CN1306630A

CN1306630A - Mirror based fiber optica switch and control system

Info

Publication number: CN1306630A
Application number: CN 99807786
Authority: CN
Inventors: 拉奥尔·赫策尔
Original assignee: Astarte Fiber Networks Inc
Current assignee: Astarte Fiber Networks Inc
Priority date: 1998-06-05
Filing date: 1999-06-03
Publication date: 2001-08-01
Also published as: EP1110114A4; MXPA00012022A; BR9910904A; JP2002519710A; WO1999067666A1; AU6381599A; EP1110114A1; CA2334279A1; NZ508624A

Abstract

A fiber optical control system for use in an optical switch comprising a fiber assembly (86), a signal separator (88), a sensor unit (90), a lens assembly (92), stationary mirror (94), targeting RED (96), moveable mirror assembly (98) with mounted alignment REDs (100), window (102) and a processor (104). The separator (88) separates the control signals from the communication signals so that the control signals are received by the sensor unit (90) and the communication signals are received by fiber (106). The control signals received by the sensor unit (90) provide target identification and alignment information for connecting target fibers. The assembly (98) is used to actuate both targeting and alignment adjustments. The mirror surface (132) of the moveable mirror assembly move in response to commands from processor (104) to allow for adjustment of the optical path of the communication and control signals received through window (102) in two dimensions relative to the fiber (106) and sensor unit (90).

Description

Mirror based fiber optica switch and control system

In general, the present invention relates to fiber switch, specifically, relate to a kind of miniature fiber construction of switch that adopts moving reflector, also relate to aiming and collimation control system.

The optical matrix switch is normally used for transmitting the communication system of voice signal, vision signal and digital signal.In general, the optical matrix switch comprises a plurality of inputs and/or output, and concatenation ability is arranged, and is used for the purpose of signal transmission, preferably makes each input and/or output be combined into N * N switch application, and enabling has a plurality of connections simultaneously.In each part there, through the end transmission and/or the receiving optical signal of optical fiber.The end of optical fiber importation and output is connected with optical mode, and passes the switch interface.With regard to this respect, the input end of optical fiber and output terminal are physically located in the both sides (in order to aiming or bending light path contact therebetween) at switch interface, the mode of the matrix that joins by face and face, on the same physics side at the switch interface of catoptron, perhaps can disperse to be provided with towards catoptron by the mode of single arranged.

Between given importation optical fiber and given output optical fiber, connect, make it be configured to light path and pass switch interface between the optical fiber end.A kind of method that constitutes light path is such as being to utilize the flexural piezoelectric device to move or curved fiber.Make optical fiber to be connected and bending apparatus gang, the signal from optical fiber is aligned with each other, connect thereby form the required optics that passes the switch interface.According to adding to the crooked amount of bending apparatus electric signal control.By the proper arrangement bending apparatus, can influence the control of this two-dimensional alignment.The another kind of method that constitutes the light path between input optical fibre and the output optical fibre comprises uses the moving reflector that is inserted between described input and the output optical fibre.In this case, it is static that optical fiber end keeps, and catoptron is used to switch transition.Catoptron can make any one importation optical fiber link together with optical mode and any one output optical fiber.

The operation of gauge tap comprises aiming identification and aims at.Aiming identification refers to two optical fiber of identification, and this two optical fiber is to pass the switch interface and connected, in order to realize the transmission of signal of communication subsequently betwixt.With regard to this respect, can be interpreted as first fiber array that is included in switch first side to optical switch and at second fiber array of switch second side.In fact, first optical fiber and second optical fiber can be disperseed to be arranged to an independent framed structure towards catoptron, the mode that perhaps can make first and second optical fiber connect side arrangement by the side is positioned at the same specific side at switch interface, and described switch interface is by catoptron and optical interconnection.Thereby, " first side " and " second side " should be interpreted as relevantly with the transfer path of signal, and be not to belong to a kind of specific arrangement.Therefore, aim at identification and can comprise the identification plan by one of interconnected first optical fiber and one of second optical fiber.Can constitute light path after this, the fiber optics mode that is identified is connected to each other.Aligning refers to the optics that is identified between the optical fiber and connects, in order that be most appropriate to the transmission of signal.

Existing aiming and alignment system adopt Radiation Emission device (RED) usually, as are used for light or infrared radiation emitting diode (LED), laser instrument or the VCSEL laser instrument (vertical-cavity surface emitting laser) of fiber identification and aligning.Normally one or more RED are installed on every optical fiber of each matrix, such as contiguous with the optical fiber that becomes matrix structure with known spatial relationship.These RED make radiation pass the matrix that the switch interface arrives the opposite.In addition, the mode that connects together by each the bar optical fiber with each matrix is provided with optical receiver.For example, optical receiver can be attached in the coating of twin-core fiber, the central optical fiber of described twin-core fiber is used to transmit signal of communication.Receiver receives from a RED of opposite matrix or the radiation of a plurality of RED, and the radiation that is received is offered sensor/feedback system, is used for the control aiming.In this manner, can earlier each RED be used to intend the signal of the optical fiber that is connected.After this, can aim at the best by analyzing from aiming at the signal that the relevant RED of optical fiber is sent to other correlation receiver with one, making; Vice versa.

Though this common aiming and alignment system provide satisfactory accuracy, they are subjected to certain restriction at the design aspect of switch.At first, be attached to the design that each RED in the fiber matrix and optical fiber can limit described array, perhaps hinder array is minimized.In addition, its useful area is bigger usually for sensor used in this conventional system, and correspondingly, its signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio) is just lower.The twin-core fiber of transmission and reception usefulness also is very expensive, and is difficult to switch is made into reliable goods.Therefore, should preferentially design the fiber switch that minimizing or restriction need twin-core fiber, and common aiming and the alignment system of suggestion restriction.

Important consideration in the switch designs is the size of limit switch, and provides the number of used input and output part, also promptly increases each several part and photoconduction to the long-pending density of the gathering of unit.Be recognized that, particularly based on photoconduction under the moving reflector situation of unit, by between bending optical fiber and the moving reflector and/or the light path between moving reflector and the switch interface, can arrive bigger gather density.In addition,, preferably be positioned in the light path of bending by with the outside of control signal source location at fiber array, to reduce the size of required light path, the advantage of the good tight ness rating that can realize healing.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the device that provides a kind of optical matrix switching system to use adopts the bending light path that combines with moving reflector, so that can make the switch designs miniaturization.Described optical switch is used for making arbitrary of first optical fiber and a large amount of second optical fiber to be connected.With regard to this respect, each bar in described first and second optical fiber all has the photoconduction that himself comprises moving reflector to the unit.The inventive system comprises the convergence eyeglass, as the lens that link to each other with optical fiber end, be used for and be converged to light beam by the signal that optical fiber transmits (as collimated light beam, perhaps focused beam preferably), also comprise the bending eyeglass between the switch boundary zone that places described convergence eyeglass and separate with moving reflector, be used to bend the light path of light beam.Described bending eyeglass can comprise such as second moving reflector or static catoptron, and it is preferably at moving reflector and bending in the light path between the eyeglass.So can understand, described moving reflector and bending eyeglass form photoconduction to the unit between described convergence eyeglass and switch interface.In order to improve tight ness rating, bending eyeglass and moving reflector are combined, make from assemble eyeglass to photoconduction to the travel path of incident light of unit and substantially parallel to the unit to the emergent light path at movable interface from photoconduction.

According to another aspect of the present invention, select position, to improve the tight ness rating of switch based on the control signal source in the optical matrix switch of moving reflector.The work of described switch is to be used to utilize the light path at the switch interface that extends through between the described optical fiber to connect first and second optical fiber, and it comprises moving reflector, is used to make light signal directive first optical fiber.With regard to the tight ness rating of switch, can be familiar with, can reduce the overall dimension of switch by what be positioned at switch fiber matrix outside such as LED, laser diode, vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) or other Radiation Emission device (RED) etc., thus packaged fiber more densely.In addition, also find RED in light path with respect to moving reflector with for the position of any other catoptron of being provided with of bending light path can influence the size of required catoptron, then influence the tight ness rating of switch.

This device that constitutes on the one hand comprises one at least between first and second optical fiber and about the spaced RED of light path according to the present invention, also comprise sensor, in order to control that is received from the RED emission and the signal that reflects by moving reflector by the known relationship setting of relative light path.Described control signal is generally used for making between first and second optical fiber and constitutes light path, promptly is used for aiming identification (discerning optical fiber to be aimed in the middle of a large amount of optical fiber) and/or aims at (the fine tuning light path is so that the loss of signal reduces to minimum).Preferably described RED is placed relative work side, switch interface with the sensor that is used to receive from the signal of RED, this side may be or may not be the relative physics side at switch interface.Specifically, under the sensor situation related, RED is placed near between moving reflector and/or the fast mirror and first optical fiber about light path with second optical fiber.For example, can make the RED of aligning be located substantially on the place, plane of moving reflector, and the RED that can make spaced alignment is between moving reflector and first optical fiber, promptly near the place, plane or this plane of another catoptron, in order to bend light path.

In optical matrix switch, adopt focusing lens more on the one hand according to of the present invention, in order to improve light transmissioning efficiency based on moving reflector.Corresponding devices comprises first focusing lens, and it is inserted between first and second optical fiber ends with optical mode; Also comprise second focusing lens that is placed between first focusing lens and second optical fiber end.First focusing lens images in first optical fiber end on second focusing lens.Similarly, second focusing lens images in second optical fiber end on first focusing lens.In addition, described switch preferably includes a moving reflector relevant with each optical fiber end, and preferably with optical mode described first and second eyeglasses is placed and be used for the relative both sides of between the described optical tip moving reflector of pilot signal.The signal that use is focused, for example opposite with aiming symbol signal improves the optical efficiency of described switch.

According to a kind of embodiment of the present invention, every optical fiber is installed in the housing to the place, fixed position of unit at the photoconduction with respect to optical fiber self.The end of this housing supporting optical fiber, by known spatial relationship described sensor is set with optical fiber end, moving reflector is used for respect to the optical fiber end guide beam, lens subassembly couples together moving reflector and optical fiber end and a static catoptron with optical mode, and is positioned between moving reflector and the optical fiber end by optical mode.Moving reflector combines with static mirrors, formation is with respect to the light path of optical fiber end, make the optical signalling that between moving reflector and switch interface, transmits can be basically with optical fiber end and static mirrors between the signal that transmits aim at (such as substantially parallel).Preferably some alignings RED are placed in the place, plane of moving reflector or in its vicinity, and preferably more than one aligning RED are placed in the place, plane of static mirrors or in its vicinity.A plurality of unit can be formed in the independent shell.

Resulting in the enclosure bending light path can be used in a plurality of unit cell arrangement and becomes compact matrix structure.In other words, the photoconduction of each tool its oneself can be located in a row in mode side by side to many optical fiber of unit, be stacked to row again, form the array of a two dimension.Can make such array pass the switch interface and dock, perhaps can comprise the input and output optical fiber that is dispersed in the described array with another array.Under latter event, can utilize to be positioned in the switch interface input and output optical fiber is connected towards the catoptron of described array.In addition, can there be a plurality of the connection simultaneously between each input and the output to the structure of unit for the photoconduction of every optic fibre separation, and, by optical alignment carefully, can make about each such connection optical loss minimum.In addition, by making up single moving reflector and the static mirrors that is used for the two-dimentional light beam guiding, and form light path, reduced the size of required optics and the size of whole switch about light path positioning control RED.

The invention still further relates to the optical fiber control system,, comprise control signal and signal of communication are separated as the structure of optical laying and/or alignment system sensitivity.Rely on this separation, can make the element that receives control signal away from the end of aiming at optical fiber, need not expensive and in-problem twin-core fiber thereby can realize.In addition, the structure of described sensitivity can improve the selective power of sensor, improving responding ability, and improves signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio).Realize that this structure can adopt at optical fibre interface place and aiming light static optical fiber end together, this structure can also be used to locate aiming RED and at the receiving element of fiber array region exterior, thereby provides the selective power that strengthens array design.

Again on the one hand the parts of off-path sensor as the optical fiber control system are set according to of the present invention, are used for aiming and/or aligning.Described optical fiber control system can be used as the parts of fiber switch, and it is used to the light path of formation at the interface between first optical fiber end and second optical fiber end, to improve optical communication contact therebetween.Preferably make described interface be subjected to bending, promptly, reduce required interface dimensions for the optical path length of given optical fiber to optical fiber.About this point, by the light path between each optical fiber end of the light path of determining such as the light of each lens and catoptron to be bent.Described control system comprises the control signal source related with first optical fiber end, is used to transmit control signal; The off-path sensor related with second optical fiber end is in order to receive control signal; And with the related processor of described off-path sensor, be used for obtaining light path and form information according to the control signal that is received.Described signal source preferably includes one or more RED, as light emitting diode or infrared radiation diode.Described off-path sensor is positioned to the light path of leaving focused beam.Preferably make this sensor be placed in the outside on the second optical fiber end plane.Can be by both also providing corresponding signal source and sensor, so that both sides control as required with the second optical fiber end ways of connecting with first optical fiber end.In addition, will be understood that this control system can realize being connected with many optical fiber such as fiber switch, be used for aiming at and control.Thereby from each optical fiber end zone, remove described sensor, to improve the selective power of sensor and The whole control system design.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the parts of light separator as the optical fiber control system are set, so that control signal is separated with signal of communication.Described control system comprises the control signal source related with first optical fiber end, is used for transmitting control signal along the light path between first optical fiber end and second optical fiber end; With the known sensor that the spatial relationship of described second optical fiber end is provided with, in order to receive the control signal that transmits; And be placed in light separator on the light path between first and second optical fiber ends, and be used to make control signal and signal of communication to separate, control signal being sent to described sensor, and signal of communication is sent to described second optical fiber.Described signal source can comprise one or more RED, it by with known to first relation that concerns the end with respect to the light path setting, so that provide the indication of first end position, the feedback that is used to control.About this point, described signal source can be placed near the plane place of first end or its, perhaps place a plurality of other positions along the light path between each optical fiber end, perhaps place near the plane of the catoptron of light path of bending or lens.Described light separator is preferably with height singularity, such as distinguishing signal of communication and control signal according to wavelength or other optical characteristics, so that separate each signal.For example, described light separator can selectively guide transmission and control each signal about the ingress path that separates according to signal evident characteristics separately.According to a kind of specific embodiment, described light separator comprises the surface of a partial reflection, it has the reflection/transmission characteristic relevant with wavelength, as half-reflecting mirror, make the major part of one of signal of communication and control signal all be reflected to a horizontal ingress path, the then most of transmission of another kind of signal and not reflecting.In this manner, can be used in the sensor that receives control signal and be placed to such an extent that separate, in order to improve the selective power of design with second optical fiber end.

According to another aspect of the present invention, optical fiber control system of the present invention is inserted in the optical switch.Described optical switch comprises some first optical fiber and some second optical fiber, and wherein first optical fiber is passed the optical interface district and docked with second optical fiber with optical mode.About this point, such as the opposite flank that the end of the end of first optical fiber and second optical fiber can be placed in described boundary zone, be placed in the same side of described boundary zone and mutually skew or be placed in the same side of boundary zone and in the mode of disperseing in same district.Similarly, can utilize the light path (as adopting catoptron) of direct light path or bending, the described first optical fiber end and the second optical fiber end are connected together.Described optical fiber control system comprises control signal source and off-path control signal sensor, and they are associated with each bar first optical fiber and second optical fiber, also comprise disposal system, in order to according to measured control signal calculation control information.The signal source of every optical fiber is handled, with recognition objective and aligning.Described aiming at the mark preferably includes the control signal of sound use from a plurality of RED, and as the array of forming from four RED, each RED is corresponding with every optical fiber.Such array can provide the alignment information of two dimensional form.In order to provide target identification information, one or more RED that are used to aim at are associated with each bar optical fiber, perhaps can make each aim at RED and be handled, transmit aiming with alignment information, respectively aim at RED with coding aiming information such as modulation.Aim at RED at each and also transmit under the situation of aiming information, can be by that separate, overlapping mode, perhaps interior at interval at one time aiming information and the alignment information of transmitting.

According to another aspect of the present invention, adopt signal source separately and sensor to be used for aiming and aligning.Relevant optical fiber control system comprises registration signal source and aiming symbol source, the registration signal source that is associated with second optical fiber end and the aiming symbol source that is associated with first optical fiber end and is used for calculating according to each aiming symbol and registration signal and aims at and the processor of alignment information.Described registration signal source and aiming symbol source with known but mutually different spatial relationship to first optical fiber end with respect to the light path setting between described first and second optical fiber ends.Particularly constitute described aiming symbol source and registration signal source with respect to described light path and relevant light beam, make by the registration signal of described registration signal source reception from the registration signal source, and by the aiming symbol of described aiming symbol source reception from the aiming symbol source.This signal that separates and sensor can be applicable to according to the special aligning of sensor or aiming function, the effective sensor of selecting as special resolution, arithmetic speed and signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio) demand.

According to another aspect of the present invention, realize aiming at of first optical fiber and second optical fiber according to the incoming position of control signal on sensor surface.Corresponding optical fiber control system comprises: the signal source that is associated with the end of first optical fiber, in order to emissioning controling signal; The end sensor associated of the sensor surface and second optical fiber is in order to receive described control signal; And the processor that is associated with described sensor, in order to definite incident information relevant with the incoming position of control signal on sensor surface, and according to this incident information calculations alignment information.Sensor surface can be an independent continuous surface, or the surface through dividing.Under the situation of continuous surface, can determine described incident information in this surperficial corner or in the difference output that other position received with respect to the response incoming signal.For sensor surface through dividing, then can respond the signal that is received, determine described incident information by measurement/comparison from the output of one or more subregions.Thereby described control system can be used in follows the selective power that improves sensor, aims at exactly simultaneously, and this comprises along with improving signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio), reduces the size of sensor element simultaneously.

So the present invention can be used in optical fiber control, need not twin-core fiber or control element in the plane of wanting connected optical fiber end.In this manner, the present invention provides the selective power of improved structure and sensor design, in order to improve response and signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio).

The present invention also provides a kind of quick and reliable system that aims in optical switch.The identification that this system can be used to aim at according to the control signal that is associated with particular fiber, and irrelevant with the controlled ordering of the pulse of whole switch arrays.In this manner, need not long pulse train and just can realize Target Recognition, thus the time of having improved the aiming response.In addition, the control signal element that is associated with each bar optical fiber of switch can need not with reference to public timing system when moving.Therefore, can reduce the fault of whole switch, improve reliability.

Provide a kind of device more on the one hand according to of the present invention, be used for recognition objective optical fiber in fiber array, so that can make aiming optical fiber and optical switch, aim at as the opposite flank of N * N switch.Described device comprises several and the control signal source unit that each optical fiber of fiber array is associated, and also comprises the aiming unit, is used to handle a signal source unit of one of each optical fiber, to send target identifying code.The described target identifying code that sends from a signal source system comprises identifying information, is enough to indication aiming optical fiber, such as the position (as with respect to the axle of determining) of indexed optical fiber (as the array position of optical fiber) or optical fiber.

Described signal source unit can comprise one or more RED.These RED can be LED, infrared-emitting diode, laser instrument or VCSEL.These RED can be used to aiming and aim at, and perhaps can make each RED separately be used for aiming at and being used for aligning.In addition, can send aiming symbol and registration signal, perhaps can transmit aiming information and alignment information simultaneously in the different moment.For example, by pulsed modulation, and coding aiming identifying information can become aiming information coding and aim at transmission.The present invention also provides corresponding method of sight.In this manner, can realize aiming identification, and need not the pulsed modulation of the row and the row of corresponding array, and need not the corresponding general system clock of signal therewith.Therefore, make the structure of switch and work formation all obtain simplifying, the speed of switch is improved.

In order further to improve the travelling speed of switch, can in one period given time interval, make some aligning RED work, replace of short duration continuous time.With regard to this respect, can make a plurality of RED (as two, three, four or more) be used for being connected, so that two-dimensional alignment accurately with each bar optical fiber of array.Usually, sequentially start this a plurality of aligning RED, make signal easily to be identified for the purpose of handling.According to one aspect of the present invention, aim at the signal of RED from each, can be subjected to frequency modulation (PFM) (such as by modulating each RED) with signal by single frequency pulse from one or more aiming RED that separate, even make in one period common time period to receive signal, also can discern them from each signal source by a public sensor.Therefore, further reduce the sequential firing signal, thereby further improved the speed of switch.

Provide a kind of device more on the one hand according to of the present invention, in order to N * N fiber switch of response aiming identification code control.Related switch work is used for making any one (aiming at optical fiber as second) in the many optical fiber of second bundle that comprised in any one (as first aiming optical fiber) and second array in the many optical fiber of first bundle that first array comprised to link to each other.Each bar optical fiber of these two arrays is associated with following respectively: 1) control signal transmitter unit, it comprises at least one radiation source that is used for emissioning controling signal, 2) be used to detect the control signal sensing system of control signal, with 3) be used to constitute the aiming unit of light path, be connected so that between the optical fiber of the optical fiber of first array and second array, form optics.

The device that is used for gauge tap comprises coding transmitter that is associated with the first aiming optical fiber of first array and the coding receiver that is associated with the second control signal sensing system that aims at optical fiber of second array.The coding transmitter is handled the control system ejector system of the first aiming optical fiber, comprises the control signal of the coded message relevant with the first aiming optical fiber with transmission.The coding receiver obtains and the relevant coded message of the first aiming optical fiber, makes that coded message can be used for the sighting system of the second aiming optical fiber, to aim at the first aiming optical fiber.In this manner, in N * N fiber switch, finish aiming, and need not pulsed modulation as corresponding a plurality of RED on wide array basis.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention with its other advantage, below for a more detailed description with reference to accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1A-1C is the synoptic diagram of the fiber switch of example, and this switch links to each other with realizing control system of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates the particular kind of relationship between RED of the present invention and the optical fiber end;

Fig. 3 is the pulse train curve that expression the present invention is used to aim at RED and aims at RED;

Fig. 4 is the pulse train curve that expression another kind of the present invention is used to aim at RED and aims at RED;

Fig. 5 illustrates the another kind of RED of the present invention and optical fiber end and arranges;

Fig. 6 is another arrangement of RED of the present invention and optical fiber end;

Fig. 7 illustrates the pulse train curve of five RED that the present invention is used to aim at and aim at;

Fig. 8 illustrates the pulse train curve that the present invention is used to five RED of another kind of aiming at and aiming at;

Fig. 9 illustrates the frequency modulation (PFM) curve of realizing that the present invention is used for five RED aimings and aims at;

Figure 10 represents the side view of off-path transducer arrangements among the present invention;

Figure 11 is the skeleton view of Figure 10 mirror unit;

Figure 12 is a wavelength response curve of describing Figure 11 mirror unit;

Figure 13 is the vertical view of a kind of sensor design of expression the present invention;

Figure 14 is the vertical view of the another kind of sensor design of expression the present invention;

Figure 15 is the vertical view of another sensor design of expression the present invention;

Figure 16 is a kind of vertical view with the sensor design on aiming separately and alignment detector surface of expression the present invention;

Figure 17 is the vertical view that expression another kind of the present invention has the sensor design on aiming separately and alignment detector surface;

Figure 18 is a side view of describing the part of the switch that combines with five RED optical fiber arrangements among the present invention;

Figure 19 is the side view of the control element that is associated with an independent optical fiber among the present invention of expression;

Figure 20 is the skeleton view of the control element that is associated with an independent optical fiber that is incorporated into the plate rail structure among the present invention of expression;

Figure 21 is the skeleton view of expression a kind of framework of the present invention;

Figure 22 illustrates a kind of plate rail structure of the present invention, is used to hold two optical fiber ends relevant with control element;

Figure 23 is the vertical view of a kind of sensor design of expression, and this design can be used for being connected with the control element of Figure 19;

Figure 24 is the circuit diagram that is connected used circuit with the sensor design of Figure 23;

Figure 25 is the vertical view that is used for the moving reflector assembly that links to each other with Figure 19 control element;

Figure 26 illustrates closed loop servo aiming and the process flow diagram of aiming at control procedure among the present invention;

Figure 27 A-27C represents several sensor constructions, is used for discussing the potential problems of the sensor current that is caused by the signal that drops on each sensor region outer locator;

Figure 28 represents the another kind of optical texture that switch of the present invention is used;

Figure 29 A-29C represents the plate rail instrument among the present invention;

Figure 30 A and 30B illustrate the working condition of the focusing lens that adopts among the present invention;

Figure 31-33 illustrates among the present invention other several photoconductions to the structure of unit.

