalon type filter which may be employed for duplex or multiplex switching of light signals ~` 25 of various wavelengths transmitted along the fiber.
Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-section of part of a multi-way : ,:
switch arrangement. Branch fibers 22 and 23 are placed in optical contact with a main fiber 21 and adjacent a respective liquid contacting reservoir 16 (Fig. 1) and can then be filled with liquid or vapor.
-_ When the cell 1~ is illed with vapor, which has a refrac-tive index substantially equal ~o unity, light -traveling along the fiber 11 in either direction is totally internally reflected at the cell 14 i.e. the fiber is 'switched off'. If the cell 14 is then filled with the liquid 18, e.g. by heating the reservoir 16 thus causing the liquid 18 to expand, light is then permitted to pass along the fiber through the cell 14 in either direction, i.e. the fiber is 'switched on t, The liq~lid 18 may be removed from the cell 14 by cooling the reservoir 16. This heating and cooling may be accomplished via a Peltier type heater/cooler placed in thermal contact with the reservoir, or placed in the liquid. This device can employ a thermocouple junction which is heated or cooled depending on the direct of an electric current passed through the device.
Alternatively an electromechanical device may be used to control the liquid.
For most applications the cell 14 should be of sufficient width to prevent optical interference effects arising from ` diffraction and/or frustrated total internal reflection. In ~; some embodiments, however, the cell 14 may be made sufficiently thin to operate as a Fabry-Perot etalon type filter which may be employed for duplex or multiplex switching of light signals ~` 25 of various wavelengths transmitted along the fiber.
Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-section of part of a multi-way : ,:
switch arrangement. Branch fibers 22 and 23 are placed in optical contact with a main fiber 21 and adjacent a respective liquid contacting reservoir 16 (Fig. 1) and can then be filled with liquid or vapor.
- 3 -~0768S7 John C. Greenwood - 25 (Revision) The cells 24 and 25 are each àrranged at an angle of 45 to the axis of the main fiber 21 such that when either of the cells --is filled with vapor having a low refractive index, light travel-ing along the fiber 21 from left to right is reflected along the correspondin~ branch fiber 22 or 23. For most applications the cells 24 and 25 should be relatively thick in comparison to the wavelength of the transmitted light to prevent diffraction as stated earlier. However, in some applications thin etalon cells may be used to demultiplex light of various wavelengths passing along -the fiber 21, or to multiplex light signals from the branch ~ibers 22 and 23 into the main ~iber 21. The arrangement shown in Fig. 2 is not of course limited to,two switches. Thus further switches with or without attendant branch fibers may be added according to specific application.
In a ~urther embodiment the reservoir and cell may be com-pletely filled with a volatile liquid which at ambient tempera-ture is near its boiling point. The cell is then switched by heating the liquid to cause vaporization and by cooling the vapor to recondense it to the liquid. In other applications the reservoirs may be provided with a wlck or a body of absorbent material which reduces the effective vapor pressure of the ` liquid.
It is to be understood that the foregoing description of ,, specific examples of this invention is made by way of example -, 25 only and is not to be considered as a limitation on its scope.
RAM:ch August 20, 1976
In a ~urther embodiment the reservoir and cell may be com-pletely filled with a volatile liquid which at ambient tempera-ture is near its boiling point. The cell is then switched by heating the liquid to cause vaporization and by cooling the vapor to recondense it to the liquid. In other applications the reservoirs may be provided with a wlck or a body of absorbent material which reduces the effective vapor pressure of the ` liquid.
It is to be understood that the foregoing description of ,, specific examples of this invention is made by way of example -, 25 only and is not to be considered as a limitation on its scope.
RAM:ch August 20, 1976
Claims (5)
1. An optical switch to control light passing along a -solid light guide, comprising:
a parallel-sided cell formed in the light guide at an angle to the axis of the light guide; and means for filling the cell selectively with a liquid, or the vapor of the liquid, said liquid having a refractive index similar to that of the light guide material such that when the cell is filled with the liquid the cell is substantially trans-parent to said light, and when the cell is filled with the vapor the cell is totally internally reflective to said light.
a parallel-sided cell formed in the light guide at an angle to the axis of the light guide; and means for filling the cell selectively with a liquid, or the vapor of the liquid, said liquid having a refractive index similar to that of the light guide material such that when the cell is filled with the liquid the cell is substantially trans-parent to said light, and when the cell is filled with the vapor the cell is totally internally reflective to said light.
2. The switch of claim 1 wherein said liquid filling means includes a liquid containing reservoir communicating with the cell and having means for heating and cooling the liquid so as to expand or contract the liquid.
3. The switch of claim 2 wherein the heating or cooling means includes a Peltier type device fitted to the reservoir.
4. The switch of claim 1 wherein the cell forms a Fabry-Perot type etalon filter when filled with the vapor.
5. The switch of claim 1 including a branch light guide into which the light reflected from the cell is directed.
RAM:ch August 20, 1976
RAM:ch August 20, 1976
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB5039075A GB1494150A (en) | 1975-12-09 | 1975-12-09 | Optical switch arrangement |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1076857A true CA1076857A (en) | 1980-05-06 |
Family
ID=10455744
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA266,991A Expired CA1076857A (en) | 1975-12-09 | 1976-12-02 | Optical fiber light transmission switch |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1076857A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1494150A (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS566203A (en) * | 1979-06-28 | 1981-01-22 | Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> | Photoswitch |
| FR2553907B1 (en) * | 1983-10-21 | 1985-12-13 | Thomson Csf | OPTICAL MODULATOR |
| DE19711559C2 (en) | 1997-03-20 | 2000-11-02 | Inst Mikrotechnik Mainz Gmbh | Optical multiple switch |
| DE19711564C2 (en) | 1997-03-20 | 1999-07-08 | Inst Mikrotechnik Mainz Gmbh | Optical switching element and switching arrangement |
| US6327397B1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2001-12-04 | Agilent Technologies, Inc. | System and method for providing temperature control for a thermally activated optical switch using constant total power |
-
1975
- 1975-12-09 GB GB5039075A patent/GB1494150A/en not_active Expired
-
1976
- 1976-12-02 CA CA266,991A patent/CA1076857A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB1494150A (en) | 1977-12-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |