CN103185970A

CN103185970A - Method and device for translating polarization light, controlling optical signals and selecting light route of wavelengths

Info

Publication number: CN103185970A
Application number: CN2011104499778A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 林先锋
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-12-29
Filing date: 2011-12-29
Publication date: 2013-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-29
Also published as: CN105892083A; CN103185970B; CN105892083B

Abstract

A method for translating polarization light comprises the steps of switching polarization states of the polarization light and converting changes of the polarization light in the polarization states into changes at spatial positions to obtain polarization light after first translation; reflecting the polarization light after first translation and simultaneously rotating the polarization states of the polarization light for 90 degrees; and converting changes of the polarization light in the polarization states after rotation into changes in a propagation path to obtain polarization light after second translation. A device for translating polarization light, a method and device for controlling optical signals and a method and device for selecting a light route of wavelengths are further disclosed. By means of the embodiment, light signal quality of the route can be improved, and simultaneously size of a route device is reduced.

Description

The optical routing method and apparatus of translation polarized light, control light signal, selection wavelength

Technical field

The present invention relates to the optical communication technique field, more specifically, relate to the optical routing method and apparatus of translation polarized light, control light signal, selection wavelength.

Background technology

Networks of Fiber Communications is the pillar of advanced information society, has carried nearly all modern data communication, comprises phone, TV, internet, mobile communication etc.Present optical fiber telecommunications system is mainly based on optical wavelength-division multiplex (WDM) technology, and this technology is multiplexed into different wavelength signals in the same optical fiber to be transmitted, thereby has significantly increased the capacity of optical fiber telecommunications system.Yet owing to lack the optical fibre device of intelligence, the optical wavelength route of traditional wdm system is fixed, and must determine the optical wavelength route when carrying out network design, and the construction of network and safeguard also must be by manually finishing.Simultaneously, because the demand of the network bandwidth is difficult to estimate in advance and plan, in network upgrade or when new data, services is provided, usually needs to carry out again network design and adjust and construct.These shortcomings cause the construction of traditional wdm system and operation maintenance cost can not to be in any more, have hindered further developing of WDM optical-fiber network.

The appearance of Reconfigurable Optical Add/drop Multiplexer (ROADM) has changed this situation.Can switch the route direction of different wave length light signal according to remote control signal with the WDM network node of ROADM structure, namely dynamically dispose service wavelength up and down, and manage the power of each service wavelength, thereby avoid in network upgrade or when new data, services is provided, carries out the design of optical-fiber network again and adjust construction.Simultaneously, because therefore compatible all service wavelength of ROADM can be selected different operation wavelengths without restriction, thereby significantly improve network more flexible.Therefore, the application of ROADM makes the WDM optical-fiber network develop into highly intelligentized optical-fiber network of new generation, not only can greatly reduce operation and the maintenance cost of network, can provide various new data, services rapidly again, has become the developing direction of WDM optical-fiber network.

The core framework of a traditional 1*2 ROADM as shown in Figure 1, Wave decomposing multiplexer (DEMUX) 101 by an input end, 1*2 array of photoswitch 102, the adjustable optical attenuator of two output terminals (VOA) array 103 and 105, and the wavelength division multiplexer of two output terminals (MUX) 104 and 106 is formed.The input and output port medium of ROADM all is optical fiber, and wherein Chuan Shu WDM wavelength and interval thereof are all fixed, shown in the spectrum of input end in the accompanying drawing 1.Each cylindricality represents a wavelength signals in the spectrum, and its width represents its channel width, and it highly represents its watt level.Input signal shown in the accompanying drawing 1 comprises m wavelength signals λ 1～λ m, and its power has nothing in common with each other.Enter the DEMUX module 101 of ROADM when these optical signals input ports after, open and respectively by output port λ 1～λ m of DEMUX module 101 output the corresponding output port of each wavelength by wavelength separated.These light signals enter the array of photoswitch of being made up of m 1*2 photoswitch 102 subsequently, the corresponding wavelength of each photoswitch in the array, its input end connects the output port that DEMUX goes up respective wavelength, and two output port is then distinguished the input port of respective wavelength on corresponding MUX 104 and the MUX 106.Therefore, by the switching state of each photoswitch in the Long-distance Control array of photoswitch 102, can select the route direction of each wavelength, thereby the wavelength signals of input is divided into two groups, go to two MUX of ROADM respectively.More than after two groups of wavelength signals leave array of photoswitch, divide the preposition VOA array 103 and 105 that is clipped to corresponding MUX.These two arrays all are made up of m VOA, the corresponding wavelength of each VOA, and according to remote control signal the power of light signal through it is regulated.Last two groups of wavelength signals arrive corresponding input port on MUX 104 and the MUX 106 respectively, and are merged to output port 1 and output port 2 outputs respectively.As shown in Figure 1, m the input wavelength signal that ROADM is different with power is assigned to two output ports by the combination of selecting, and by regulating the output power of each wavelength, realized smooth output spectrum (being each wavelength power unanimity).Certainly, the needs according to practical application also can obtain output spectrum arbitrarily by the output power of regulating each wavelength.

Structure and the 1*2 ROADM of a plurality of output port 1*N ROADM are similar, and just array of photoswitch wherein is made up of the 1*N photoswitch, and the quantity of VOA array MUX all is respectively N.Its concrete principle of work is identical with above-mentioned 1*2 node, is not repeated at this.The inference of being not difficult, the structure of N*1 (being N input end, 1 output terminal) ROADM is identical with 1*N ROADM, different just DEMUX and the functions reversed of MUX.

Because existing ROADM system is by discrete, the device of function singleness is formed, One's name is legion not only, and connect complicatedly between the device, cause the bulky of system.And the device of forming system all is the optical fibre device of individual packages, portion's light signal all will pass through the conversion of optical fiber-interior media-optical fiber within it, the loss that each conversion all can bring deterioration and the luminous power of optical signal quality, and then the performance of total system is subjected to great restriction.

Summary of the invention

The embodiment of the invention proposes a kind of method of translation polarized light, can improve the optical signal quality of route, reduces the volume of route device simultaneously.

The embodiment of the invention also proposes a kind of device of translation polarized light, can improve the optical signal quality of route, reduces the volume of route device simultaneously.

The embodiment of the invention also proposes a kind of method of controlling light signal, can improve the optical signal quality of route, reduces the volume of route device simultaneously.

The embodiment of the invention also proposes a kind of device of controlling light signal, can improve the optical signal quality of route, reduces the volume of route device simultaneously.

The embodiment of the invention also proposes a kind of optical routing method of selecting wavelength, can improve the optical signal quality of route, reduces the volume of route device simultaneously.

The embodiment of the invention also proposes a kind of optical routing device of selecting wavelength, can improve the optical signal quality of route, reduces the volume of route device simultaneously.

The technical scheme of the embodiment of the invention is as follows:

A kind of method of translation polarized light, described method comprises:

Switch the polarization polarization state of light, described polarized light is obtained the first translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on the locus;

The reflection of the described first translation rear polarizer light revolved the polarization polarization state of light simultaneously turn 90 degrees;

Rotation rear polarizer light is obtained the second translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on travel path.

Described switching polarization polarization state of light comprises: switch the polarization polarization state of light by changing driving voltage.

A kind of device of translation polarized light, described device comprise at least one light polarization modulator, at least one light beam translation sheet, optical rotation plate and catoptron;

Light polarization modulator is used for switching the polarization polarization state of light, and the polarized light of output beam translation sheet input;

The light beam translation sheet, be used for the polarized light of light polarization modulator input is obtained translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on the locus, and the polarized light of optical rotation plate input is converted into input polarization modulator after the variation on the locus in the variation on the polarization state;

Optical rotation plate turn 90 degrees for described translation rear polarizer polarization state of light is revolved;

Catoptron is used for reflect polarized light.

Described light polarization modulator switches the polarization polarization state of light by changing driving voltage.

A kind of method of controlling light signal, described method comprises:

Extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component in the complete separating incident light, the polarized light after obtaining to separate;

Switch the polarization polarization state of light after separating, described polarized light is obtained the first translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on the locus;

Rotation rear polarizer light is obtained the second translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on travel path;

Synthetic described second translation rear polarizer light and the outgoing.

Extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component in the described complete separating incident light comprise:

Incident light is divided into extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component;

Rotation extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component are to identical polarization direction;

Identical polarization state rotation 45 degree with polarized light obtain the polarized light corresponding with the extraordinary ray component of incident light and the polarized light corresponding with the ordinary light component of incident light, and the polarization polarization state of light of described correspondence is identical.

Extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component revolve respectively and turn 90 degrees;

Separate postrotational extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component;

A kind of device of controlling light signal, described device comprise the input and output array, divide compound module, at least one light polarization modulator, at least one light beam translation sheet, polarization apparatus and catoptron;

The input and output array is used for receiving incident light and output emergent light;

Divide compound module, be used for extraordinary ray component and the ordinary light component of complete separating incident light, the polarized light after obtaining to separate, and the polarized light that returns of synthetic light polarization modulator;

Light polarization modulator obtains switching rear polarizer light for the polarization polarization state of light after the described separation of switching;

The light beam translation sheet is used for described switching rear polarizer light is obtained translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on the locus;

Polarization apparatus is used for the described translation rear polarizer polarization state of light of rotation;

Catoptron is used for reflect polarized light.

Compound module comprised in described minute: uniaxial crystal, two reversible optical rotation plates and irreversible optical rotation plate at the most;

Uniaxial crystal is used for incident light is divided into extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component, and the mutually perpendicular polarized light of synthetic two bundle polarization state directions;

Reversible optical rotation plate is used for rotation extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component to identical polarization direction, and the postrotational polarized light of two bundles rotated respectively obtains the mutually perpendicular polarized light of two bundle polarization state directions;

Irreversible optical rotation plate is used for identical polarization polarization state of light rotation 45 degree of polarization state are obtained the identical polarized light of two bundle polarization states, and with two bundle translation rear polarizer polarization state of light rotations, 45 degree.

Compound module comprised in described minute: first uniaxial crystal, the first reversible optical rotation plate, second uniaxial crystal, two optical rotation plates and irreversible optical rotation plate at the most;

First uniaxial crystal is used for incident light is divided into extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component, and the mutually perpendicular polarized light of synthetic two bundle polarization state directions;

The first reversible optical rotation plate is used for extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component revolved respectively and turn 90 degrees, and the orthogonal polarization polarization state of light of two bundle polarization state directions revolved respectively turn 90 degrees;

Second uniaxial crystal for separating of postrotational extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component, and increases by two distances of restrainting the mutually perpendicular polarized light of polarization state directions; The optical axis of described second uniaxial crystal is opposite with the direction of described first uniaxial crystal;

Described input and output array comprises:

Fiber array is used for receiving outside incident light and the inner emergent light of output;

Microlens array is used for the outside incident light of collimation and converges inner emergent light.

Described polarization apparatus is optical rotation plate or light polarization modulator, and described light polarization modulator rotates described translation rear polarizer polarization state of light to regulate the power of emergent light by driving voltage.

A kind of optical routing method of selecting wavelength, this method comprises:

Extraordinary ray component in the incident light and ordinary light component are separated fully, obtain the polarized light of polarization state unanimity;

Polarized light according to the described polarization state unanimity of different wavelength separated;

Switch the polarization polarization state of light respectively, described polarized light is obtained the first translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on the locus;

For the different exit ports second translation rear polarizer light of synthetic selected wavelength respectively, obtain the emergent light of selected wavelength at exit ports.

Described polarized light according to the described polarization state unanimity of different wavelength separated comprises:

Collimate the polarized light of described polarization state unanimity;

According to the polarized light behind the different wave length separation collimation;

Polarized light after the described separation is refracted as one group of parallel polarized light, converges to then on the same plane.

A kind of optical routing device of selecting wavelength, described device comprises: input and output array, branch compound module, chromatic dispersion module, at least one light polarization modulator, at least one light beam translation sheet, optically-active module and catoptron;

The input and output array is used for receiving the incident light of different wave length and the emergent light of the selected wavelength of output;

Divide compound module, be used for extraordinary ray component and the ordinary light component of incident light are separated fully, obtain the polarized light of polarization state unanimity, and the polarized light that returns of synthetic chromatic dispersion module;

The chromatic dispersion module is used for the polarized light according to the described polarization state unanimity of different wavelength separated, and the polarized light of the different wave length selected of merge selected;

Light polarization modulator is for the polarization polarization state of light after the described separation of switching;

The light beam translation sheet is used for described polarized light is converted into the polarized light of different wave length after the variation on the locus obtains translation in the variation on the polarization state, and with the polarized light input polarization modulator of selected different wave length;

The optically-active module is for the polarization polarization state of light of different wave length after the described translation of rotation;

Catoptron is for the polarized light of reflection different wave length;

The end face of input and output array is arranged in the focal plane, the outside of chromatic dispersion module, and catoptron overlaps with the focal plane, the outside of chromatic dispersion module.

Described chromatic dispersion module comprises:

First lens are used for the incident polarized light of the described polarization state unanimity of collimation, and converge the focal plane, outgoing polarized light to the first lens outside that comprises selected different wave length;

Diffraction grating be used for according to the polarized light behind the different wave length separation collimation, and merge selected is selected the polarized light of different wave length;

Second lens are used for the polarized light of the different wave length after the described separation is refracted as one group of parallel polarized light, and described polarized light is converged on the focal plane, second lens outside; And will collimate from the polarized light of second lens outside focal plane reflection, and the polarized light after will collimating is to the inboard focus direction refraction of second lens;

The focal length of first lens equates with the focal length of second lens and inboard focus overlaps the inboard focus that is centered close to first lens and second lens of diffraction grating.

Described chromatic dispersion module comprises:

The 3rd lens are used for the polarized light of the described polarization state unanimity of collimation, and the polarized light after the described separation of reflection-type diffraction grating output is refracted as one group of parallel polarized light, simultaneously described parallel polarized light are converged to focal plane on the left of the 3rd lens respectively; And will be from the polarized light collimation of the 3rd lens left side focal plane reflection, simultaneously the polarized light behind the described collimation is reflected to the 3rd lens right side focus direction, and the outgoing polarized light that comprises selected different wave length that reflection-type diffraction grating merges is converged to focal plane, the 3rd lens left side;

Reflection-type diffraction grating be used for according to the polarized light behind the different wave length separation collimation, and merge selected is selected the polarized light of different wave length;

The right side focus that is centered close to the 3rd lens of reflection-type diffraction grating.

Described chromatic dispersion module comprises:

The reflecting sphere mirror is used for the polarized light of the described polarization state unanimity of collimation, and the polarized light after the described separation of reflection-type diffraction grating output is refracted as one group of parallel polarized light, simultaneously described parallel polarized light is converged to reflecting sphere mirror focal plane respectively; And will be from the polarized light collimation of reflecting sphere mirror focal plane reflection, simultaneously the polarized light behind the described collimation is reflected to reflecting sphere mirror foci direction, and the outgoing polarized light that comprises selected different wave length that reflection-type diffraction grating is merged converges to reflecting sphere mirror focal plane;

On the focus that is centered close to the reflecting sphere mirror of reflection-type diffraction grating.

Described light polarization modulator is the first light polarization modulator array, and described optically-active module is the second light polarization modulator array;

The first Polarization Modulation array carries out separate modulation to the polarization polarization state of light of each wavelength; The logical light face of described light beam translation sheet covers all pixels of the first Polarization Modulation array;

The second Polarization Modulation array carries out separate modulation to the polarization polarization state of light of each wavelength; The reflecting surface of described catoptron covers all pixels of the second Polarization Modulation array.

From technique scheme, as can be seen, in embodiments of the present invention, divide compound module to obtain the device of control light signal by in the device of translation polarized light, adding; In the device of control light signal, further increase the optical routing device that the chromatic dispersion module obtains selecting wavelength.Because technique scheme has been simplified optical texture and has been realized the microminiaturization of device, can improve the optical signal quality of route, reduces the volume of route device simultaneously.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the core framework synoptic diagram of 1*2 ROADM traditional in the prior art;

Fig. 2 is the method flow synoptic diagram of translation polarized light;

Fig. 3 is to be the apparatus structure synoptic diagram of translation polarized light;

Fig. 4 A is sectional view and the making alive V0 fundamental diagram of liquid crystal switch unit 310;

Fig. 4 B is sectional view and the making alive V1 fundamental diagram of liquid crystal switch unit 310;

Fig. 5 A is the work synoptic diagram of switch unit 310 making alive V0;

Fig. 5 B is the work synoptic diagram of switch unit 310 making alive V1;

Fig. 6 A is 4 optional output coordinate work synoptic diagram 1;

Fig. 6 B is 4 optional output coordinate work synoptic diagram 2;

Fig. 6 C is 4 optional output coordinate work synoptic diagram 3;

Fig. 6 D is 4 optional output coordinate work synoptic diagram 4;

Fig. 7 is the method flow synoptic diagram of control light signal;

Fig. 8 is the apparatus structure synoptic diagram of control light signal;

Fig. 9 A is for dividing the forward light splitting synoptic diagram of compound module 900;

Fig. 9 B oppositely closes the light synoptic diagram for what divide compound module 900;

Fig. 9 C can not normally oppositely close the light synoptic diagram for branch compound module 900;

Fig. 9 D is for dividing the work synoptic diagram 4 of compound module 900;

Figure 10 is the apparatus structure synoptic diagram that can regulate the control light signal of Output optical power;

Figure 11 is for selecting the optical routing method flow synoptic diagram of wavelength;

Figure 12 A is for selecting the optical routing device structural representation of wavelength;

Figure 12 B is the optical routing device structural representation that 1*2 selects wavelength;

Figure 13 A is adjustable handover module array transversary synoptic diagram;

Figure 13 B is adjustable handover module array vertical structure synoptic diagram;

Figure 14 is the optical routing device structural representation of selecting wavelength;

Figure 15 is the optical routing device structural representation of selecting wavelength.

Embodiment

For making the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention express clearlyer, the present invention is further described in more detail below in conjunction with drawings and the specific embodiments.

In embodiments of the present invention, increase the input and output array and divide compound module to obtain the device of control light signal on the basis of the device of translation polarized light; Basis at the device of controlling light signal increases the optical routing device that the chromatic dispersion module obtains selecting wavelength.

The device of translation polarized light not only can be realized the accurate switching of polarized light, and the amount of switched that can regulate polarized light neatly by the optical thickness of light polarization modulator and light beam translation sheet.The device of control light signal has adopted the design of unique polarization spectro/close light, after all inputs extraordinary ray process corresponding with output light divided the compound module translation, separate fully with all ordinary lights, therefore only need one group of wave plate can realize the polarization state unanimity of all light.Do not require then between the ordinary light of different port or the extraordinary ray fully and to separate that its hot spot can be overlapped when leaving the polarization spectro crystal and the extinction ratio of polarisation-affecting light not.And the employing technique scheme has greatly been simplified the polarization optics structure, and its input and output port can be made of the very little unitary fiber optic array in interval, thereby has realized the microminiaturization of the device of control light signal.The device of control light signal is not only simple in structure to be easy to assembling, and the few volume of parts is little.Owing to use the mini optical fibre array as input and output port, its volume increases with the increase of port number hardly simultaneously, has therefore realized high stability and reliability.

The optical routing device of the selection wavelength that the present invention proposes is classical 4F system, and its characteristics are that the reflection of the space length on the focal plane of front and back is 1: 1.These characteristics can greatly reduce the optical thickness of translation polarized light device in conjunction with the closely-spaced fiber array port that the device of control light signal of the present invention uses, thereby have improved the performance of optical system and reduced the package dimension of system.Another characteristics in the 4F system be the light of all of the port correspondence all through the common focus of two lens, just be the position of dispersion element diffraction grating.Therefore the size of diffraction grating only need namely satisfy system requirements greater than single hot spot herein, thereby has significantly reduced the requirement of system to the area of diffraction grating.Simultaneously, bigger with respect to the hot spot of independent collimator by the hot spot after the main lens conversion, it is also corresponding bigger at the area that diffraction grating shines, thereby the diffraction resolution of whole optical system is also than higher.

Describe technical scheme of the present invention in detail below in conjunction with accompanying drawing.

Are method flow synoptic diagram of translation polarized light referring to accompanying drawing 2, specifically may further comprise the steps:

Step 201, switching polarization polarization state of light obtain the first translation rear polarizer light with polarized light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on the locus.

Switch the polarization polarization state of light, do not change the travel path of polarized light.When the polarization polarization state of light changes, then polarized light is converted into variation on the locus in the variation of polarization state, obtain the first translation rear polarizer light.Wherein, can switch polarized light by changing driving voltage.

Step 202, the reflection of the described first translation rear polarizer light revolved the polarization polarization state of light simultaneously turn 90 degrees.

With first translation rear polarizer light reflection, simultaneously with polarized light polarization state revolve earlier and turn 90 degrees.

Step 203, will rotate rear polarizer light and obtain the second translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on travel path.

Polarization state and polarized light the polarization state step 202 after of polarized light before step 202 changed 90 degree, the variation on travel path before step 202 and after the step 202 that the variation of this polarization state will be converted into polarized light, thus the second translation rear polarizer light obtained.

Are apparatus structure synoptic diagram of translation polarized light referring to accompanying drawing 3, particularly:

The device of translation polarized light is that handover module 300 is made up of several switch units 310 and a reflector element 320.Wherein each switch unit 310 is made up of a light polarization modulator 311 and a light beam translation sheet 312.The function of light polarization modulator 311 is to switch the polarization of incident light attitude, but it does not change the travel path of incident light.The translation of 310 pairs of incident lights of switch unit is to be finished by light beam translation sheet 312 wherein.Light beam translation sheet 312 is to make parallel flat by the single axial birefringence crystal, and whether its characteristic translation takes place when determining its outgoing for the polarization of incident light attitude.320 of reflector elements are made up of an optical rotation plate 321 and a catoptron 322, and its function is for to reflect incident polarized light along original route, its polarization state are revolved to turn 90 degrees simultaneously.Optical rotation plate 321 wherein is faraday's revolving fragments of 45 degree, and 45 degree are rotated the polarization of reflected light attitude in the reflection then of polarization state rotation 45 degree then again.Optical rotation plate 321 is quarter-wave plates of being made by birefringece crystal, and polarized light is through after the mirror reflects, and polarization state is revolved and turn 90 degrees.

Light polarization modulator 311 can be modulated the polarization state of incident polarized light according to the external drive signal, can realize that the technology of this function comprises liquid crystal technology, electrooptical technology and magneto-optic technology etc.Light beam translation sheet 312 is parallel flats of being made by the single axial birefringence crystal, polarized light can be converted into variation on the locus in the variation on the polarization state, just can make polarized light that translation takes place when polarization state changes.The material that can make the light beam translation sheet includes but not limited to vanadic acid yttrium (YVO4) crystal, lithium columbate crystal and calcite crystal.

Polarized light incides handover module 300 along Z axle positive dirction, after the translation switching of each switch unit 310 of process and the reflection of reflector element 320, will be along the outgoing of Z axle negative direction, and the Y-axis coordinate of emergent light is different with incident light, has namely produced a translation with respect to incident light.If the number of switch unit 310 is N, then the Y-axis coordinate of emergent light just has 2 ^NPlant and select.These Y-axis coordinates are determined by the translational movement of each light beam translation sheet 312, and selection by which Y-axis coordinate output is then realized by the state of controlling each light polarization modulator 311.

Be example with the handover module based on liquid crystal technology below, set forth its concrete principle of work.Accompanying drawing 4A is sectional view and the fundamental diagram thereof of liquid crystal switch unit 310, and wherein light polarization modulator 311 is liquid crystal cell, mainly is made of layer glass substrate 401, liquid crystal layer 402 and the two-layer transparency electrode 403 that is plated on the glass substrate.Liquid crystal layer 402 is clipped between the two-layer transparency electrode 403, and external drive voltage can be applied on the liquid crystal layer 402 by transparency electrode 403.

Liquid crystal is a kind of condensed state matter, and its structure and characteristic are the fluids of order between solid crystals and isotropic liquid.The chemical constitution of liquid crystal is asymmetric, so its dielectric property and optical characteristics also be asymmetric, has the birefringent characteristic the same with crystal.If the thickness of liquid crystal layer 402 is d, optical axis becomes 45 degree in X-Y plane and with Y-axis, and the refringence of ordinary light (O light) and extraordinary ray (E light) is Δ n, and then it to the bit phase delay δ that incident light produces is

δ＝Δnd

When δ equaled incident wavelength λ or its integral multiple, liquid crystal layer 402 was equivalent to the full-wave plate of incident light, and incident light does not change through polarization state after it.And when δ equaled λ/2 or its odd-multiple, liquid crystal layer 402 was equivalent to 1/2nd wave plates of incident light, can with polarization state perpendicular to or the polarization of incident light attitude that is parallel to the Y-Z plane carry out 90 degree rotations.

When liquid crystal layer 402 was applied in electric field, the orientation meeting of its molecule changed, and corresponding birefringent characteristic just refractive indices n also changes thereupon, forms electrically conerolled birefringence (ECB) effect.Therefore, utilize the electro-optic birefringent effect of liquid crystal, can change it to the phase delay δ of incident polarized light by the driving voltage that changes liquid crystal cell, thereby realize the modulation to polarization state of light.

If δ equals λ and λ/2 o'clock, corresponding driving voltage is respectively V0 and V1, and then the modulation of 311 pairs of polarization states of light polarization modulator is respectively shown in accompanying drawing 4A and accompanying drawing 4B.In Fig. 4 A, after being the light polarization modulator 311 of V0 by driving voltage, polarization state remains unchanged polarization state perpendicular to the incident light on Y-Z plane (representing with the round dot on the light).And in Fig. 4 B, the incident light of same polarization state is after being the light polarization modulator 311 of V1 by driving voltage, and polarization state becomes and is parallel to Y-Z plane (representing with the little horizontal line on the light), has namely rotated 90 degree with respect to the incident polarization attitude.

Except ecb mode, liquid crystal can also comprise the above-mentioned polarization state modulation function of realization under twisted nematic (TN) and super twisted nematic type (STN) isotype in other multiple mode of operation.The detailed operation principle of liquid crystal does not belong to content of the present invention, does not state tired at this.

Light beam translation sheet 412 among Fig. 4 is example with the yttrium vanadate crystal, and its thickness is T, and the optical axis of crystal 404 becomes a angle in the Y-Z plane and with the surface of crystal.When the driving voltage of light polarization modulator 311 was V0, incident light did not change through light polarization modulator 311 rear polarizer attitudes, and polarization state is still perpendicular to the Y-Z plane at its optical axis 404 places, shown in Fig. 4 A when therefore inciding light beam translation sheet 312.In this case, incident light is pressed the law of refraction refraction of ordinary light in light beam translation sheet 312, so be not offset on Y direction, emergent light and incident light are on same straight line, and its Y-axis coordinate does not change.

And when the driving voltage of light polarization modulator 311 was V1, incident light had been rotated 90 degree through light polarization modulator 311 rear polarizer attitudes, became the linearly polarized light that is parallel to the Y-Z plane, shown in Fig. 4 B.In this case, the polarization of incident light attitude is parallel to the principal section (being the plane at optical axis 404 places) of light beam translation sheet 312, therefore in light beam translation sheet 312, reflect by THE REFRACTION DIRECTION OF EXTRAORDINARY RAY, be offset in Y direction, the offset direction is consistent with the direction of optical axis 404, i.e. the Y-axis positive dirction.Final emergent light and incident light not on same straight line, but two parallel, distance is on the straight line of d.

That is to say, the light beam translation sheet with incident light in the Y-Z plane along the Y-axis translation d distance, if the Y-axis coordinate of incident light is 0, then the Y-axis coordinate of emergent light is+d.Being determined by thickness T and the optical axis direction a of crystal apart from d of light beam translation sheet translation selected suitable crystal thickness T and optical axis direction a according to the characteristic of crystal, can obtain needed translation distance d.

Be example with the handover module (as shown in Figure 5) that comprises an above-mentioned switch unit 310 below, the detailed course of work of handover module is described.

See accompanying drawing 5A, a branch of polarization state is perpendicular to the Y-Z plane, and the Y-axis coordinate is that 0 polarized light incides switch unit 310 along Z axle positive dirction.When driving voltage was V0, it did not change through switch unit 310 rear polarizer attitudes, and the Y-axis coordinate does not change yet, and continued to enter reflector element 320 along Z axle positive dirction.Optical rotation plate 321 in the reflector element 320 is the quarter-wave plate of incident light, and its optical axis and becomes miter angle with Y-axis in X-Y plane (perpendicular to the Y-Z plane).Polarized light is through mirror 322 reflections that are reflected behind the optical rotation plate 321, and the direction of propagation becomes Z axle negative direction, passes through optical rotation plate 321 again along original route then.Twice effect through quarter-wave plate of polarized light is equivalent to through 1/2nd wave plates, and the optical axis of wave plate becomes miter angle with its polarization state, therefore polarized light has rotated 90 degree through reflector element 320 reflection rear polarizer attitudes, become and be parallel to the Y-Z plane, the direction of propagation has then become Z axle negative direction.

When the polarized light continuation is incided switch unit 310 again along Z axle negative direction, what at first enter is light beam translation sheet 312, its polarization state became and was parallel to Y-Z plane (being the principal section of light beam translation sheet 112) this moment, therefore in light beam translation sheet 312, reflect by THE REFRACTION DIRECTION OF EXTRAORDINARY RAY, be offset in Y direction.Simultaneously because incident direction is Z axle negative direction, so the offset direction is the Y-axis negative direction.If the translation distance of light beam translation sheet 312 is d, then the Y-axis coordinate of the polarized light of outgoing is-d.Polarized light passes through light polarization modulator 311 at last again, because driving voltage is V0, its polarization state does not change, and final outgoing polarization state of light is for being parallel to the Y-Z plane.

Accompanying drawing 5B is depicted as when the driving voltage of light polarization modulator 311 is V1, the principle of work of handover module.Identical incident light through switch unit 310 back by translation apart from d, from the Y-axis coordinate of light beam translation sheet 312 outgoing be+d.Simultaneously, its polarization state has been rotated 90 degree, becomes to be parallel to the Y-Z plane.Polarized light continues to incide reflector element 320 along Z axle positive dirction after switch unit 310 outgoing, become Z axle negative direction through the direction of propagation after the reflection of reflector element 320, and polarization state is rotated by 90 degrees again, becomes the plane perpendicular to Y-Z.Therefore, when polarized light enters light beam translation sheet 312 again along Z axle negative direction, will not be offset on Y direction by the law of refraction refraction of ordinary light, the Y-axis coordinate of emergent light still is+d.Last polarized light passes through light polarization modulator 311 again, because driving voltage is V1, its polarization state is rotated by 90 degrees for the third time, and final outgoing polarization state of light is for being parallel to the Y-Z plane.

In sum, the handover module that comprises a switch unit can select+d and-two output coordinates of d (coordinate of supposition input light is 0), output coordinate can be by the driving voltage of the light polarization modulator in the control switch unit, just modulation condition is selected.The driving voltage of coordinate-d correspondence is V0, the modulation condition of rotatory polarization attitude not just, and when the translation of polarized light occurs in it and propagates along Z axle negative direction in this case, so the direction of translation is the Y-axis negative direction, output coordinate is-d, shown in accompanying drawing 5A.And the driving voltage of coordinate+d correspondence is V1, just polarization state is revolved the modulation condition that turn 90 degrees, when the translation of polarized light occurs in it and propagates along Z axle positive dirction in this case, so the direction of translation is the Y-axis positive dirction, output coordinate is+d, shown in accompanying drawing 5B.

Under more situation, handover module comprises a plurality of switch units as shown in Figure 3.And for any one switch unit in the handover module that comprises a plurality of switch units (to call the multiple-unit handover module in the following text), be not difficult to illustrate that polarized light is leaving this switch unit during get back to this switch unit along Z axle negative direction along Z axle positive dirction, the number of times of the polarization state 90 degree rotations of experiencing (comprising 90 degree rotations of reflector element) must be odd number.That is to say that polarized light is when getting back to this switch unit, polarization state is certain when leaving to become 90 to spend.Therefore, polarized light must take place once and translation for once when passing through the light beam translation sheet of each switch unit for twice back and forth.If translation occurs in it when propagating along Z axle positive dirction, then the direction of translation is the Y-axis positive dirction.If translation occurs in it when propagating along Z axle negative direction, then the direction of translation is the Y-axis negative direction.And the modulation condition of light polarization modulator by this switch unit of control just can be selected polarized light translation when propagating along Z axle positive dirction, still is translation when propagating along Z axle negative direction, just can select the translation direction of polarized light.

Therefore can reach a conclusion, each switch unit in the multiple-unit handover module all can carry out translation to incident light, and the translational movement of final emergent light is the summation of the translational movement of all switch units.Each switch unit is independently to the translation of polarized light, so its position in handover module, and just sequencing does not influence the translational movement of final emergent light.Because each switch unit has the both positive and negative translation direction, so if the quantity of the switch unit that handover module comprises is N, and translational movement has nothing in common with each other, and the Y-axis coordinate of emergent light just has maximum 2 so ^NPlant and select.By controlling the driving voltage of each switch unit, the translation direction of each switch unit just can be selected the Y-axis coordinate of emergent light.

According to above conclusion, can design the handover module of any output port quantity and output coordinate.Can select 4 output coordinates with one below, and the input and output coordinate is example by the handover module that equidistant d arranges, is elaborated.

At first, 4 be satisfied and then two switch units of needs at least of output coordinate can be selected.And equidistantly arrange in order to obtain the input and output coordinate, the result of any plus-minus combination of the translation distance of two switch units is necessary for the integral multiple of d.The handover module that obtains according to these requirements is arranged with two

switch units

610 and 620 in regular turn along Z axle positive dirction shown in Fig. 6 A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and reflector element 320.The light beam translation sheet 612 of two switch units and 622 translation distance are designed to 1.5d and 0.5d respectively, to reach the effect of equidistant output.

The detailed operation of handover module and state of a control, and corresponding output result is as shown in Table 1, the concrete path of light is seen shown in Fig. 6 A～Fig. 6 D under the one of four states.Y-axis coordinate at input light is that four output coordinates are respectively-2d under 0 the situation ,-d ,+d and+2d, just in time by the both sides that equidistantly are distributed in input coordinate, and each output coordinate is corresponding one by one with the combination of four kinds of driving voltages of switch unit.

Table one

It should be noted that in the multiple-unit handover module, the driving voltage of switch unit and its translation direction (plus or minus) are though be one to one, but its corresponding relation is not what fix, and same driving voltage is corresponding under different switching states may to be opposite translation direction.For example the translation direction of the driving voltage V1 correspondence of switch unit 620 is Y-axis negative direction rather than positive dirction in the switching state 3.This is because the polarization state of polarized light when arriving switch unit 620 for the first time is for being parallel to the Y-Z plane, rather than perpendicular to the Y-Z plane.Therefore the basis of judging translation direction is the direction of propagation of polarized light when translation takes place, and it is exactly positive when propagating along Z axle positive dirction translation taking place, otherwise then is negative direction.In like manner, if the input polarization state of light is to be parallel to the Y-Z plane rather than perpendicular to the Y-Z plane, handover module switches still effective to its translation, and number of output ports and coordinate are all constant, and just the combination of the corresponding driving voltage of each output coordinate has different.

In addition, the translation direction of above light beam translation sheet and the relation of the direction of propagation (are that the translation that polarized light takes place when propagating along Z axle positive dirction just is, otherwise then bear) be based on the light beam translation sheet by yttrium vanadate crystal, just the single shaft positive crystal is made, and its optical axis direction is under this prerequisite shown in the accompanying drawing 4.If the light beam translation sheet is become by the negative uniaxial crystal system, the perhaps optical axis direction of its crystal and opposite (with the Z rotational symmetry) shown in Figure 4, the translation that takes place when propagating along Z axle positive dirction of polarized light is born so, otherwise then is positive.Relative theory is the basic theories of crystal optics therewith, is not described in detail in this.

Analyze one below again and can select 8 output coordinates, and the principle of work of the handover module arranged by equidistant d of input and output coordinate, its parameter and duty are as shown in Table 2.Because 8=2 ³So the switch unit that handover module comprises has three, the translation distance of its light beam translation sheet is respectively 2.5d, and 1.0d and 0.5d (can arrange in any order) are to reach the effect of equidistant output.

Y-axis coordinate at input light is that 8 output coordinates are respectively-4d under 0 the situation ,-3d ,-2d ,-d ,+d ,+2d ,+3d and+4d, just in time by the both sides that equidistantly are distributed in input coordinate.Each output coordinate is corresponding one by one with the combination of the translation direction of switch unit, and the combination of each translation direction also must be corresponding the combination of fixing driving voltage, corresponding relation is determined by the concrete structure of polarization of incident light attitude and handover module, is not repeated at this.

Table two

According to technique scheme, can determine more output coordinate, namely comprise the handover module of more switch units.And the output coordinate of every kind of handover module can adjust by the translational movement that changes each switch unit, to satisfy the needs of practical application.

The device of translation polarized light discussed above is that the fixing linearly polarized light of polarization state is switched, and the polarization state of light of propagating in common optical fiber is at random, and is unfixed.Therefore, with optical fiber be the device of control light signal of input/output end port except comprising the device of above translation polarized light, also must possess the branch compound module.The function of dividing compound module is that polarization state input light at random is divided into the fixing component of two polarization states, the device of translation polarized light can be switched these two components, and after switching is finished two components are reconsolidated output.

Referring to accompanying drawing 7 be control light signal the method flow synoptic diagram, specifically may further comprise the steps:

Extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component in step 701, the complete separating incident light, the polarized light after obtaining to separate.

Wherein extraordinary ray component and the ordinary light component in the complete separating incident light comprises dual mode:

Mode one:

Mode two:

Polarization polarization state of light after step 702, switching separate obtains the first translation rear polarizer light with described polarized light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on the locus.

Switch the polarization polarization state of light, do not change the travel path of incident light.When the polarization polarization state of light changes, then polarized light is converted into variation on the locus in the variation of polarization state, obtain the first translation rear polarizer light.Wherein, can switch polarized light by changing driving voltage.

Step 703, the reflection of the described first translation rear polarizer light revolved the polarization polarization state of light simultaneously turn 90 degrees.

Polarized light after described first translation reflection revolved the polarization polarization state of light simultaneously turn 90 degrees.

Step 704, will rotate rear polarizer light and obtain the second translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on travel path, synthetic described second translation rear polarizer light and the outgoing.

Polarization state and polarized light the polarization state step 703 after of polarized light before step 703 changed 90 degree, the variation on travel path before step 703 and after the step 703 that the variation of this polarization state will be converted into polarized light, thereby obtain the second translation rear polarizer light, synthetic described second translation rear polarizer light and the outgoing.

As shown in Figure 8, the device of controlling light signal with a 1*2 is example, the device of analysis and Control light signal.The device of control light signal comprises: input and output array 800, divide the device 300 of compound module 900 and translation polarized light to rearrange in proper order along Z axle positive dirction.Wherein input and output array 800 is made up of fiber array 810 and microlens array 820, and its spacing all is d and closely arranges along Y direction, and fiber port and lenticule are corresponding one by one.Port in the middle of the array is input port, and establishing its Y-axis coordinate is the both sides that 0, two output port then is symmetrically distributed in input end, corresponding Y-axis coordinate is respectively+d and-d.

Polarization state polarized light is at random entered by input optical fibre, behind the lenticule collimation by correspondence, incides branch compound module 900.Incident polarized light will be polarized branch compound module 900 and be separated into two polarization states all perpendicular to the component on Y-Z plane along Y direction, enter the device 300 of translation polarized light then.Because number of output ports is 2, so 300 in the device of translation polarized light comprises a switch unit, and its translation distance is d.

That is to say that the device 300 of translation polarized light has two kinds of switching states, will import light respectively along Y-axis positive dirction and negative direction translation distance d, and its translation effect to two components of incident polarized light is identical.Under preceding a kind of switching state, two components of incident polarized light by with the time along Y-axis positive dirction translation distance d, and polarization state is rotated into and is parallel to the Y-Z plane, returns branch converging module 900 along Z axle negative direction again, opticpath is shown in solid line in the accompanying drawing 8.Since this moment polarized light two components all by along the translation of Y-axis positive dirction apart from d, so the Y-axis coordinate after they are merged by minute compound module 900 is+d, the output port 1 in the corresponding input and output array 800 just in time, thus converge to output in the optical fiber 1 by lenticule.And under a kind of switching state in back, two components of incident polarized light by with the time along Y-axis negative direction translation distance d, Y-axis coordinate after minute compound module 900 merges is-d, corresponding with the output port 2 in the input and output array 800, so converge to output in the optical fiber 2 by lenticule, concrete opticpath is shown in dotted line in the accompanying drawing 8.Therefore, the switching state of the device by selecting the translation polarized light, just driving voltage just can be realized the selection of optical output port.

Adopted the non-light component of seeking with all of the port correspondence to separate fully with the ordinary light component, then the structure that two components are switched respectively.This structure does not require that the corresponding ordinary light of different port or extraordinary ray separate fully, realized the polarization state unanimity of all light by polarization apparatus, with respect to traditional pectination polarization spectro/close photo structure, namely the structure of corresponding one a group of optical rotation plate of port has had very big simplification.Simultaneously, this structure can be used the very little input/output end port array of spacing, thereby has greatly reduced optical thickness and the size of handover module, has significantly improved the optical property of the device of control light signal.

Describe branch compound module 900 in detail below in conjunction with accompanying drawing 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D.

Accompanying drawing 9 is for dividing the work synoptic diagram of compound module 900.It comprises uniaxial crystal 901 in proper order along Z axle positive dirction, is that the single shaft positive crystal is example at this with yttrium vanadate crystal, and its optical axis direction is shown in 902.The uniaxial crystal function is for being divided into polarization state input light at random the orthogonal polarized light of two bundle polarization states, perhaps with the synthetic a branch of polarized light of the orthogonal polarized light of two bundle polarization states.Reversible optical rotation plate comprises 903 and 904, is 1/2nd wave plates of the incident light made by crystal, and its function is for rotating orthogonal two bundle polarization polarization state of light to the polarization direction unanimity respectively, and all becomes 45 to spend with Y-axis, and this rotation is reversible.Irreversible optical rotation plate 905 for yttrium iron garnet or mix the bismuth thin film crystal, can rely on magneto-optic effect that the polarization polarization state of light is carried out 45 degree, the orientation independent that its sense of rotation is fixed and polarized light is propagated, so this rotation is irreversible.

Divide the forward spectroscopic processes of compound module shown in accompanying drawing 9A.

A branch of polarization state polarized light at random (is equivalent to component and two components that are parallel to the Y-Z plane perpendicular to the Y-Z plane, represented by the point on the light and little horizontal line respectively) incide uniaxial crystal 901 along Z axle positive dirction after, two components are pressed ordinary light and THE REFRACTION DIRECTION OF EXTRAORDINARY RAY refraction respectively, latter two component of outgoing is separated along Y direction, and the distance of separating is determined by thickness and the optical axis direction of uniaxial crystal 901.Polarized light is shown in a series of square frames of figure below through the position behind each optical element and polarization state thereof, and its position is represented that by small circle polarization state is represented that by the little horizontal line in the circle direction of observation is Z axle positive dirction.

As seen two polarized light components are in that to leave uniaxial crystal 901 rear polarizer attitudes vertical mutually, the reversible optical rotation plate 903 of incident and 904 respectively then, and rotated 45 degree respectively by different directions.Therefore, two polarized light components have become and have been parallel to each other having passed through reversible optical rotation plate rear polarizer attitude, and all become positive 45 degree (establish from the Y-axis positive dirction just clockwise turn to, otherwise for negative) with Y-axis.At last, two polarized light components are through irreversible optical rotation plate 905, and polarization state is rotated 45 degree again, and sense of rotation is clockwise direction, and final outgoing polarization state of light is perpendicular to the Y-Z plane.

No more than two of the quantity of the reversible optical rotation plate that the branch compound module is contained, extraordinary ray component and the extraordinary ray component of respectively corresponding all input/output port in uniaxial crystal 901.These two reversible optical rotation plates will be imported the polarization state rotation of the orthogonal extraordinary ray component of light and extraordinary ray component to consistent, simultaneously with the extraordinary ray component of the polarization state unanimity returned and the rotation of extraordinary ray component to mutual vertical.Compare with the method that each traditional input/output port uses a pair of reversible optical rotation plate to carry out pectination deciliter light respectively, the characteristics of this technical scheme are only to use two fixing reversible optical rotation plates, and quantity only is equivalent to reversible optical rotation plate that port is required in traditional pectination deciliter light method.The more important thing is, use the technical program namely only to use two reversible optical rotation plates can realize minimizing of input/output port spacing, and then realized the microminiaturization of the device of control light signal.