Optical fiber control system of the present invention all is useful on the meaning of various hope with many relative optical fiber of optical mode connection.In the following description, by the embodiment of specific N * N optical switch, promptly the meaning of the used switch of communication network shows described optical fiber control system, and described communication network is to link to each other one of in the mode selected and capable first optical fiber of N and capable second optical fiber of N.But should be understood that various aspects of the present invention all have application more widely.

Control system of the present invention preferably adopts the optics control signal, and control provides feedback to closed loop servo aiming/aligning.With regard to this respect, described control system comprises the subsystem that sends optical signalling, is used for input, so that respond the control that measured control signal is determined required light path, also is used to start simultaneously the control of required light path.Pith of the present invention relates to the control RED that use is associated with an optical fiber, and this optical fiber is used for transmitting aiming identifying information and alignment information, also uses photoconduction to unit and detection architecture.But, when fully understand this optical switch and aiming and aligning control in comprised various subsystem the time, believe and can understand these aspects of the present invention and bonus better.Therefore, following narration comprises: the 1) general discussion of optical switch of the present invention; 2) discussion of various transmission light signal structures; 3) discussion of various optical signal detecting structures; 4) discussion of the specific embodiment that combines with specific transmission signal structure of the present invention and detection architecture.

Optical switch

With reference to each accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1A-1C is expression and the synoptic diagram that can realize that the N that control system of the present invention links to each other * N optical switch possibility structure is given an example.Illustrated each embodiment describes one 16 * 16 switch, though certain embodiments may comprise still less or be in fact more, as 256 * 256, and may be that straight line connects.Figure 1A represents the relative plate rail structure that a switch 10 is used.Switch 10 can be in the conveyer line 12 of first side any conveyer line 14 with second side in any one between select to be connected.This connection can be used in the two-way communication of information between the

conveyer line

12 and 14 that connects and gets in touch (as sound, image, data).These transmit straight line and are generally optical fiber, are used for sending optical pulse information or other electromagnetic radiation with optical mode.Therefore, will be understood that switch 10 can be the part communication network.

Be appreciated that the bells and whistles of switch 10 with reference to the synoptic diagram of Figure 1A.With regard to this respect, shown switch 10 comprises the first optics plate rail 16 and the second optics plate rail 18, and they are separated by transmitting district 20.Each plate rail comprises the window 22 related with

conveyer line

12 or 14, light signal can be crossed transmit district 20 and is transmitted, and so that " connections " worked, and permission is carried out optical signal communications and got in touch between arbitrary conveyer line 12 and arbitrary conveyer line 14.Though represent

plate rail

16 and 18, should be understood that just like following and will say that other physical layout all is to adopt with relevant bending light path (as using lens and catoptron) with relative relation.Similarly, even under the situation of relative plate rail structure, also can utilize the light path that is bent,, cross over the light path that transmits the district in order to provide to reduce the size of switch 10.

Figure 1B represent another kind of switch 10 arranged side by side ' structure.Switch 10 ' also can the conveyer line 12 of first side ' in any one with the conveyer line 14 of second side ' in any one between select to be connected.This connection by use

catoptron

17,15 of with dashed lines prevailingly the bending light paths of indication come into force.With regard to this respect, can understand, with respect to signal transmit light path determine switch 10 ' " first side " and " second side ", and not relative both sides with not needing the space.Illustrated bending light channel structure can be used for reducing switch 10 ' depth D.

Fig. 1 C represents another switch 10 " the structure of separating.This switch comprises single plate rail 16 " and catoptron 17 ".Plate rail 16 wherein ", the first and second side conveyer lines be dispersed in matrix structure each the row in.Can be related such as the first side conveyer line in the diagram with the window 19 of drawing shade, and the second side conveyer line can be related with the window 21 of not drawing shade.This structure both can be used for reducing switch 10 " depth D, can reduce its width W again.Though only represent and described three kinds of structures, it also is possible should understanding other structure.

Control system of the present invention can be used for selecting and switch is passed in aiming, such as

switch

10,10 ' and 10 " light path, and aim at the conveyer line that will connect.Will be understood that the process that is connected between selected one first side conveyer line and selected one the second side conveyer line of realizing, need relative photo transmission/receiving element that aimed at and that be aligned with each other.Exemplary systems need stipulate to pass through the light loss minimum of switch.Therefore, it is crucial taking accurate aim and aim at.In addition, the travelling speed of switch also is important consideration, therefore very wishes slewing and rapid alignment.Have, small-scale structure also is important consideration again, has answered these concerns just like the following control system of explaining of the present invention.