In sum, divide compound module that the polarized light of the random polarization attitude of incident has been divided into two bundle polarization states and fix, and all perpendicular to the component on Y-Z plane, the distance between two components can be selected by uniaxial crystal 901.

That divides compound module 900 oppositely closes photoreduction process shown in accompanying drawing 9B.

Two polarized light components revolve through the device 300 reflection rear polarizer attitudes of translation polarized light and turn 90 degrees, and become to be parallel to the Y-Z plane, get back to irreversible optical rotation plate 905 along Z axle negative direction.Because the direction of propagation of its optical direction and polarized light is irrelevant, be fixing clockwise direction, 45 degree so the polarization state of two polarized light components is turned clockwise become with Y-axis and become positive 45 degree, and are consistent with the polarization state of relevant position in the spectroscopic processes.And because reversible

optical rotation plate

903 and 904, and the effect of 901 pairs of polarized lights of uniaxial crystal all is reversible, therefore two polarized light components will reconsolidate into the polarized light of a branch of random polarization state by the path of original light splitting.

If getting back to the polarization state of two polarized light components of irreversible optical rotation plate 905 along Z axle negative direction is not to be parallel to the Y-Z plane, and the words perpendicular to the Y-Z plane that are, they are behind 45 degree that turned clockwise by irreversible optical rotation plate 905 so, to become with Y-axis and become to bear 45 degree, become 90 degree with the polarization state of relevant position in the spectroscopic processes, shown in accompanying drawing 9C.In this case, reversible optical rotation plate 503 and 504 will be rotated into the polarization state of two polarized light components perpendicular to the Y-Z plane respectively and be parallel to the Y-Z plane, and opposite with the polarization state of relevant position in the spectroscopic processes respectively.That is to say that the component with the refraction of ordinary light rule will become by the extraordinary ray refraction in the luminescent crystal 901 at polarization spectro/close to divide the light time, reflect and divide the light time will become by ordinary light with the component of extraordinary ray rule refraction.Therefore, two polarized light components will further separately can not be merged into a branch of polarized light.

Because the refractive index difference (be velocity of propagation difference) of two components in uniaxial crystal 901 of polarized light, and the length of travel path is also different, has caused two components in the nonsynchronous phenomenon of follow-up each optical interface, i.e. polarization mode dispersion.In order to remove polarization mode dispersion, can adopt first uniaxial crystal 906 and second uniaxial crystal 909 shown in accompanying drawing 9D in actual applications, and place the combination of the first reversible optical rotation plate 908 in the middle of both to replace uniaxial crystal 901.The spectroscopic distance of first uniaxial crystal 906 and second uniaxial crystal 909 is half of uniaxial crystal 901, and the direction of its

optical axis

907 and 910 opposite (with the Z rotational symmetry).The first reversible optical rotation plate 908 is 1/2nd wave plates, and its optical axis and becomes 45 degree with Y-axis in X-Y plane.

When the polarized light of random polarization attitude is divided into two components after Z axle positive dirction incides first uniaxial crystal 906, wherein translation does not take place in the ordinary light component, and the extraordinary ray component is by along the translation of Y-axis negative direction, and translation distance is half of uniaxial crystal 901.With latter two component through 1/2nd wave plates 908, polarization state all is rotated by 90 degrees, therefore enter the original ordinary light components in second uniaxial crystal, 909 backs and become the extraordinary ray component, by along the translation of Y-axis positive dirction, translation distance is similarly half of uniaxial crystal 901.And original extraordinary ray component becomes the ordinary light component, and translation does not take place.The polarization state of two polarized light components of final outgoing, and the distance of separating and just the same when using single uniaxial crystal 901.But because each component has experienced an ordinary light refraction and an extraordinary ray refraction, and the length of corresponding travel path is identical, and therefore two components will be simultaneously from 909 outgoing of second uniaxial crystal, do not have polarization mode dispersion.

Some application scenario, the device of requirement control light signal not only will possess the selection function of output port, also wants and can regulate the power of output light.In this case, only need with in the device of translation polarized light fixedly optical rotation plate change a light polarization modulator into and can realize this function, (being example with the 1*2 photoswitch still) as shown in Figure 10.

The phase delay δ that light polarization modulator 1011 produces is determined that by driving voltage V when phase delay δ equaled λ/2 or its integral multiple, twice process of polarized light light polarization modulator 1011 was equivalent to through a full-wave plate, and its polarization state will remain unchanged.Therefore, just incident light is reflected along former road by the reflector element effect at this moment that light polarization modulator 1011 and catoptron 1022 constitute, and do not change its polarization state.So regardless of the switching state of switch unit 310, two components of polarized light all can return along the former road of incident path, shown in solid line among the figure and dotted line light path.That is to say that handover module can not carry out translation to incident light, the Y-axis coordinate of emergent light still is 0, and the outgoing polarization state of light is identical with incident light, for perpendicular to the Y-Z plane.

By the front to the analysis of minute compound module 900 as can be known, if along the polarization state of two polarized light components of Z axle negative direction incident be perpendicular to the Y-Z plane, they will be by further separately and can not be merged into a branch of polarized light so.Therefore, two polarized light components that reflect from the device of translation polarized light can not arrive at any output port, and the Output optical power of all output ports all is zero, as shown in Figure 10.And the phase delay δ that produces when light polarization modulator 1011 equals λ/4 or its odd-multiple constantly, light polarization modulator 1011 is equivalent to fixedly optical rotation plate 321 fully, this moment, the course of work and the accompanying drawing 8 of photoswitch were identical, and input light will be from switch unit 310 selected output port outputs.

The phase delay that produces when light polarization modulator 1011 is between above between the two the time, after being reflected, each polarized light component can be further divided into two subcomponents again, the polarization state of one of them subcomponent has been rotated 90 degree, and the polarization state of another one subcomponent does not change.Polarization state has been rotated two subcomponents of 90 degree and will have propagated by the opticpath in the accompanying drawing 8, finally from the selected output port output of the device of control light signal.Two subcomponents that polarization state does not change are then propagated according to the opticpath in the accompanying drawing 10, finally can not arrive any output port, and namely its energy loss has been fallen.

Because the general power of input light equals the summation of all subcomponent power, and the phase-delay quantity that light polarization modulator 1011 produces determines power proportion in general power of different subcomponents, therefore just can control Output optical power shared ratio in input optical power by control driving voltage V, thereby realization is to the control of Output optical power.For the device 300 that is different from aforesaid translation polarized light, will be called the adjustable power handover module by the module 1000 that light polarization modulator 1011 and catoptron 1022 constitute, be called for short adjustable handover module.

It is to be noted, the control of Output optical power is independently finished by light polarization modulator 1011, this function is relatively independent with the device translation functions of control light signal, and the selection of output port is still determined by the switching state of each switch unit in the device of control light signal.In addition, light polarization modulator 1011 phase delay that produces is adjustable continuously from quarter-wave to two/wavelength, so Output optical power shared ratio in input optical power also is continuously adjustable to 100% from zero.

1*4 provided by the invention, the device formation of the control light signal of 1*8 and more output ports is identical with the device of above-mentioned 1*2 control light signal with principle of work, only the quantity difference of the scale of input/output end port array and the switch unit that comprises is not repeated at this.

In addition, the inference of being not difficult, the device of all control light signals provided by the invention not only can be by 1*N (i.e. 1 input port, N output port) configuration is used, can (be N input port by N*1 also, 1 output port) configuration is used, and the selection of input/output end port is undertaken by above method, no longer repeats at this.

Are optical routing methods of selecting wavelength referring to accompanying drawing 11, specifically may further comprise the steps:

Step 1101, the extraordinary ray component in the incident light and ordinary light component are separated fully, obtain the polarized light of polarization state unanimity.

Mode one:

Mode two:

Step 1102, according to the polarized light of the described polarization state unanimity of different wavelength separated.

Collimate the polarized light of described polarization state unanimity;

Polarized light after the described separation is refracted as one group of parallel incident light, converges to then on the same plane.

Step 1103, switch described polarization polarization state of light respectively, described polarized light is obtained the first translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on the locus.

Switch the polarization polarization state of light respectively, do not change the travel path of incident light.When the polarization polarization state of light changes, then polarized light is converted into variation on the locus in the variation of polarization state, obtain the first translation rear polarizer light.Wherein, can switch polarized light by changing driving voltage.

Step 1104, the reflection of the described first translation rear polarizer light revolved the polarization polarization state of light simultaneously turn 90 degrees.

Step 1105, will rotate rear polarizer light and obtain the second translation rear polarizer light in the variation that the variation on the polarization state is converted on travel path.

Polarization state and polarized light the polarization state step 1104 after of polarized light before step 1104 changed 90 degree, the variation on travel path before step 1104 and after the step 1104 that the variation of this polarization state will be converted into polarized light, thus the second translation rear polarizer light obtained.

Step 1106, for the different exit ports second translation rear polarizer light of synthetic selected wavelength respectively, obtain the emergent light of selected wavelength at exit ports.

On the basis of the device of control light signal provided by the invention, increase chromatic dispersion module 1200, make up the optical routing device of selecting wavelength, shown in accompanying drawing 12A.The optical routing device of the selection wavelength of a 1*N port by input and output array 800, divides compound module 900 along Z-direction, chromatic dispersion module 1200, and adjustable handover module array 12700 rearranges.

Wherein chromatic dispersion module 1200 is by first lens 1210 and second lens 1220, and diffraction grating 1230 is arranged formation along the Z axle.The optical axis coincidence of first lens 1210 and second lens 1220 and all be parallel to the Z axle, its X-axis coordinate is consistent with input and output array 800.Simultaneously, the focal length of two lens equates and its inboard focus coincidence.Diffraction grating 1230 places between the two, and the center is in two focus places that lens are common, and namely the distance of diffraction grating 1230 to first lens 1210 and second lens 1220 all equals the focal length of lens.Input and output array 800 comprises 1 input port and N output port, and its end face overlaps with the focal plane, the outside of first lens 1210.And adjustable handover module array 12700 is formed along the X-direction arrangement in the X-Z plane by the adjustable handover module that equates with input wavelength quantity (being assumed to be m), the number of the output coordinate of each adjustable handover module is N, and the interval of output coordinate is consistent with input and output array 800.The Z axial coordinate of all adjustable handover modules is identical, and its catoptron overlaps with the focal plane, the outside of second lens 1220, thereby constituted a 4F optical system, namely the optical range from object plane (optical port) to image planes (catoptron) is the optical system of 4 focal lengths, as shown in the figure.

Characteristics of 4F system are that the distance on its object plane and the image planes is 1: 1 reflection, if with the incident light translation certain distance on the object plane, then its emergent light on image planes also can move same distance, and vice versa.

The wavelength of the light signal that transmits in the wavelength-division multiplex system and all fixing at interval, at the frequency spectrum of light signal in the specific band shown in the frequency spectrum of input end among the accompanying drawing 10A.Wherein each cylindricality represents a wavelength signals, and its width represents its bandwidth, and it highly represents its watt level.Input signal comprises m wavelength signals λ 1～λ m, and its power has nothing in common with each other.These optical signals input ports 800 enter, and are divided compound module 900 to be divided into two polarized light components along Y direction in the Y-Z plane.Because the sightingpiston of accompanying drawing 10A is the X-Z plane, so two polarized light components of each wavelength overlap in whole communication process, represent with a light, are called the light beam of this wavelength.The light beam of all wavelengths behind further collimator and extender, incides diffraction grating 1230 subsequently through first lens 1210.

Diffraction grating is the very strong optical element of a kind of dispersive power, the incident light of different wave length can be carried out diffraction by different angles, thereby light beams of different wavelengths is separated in the space.Because the diffraction surfaces of diffraction grating 1230 is the X-Z plane, and its point diffraction is in the focus place of second lens 1220, though therefore the direction of propagating behind diffracted grating 1230 diffraction of light beams of different wavelengths has nothing in common with each other, and all can be reflected into parallel with the Z axle by second lens 1220 subsequently.Simultaneously, second lens 1220 can converge to all collimated light beams on its focal plane, so light beams of different wavelengths is separated fully and arranged along X-direction on the focal plane on its right side, the corresponding X-axis coordinate of the light beam of each wavelength is shown in accompanying drawing 12A.Adjustable handover module array 12700 then is arranged on the focal plane, right side of second lens 1220 in regular turn according to these X-axis coordinates, the corresponding wavelength (λ 1～λ m) of each is adjustable handover module, thus the ratio that the light beam of this wavelength carries out independently translation switching and output power is regulated.

After the light beam of each wavelength and is reflected at corresponding adjustable handover module translation, return chromatic dispersion module 1200 along Z axle negative direction.Because translation is finished in the Y-Z plane, so the X-axis coordinate of light beam does not all have to change, in the X-Z plane, still return along original route.And for chromatic dispersion module 1200, its chromatic dispersion spectroscopic processes in the X-Z plane is completely reversibility, so the light beam of all wavelengths is a branch of light by being reconsolidated in the X-Z plane.And in the Y-Z plane, two polarized light components of each wavelength further are merged into a branch of light by branch compound module 900 subsequently, get back to input and output array 800 then.At this moment, though light beams of different wavelengths overlaps in the X-Z plane, its Y-axis coordinate in the Y-Z plane is different.Adjustable handover module array 12700 light beam to each wavelength in the Y-Z plane has carried out independently translation, and these translational movements have been mapped to input and output array 1200 by the 4F system at 1: 1.Therefore, the output Y-axis coordinate of the light beam of each wavelength, just its output port is selected by corresponding adjustable handover module.Simultaneously, because the 4F system does not change the polarization polarization state of light, so adjustable handover module can be delivered to branch compound module 900 insusceptibly to the adjusting of the power proportions of polarized light component, thereby realize the regulatory function of output power.

To sum up, by controlling adjustable handover module array 12700, can select the output port of each input wavelength and its output power is regulated.Shown in accompanying drawing 12A, the m that power is a different input wavelength outputs to respectively in N the output port by different combinations, and by regulating the output power of each wavelength, has realized smooth output spectrum (being each wavelength power unanimity).Certainly, the needs according to practical application also can obtain output spectrum arbitrarily by the output power of regulating each wavelength.

Optical routing device with the selection wavelength of a 1*2 port is example below, analyzes the concrete light path in the Y-Z plane.By above analysis as can be known, though the angle of diffraction of each operation wavelength in the X-Z plane is different with corresponding adjustable handover module, therefore but its switching principle in the Y-Z plane is identical, is that example is carried out optical path analysis with a λ x in the input wavelength only below.

Shown in accompanying drawing 12B, wavelength is to be divided into two polarized light components by light splitting compound module 900 along Y-axis after the light signal of λ x enters the optical routing device of selecting wavelength, incides first lens 1210 along Z axle positive dirction then.1210 pairs of two polarized light components of first lens collimate and expand, its beam diameter is increased to satisfy system the diffraction resolution requirement.Simultaneously, because the optical axis of first lens 1210 is parallel to the Z axle, therefore two polarized light components are propagated to its focus direction by first lens, 1210 refraction backs.And because diffraction grating 1230 is in the focal position of first lens 1210, therefore the incidence point of two polarized light components on diffraction grating 1230 overlaps, and in the X-Z plane diffraction takes place.And in the Y-Z plane, two polarized light component directions of propagation behind diffraction do not change, and incide second lens 1220 according to original direction.Because the focus of first lens 1210 and second lens 1220 overlaps, therefore for second lens 1220, two polarized light components are from its focus, so all become Z axle positive dirction by the direction of propagation, second lens, 1220 refraction back, and after the intersection through the lens focus place, two polarized light components have exchanged the position in Y direction.Simultaneously, second lens 1220 can converge to its focal plane with the polarized light component of two collimations, just with the mirror surface of the adjustable handover module 1000 of wavelength X x correspondence on.Two polarized light components are regulated and reflection by adjustable handover module 1000 translations, (power proportions) subsequently, and its process is identical with the device situation of control light signal, no longer repeats at this.Each polarized light component, is expanded and converges conversion through same, and after dividing the merging of converging module 900 subsequently, got back to input and output array 800 along Z axle negative direction incident chromatic dispersion module 1200 by translation and reflection back.

Because first lens 1210 are identical with the focal length of second lens 1220, therefore the translational movement of 1000 pairs of polarized light components of adjustable handover module has been mapped to input and output array 800 at 1: 1.But because the incident path of polarized light component and reflection paths in the intersection at two lens focus places, have caused 4F system rear and front end translation direction opposite in sign.That is to say that if the translation direction of 1000 pairs of polarized light components of adjustable handover module is the Y-axis positive dirction, the translation direction when it gets back to input and output array 900 is so born.

By above optical path analysis as can be known, all light beams are when just propagating between first lens 1210 and second lens 1220, just in the chromatic dispersion light splitting with close in the process of light, all be the major diameter collimated light beam that expands through long-focus lens, just in time satisfy optical grating diffraction resolution to the requirement of the diameter of incident beam.Simultaneously, because all light beams are all through the common focus of first lens 1210 and second lens 1220, the position of diffraction grating 1230 just is so all launching spots all overlap on diffraction grating 1230.These characteristics have significantly reduced the requirement of system to the area of diffraction grating 1230.

In addition, because the optical routing device of above-mentioned selection wavelength is based on the device of control light signal, therefore the device with the control light signal is the same, and the optical routing device of selection wavelength provided by the invention also can be by the pattern work of 1*N or N*1.The inference of being not difficult, under the N*1 mode of operation, select the optical routing device of wavelength can from each input port, select different wavelength combinations, and after the power of the light signal of each wavelength regulated, merge to output port output, detailed process no longer repeats at this.

For the ease of understanding, adjustable handover module array is made of a plurality of independently adjustable handover modules when more than analyze selecting the principle of work of optical routing device of wavelength.And in actual applications, adjustable handover module array structurally be not disperse but as shown in Figure 13 integrated morphology.

At first, belong to all polarization adjusters of same switch unit in the adjustable handover module array, all be integrated in a large-scale liquid crystal cell, namely in the polarization adjuster array 1311, shown in accompanying drawing 13A (sightingpiston is X-Y plane).The two sheet glass substrates (overlapping in the X-Y sightingpiston) of liquid crystal cell 1311 connect by the O-ring seal 1301 of annular, at cavity 1302 of the inner formation of cushion rubber, wherein are full of liquid crystal.The transparency electrode of glass substrate inboard (ITO) then etches pel array λ 1～λ m of a linearity by the method for photoetching, wherein the transparency electrode between any two neighbors is all separated fully.Therefore, the structure of liquid crystal cell 1311 in the Y-Z plane of each location of pixels is identical with liquid crystal cell shown in Figure 4, and each pixel is independent lead-in wire, and its driving voltage can independently be controlled, a suitable polarization adjuster independently.Simultaneously, the X-axis coordinate of all pixels in the array, corresponding one by one with the X-axis coordinate of all working wavelength on first lens, 1220 back focal planes, so polarization adjuster array 1311 can independently be modulated the light signal of all wavelengths.

Based on the adjustable handover module array 1300 (sightingpiston is the X-Z plane) shown in accompanying drawing 13B of polarization adjuster array 1311, formed by several switch units 1310 and a reflector element 1320.Wherein each switch unit 1310 is made up of a light polarization modulator array 1311 and a light beam translation sheet 1312 again.Light beam translation sheet 1312 covers all pixels on the light polarization modulator array 1311 in X-Y plane, the direction of its optical axis (in the Y-Z plane) is then identical with the device design of corresponding control light signal with thickness.1320 of reflector elements are made up of a light polarization modulator array 1311 and a catoptron 1322, and catoptron 1322 covers all pixels on the light polarization modulator array 1311 in X-Y plane.Simultaneously, forming all switch units 1310 of adjustable handover module array 1300 and the pel array of reflector element 1320 overlaps in X-Y plane fully, the light signal that is each wavelength can be through the respective pixel on all light polarization modulator arrays 1311, thereby can be switched fully independently.Therefore, adjustable handover module array 1300 and adjustable handover module array 12700 shown in Figure 12 are equivalences fully.

In Figure 12, diffraction grating 1230 is the transmission-type grating, and namely incident light and diffraction light lay respectively at the grating of its both sides.In actual applications, can use the reflection-type grating, namely incident light and diffraction light all the grating in the same side replace the transmission-type grating, thereby light path is folded and significantly dwindles its size, as shown in Figure 14.After reflection grating 1400 is replaced transmission grating 1230, be Z axle negative direction diffraction to the same side with incident light, being equivalent to whole optical path is that symmetric points fold along Z-direction with the point diffraction.Second lens 1220 are omitted because overlapping with first lens 1210 after the light path folding, and role is equivalent to the effect of folding preceding two lens in the light path of first lens 1210 after folding.And adjustable handover module array (be example with integrated adjustable handover module array 1300) is reversed and moves on to the left side of first lens 1210 after folding, and towards Z axle positive dirction, and its mirror surface overlaps with the focal plane, left side of first lens 1210.Input and output array 800 and divide 900 of compound modules near adjustable handover module array 1300, its Z axial coordinate is constant, the end face that is input and output array 800 still overlaps with the focal plane, left side of first lens 1210, and its X-axis coordinate can be adjusted according to the size of adjustable handover module array 1300 and the angle of diffraction of reflection grating 1400 after light path folding, and does not influence the validity of 4F system.It is easy to show that, the optical routing device of the Wavelength-selective behind folding shown in the accompanying drawing 14 is the still light path in the Y-Z plane of the light path in the X-Z plane no matter, be equivalence fully with optical routing device light path with Wavelength-selective shown in Figure 12 all, concrete process no longer repeats.The optical routing device of the Wavelength-selective after folding is still a 4F system, and its length on Z-direction shortens to 2F (two focal length of first lens 1210) by 4F (four focal length of first lens 1210).

In like manner, as shown in Figure 15, can use spherical reflector to replace first lens 1210 and come the light path of the optical routing device of the selection wavelength shown in the accompanying drawing 14 is further folded.The optical surface 1501 of spherical reflector 1500 is a sphere, and its surface is coated with highly reflecting films, when incident light is reflected, also as lens light beam is had the effect of conversion.The spherical radius of spherical reflector 1500 is the twice of the focal length F of first lens 1210, and its equivalent focal length is 1/2nd of spherical radius, and namely the focal length F with first lens 1210 equates.And its focus is positioned at sphere left side, and apart from the position of sphere summit F, so its focal plane overlaps with the focal plane of original first lens 1210.

After using first lens 1210 in the spherical reflector 1500 replacement accompanying drawings 14, the light path of the optical routing device of selection wavelength shown in Figure 14 is symmetric points with first lens, 1210 present positions, folds again along Z-direction.Folding back reflection grating 1400 also has been moved on the focal plane, left side of spherical reflector 1500 again, and its optical surface is reversed, and becomes towards Z axle positive dirction.And the Z axial coordinate of adjustable handover module array 1300, input and output array 800 and branch compound module 1300 does not all have to change, the optical routing device of the selective light wavelength after therefore folding again is still a 4F system, its length on Z-direction is then foreshortened to F again, as shown in Figure 15.Similarly, the optical routing device of selective light wavelength shown in the accompanying drawing 15 is the still light path in the Y-Z plane of the light path in the X-Z plane no matter, is equivalence fully with optical routing device light path with the selective light wavelength shown in the accompanying drawing 12 all, and detailed process is not repeated.

It is to be noted, position and the relativeness and revocable of adjustable handover module array 1300, input and output array 800 (and the corresponding compound module 900 that divides) and reflection grating 1400 can be adjusted according to the angle of diffraction of reflection grating 1400 and the size of each module.And as long as keep their Z axial coordinate constant, namely keeping the validity of 4F system, the light path of the optical routing device of selective light wavelength just still is equal to original light path.

The above is preferred embodiment of the present invention only, is not for limiting protection scope of the present invention.Within the spirit and principles in the present invention all, any modification of doing, be equal to replacement, improvement etc., all should be included within protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. the method for a translation polarized light is characterized in that, described method comprises:

2. according to the method for the described mobile polarized light of claim 1, it is characterized in that described switching polarization polarization state of light comprises: switch the polarization polarization state of light by changing driving voltage.

3. the device of a translation polarized light is characterized in that, described device comprises at least one light polarization modulator, at least one light beam translation sheet, optical rotation plate and catoptron;

Catoptron is used for reflect polarized light.

4. according to the device of the described translation polarized light of claim 3, it is characterized in that described light polarization modulator switches the polarization polarization state of light by changing driving voltage.

5. a method of controlling light signal is characterized in that, described method comprises:

Synthetic described second translation rear polarizer light and the outgoing.

6. according to the method for the described control light signal of claim 5, it is characterized in that extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component in the described complete separating incident light comprise:

7. according to the method for the described control light signal of claim 5, it is characterized in that extraordinary ray component and ordinary light component in the described complete separating incident light comprise:

8. a device of controlling light signal is characterized in that, described device comprises the input and output array, divides compound module, at least one light polarization modulator, at least one light beam translation sheet, polarization apparatus and catoptron;

Catoptron is used for reflect polarized light.

9. the device of described control light signal according to Claim 8 is characterized in that compound module comprised in described minute: uniaxial crystal, two reversible optical rotation plates and irreversible optical rotation plate at the most;

10. the device of described control light signal according to Claim 8 is characterized in that compound module comprised in described minute: first uniaxial crystal, the first reversible optical rotation plate, second uniaxial crystal, two optical rotation plates and irreversible optical rotation plate at the most;

11. the device of described control light signal is characterized in that according to Claim 8, described input and output array comprises:

12. the device of described control light signal is characterized in that according to Claim 8, described polarization apparatus is optical rotation plate or light polarization modulator, and described light polarization modulator rotates described translation rear polarizer polarization state of light to regulate the power of emergent light by driving voltage.

13. an optical routing method of selecting wavelength is characterized in that this method comprises:

14. the optical routing method according to the described selection wavelength of claim 13 is characterized in that, described polarized light according to the described polarization state unanimity of different wavelength separated comprises:

Collimate the polarized light of described polarization state unanimity;

15. an optical routing device of selecting wavelength is characterized in that, described device comprises: input and output array, branch compound module, chromatic dispersion module, at least one light polarization modulator, at least one light beam translation sheet, optically-active module and catoptron;

Catoptron is for the polarized light of reflection different wave length;

16. the optical routing device according to the described selection wavelength of claim 15 is characterized in that, described chromatic dispersion module comprises:

17. the optical routing device according to the described selection wavelength of claim 15 is characterized in that, described chromatic dispersion module comprises:

18. the optical routing device according to the described selection wavelength of claim 15 is characterized in that, described chromatic dispersion module comprises:

19. the optical routing device according to the described selection wavelength of claim 15 is characterized in that, described light polarization modulator is the first light polarization modulator array, and described optically-active module is the second light polarization modulator array;