The emission light signal

Specifically, control system of the present invention adopts some radiation transmitters, and as Radiation Emission diode (RED), they are associated with each bar first side and the second side conveyer line.These RED can emitting infrared radiations, and they are used with the radiation of coordination, so that quick 1) conveyer line (first side and second side) and 2 that aimed at of identification) provide close-loop feedback, be used for servo aiming/aligning and control.Aiming herein is meant and transmits, and in order to discern conveyer line to be connected, also refers to handle suitable element (having as will be described below), in order to roughly to constitute light path between each conveyer line, so that connection is worked.Aligning is meant adjusts this connection subtly, in order to transmit signal of communication best.Following description provides some devices that are used to launch aiming and registration signal.In general, they comprise: 1) with identical RED emission aiming and registration signal; 2) with special-purpose RED emission aiming and registration signal; 3) in the staggered time interval or at one time at interval, separately obtain launching aiming symbol and emission registration signal; 4) with pulse mode or digital form or utilize signal modulation (being frequency modulation (PFM)) to realize transmitting.Will be understood that according to the present invention other device also is fine.

Fig. 2 usually represents a complete illustrative plate rail, as the front elevation of plate rail 16 (Figure 1A).Just, in general, it is relevant with the light path of losing between plate rail that the key of Fig. 2 is.Each bar optical fiber conveyer line in the plate rail 16 is all relevant with optical fiber end 24, normally with radiation is focused on to enter the lens that relevant conveyer line/radiation is focused on leaves relevant conveyer line relevant.For this reason, each row and each row optical fiber end 24 shown in can be judged on capable with each of each biographies line sending 12 space corresponding.In the embodiment of Fig. 2, each optical fiber end 24 is all centered on by four RED.The size of each optical fiber end 24 can change with switch, perhaps changes between each optical fiber of a switch with the person.Amplified optical fiber end 24 among Fig. 2 significantly, thereby can wholely express signal focus on optical fiber end 24 and focus on the lens of the signal that sends by optical fiber end 24.Will be understood that and optical fiber end 24 and RED can be placed different position (as the degree of depth with respect to the catbird seat of Fig. 2) along their common light path, as long as RED has known spatial relationship to relevant optical fiber end 24 about described light path.As from following description with accessible, every conveyer line 12 and 14 also comprises one or more radiation sources, in order to receive the radiation of RED.By conveyer line 12 or 14 places that relatively aiming at, as incide from the position on the sensor of the signal of each RED, the signal that receives from the RED of the conveyer line 14 of aiming or 12, can make feedback information be able to better with respect to aimed at/conveyer line 12 and 14 of aiming aims at the transmission light paths, with regard to this respect, for optical delivery, the conveyer line 12 and 14 with aiming that is aimed at is adjusted simultaneously.

With shown in the corresponding device of structure of four RED of every optical fiber conveyer line, control system of the present invention is used the RED pulse emission that is controlled, and is used for the control of target selection/identification and servo aiming/aligning.Fig. 3 illustrates the pulse transmitting sequence that is suitable for four relevant RED of the conveyer line that aimed at.This pulse profile is illustrated in the on/off cycle of RED in the whole time, in order to provide the digital signal emission effectively.As shown in the figure, in this device, whole four RED produce pulse (promptly in very first time section) at first simultaneously, with recognition objective, and promptly said optical fiber end relevant and/or condenser lens with RED.With regard to this respect, initial pulse train can be launched target identifying code.After this, four RED produce pulse in turn, are used for the position of servo aligning control indication associated fiber.Described coding can be to be enough to provide the coding of target identification information such as simple binary coding, Manchester coding or any other.In this manner, be used to signal, can realize Target Recognition fast and aim at control from four RED.What should illustrate is that former Target Recognition design proposal need be grown the identification signal of row with the row of sequence, comprises the pulse of the coordination in regular turn of N * N array.

Fig. 4 illustrates another kind of pulse train, and wherein the servocontrol pulse is modulated, in order to the emission target identification information.Just, for the purpose of aiming at, four RED work according to chronological order.In the time cycle that makes a specific RED job, it is by pulsed modulation, with the emission target identifying code.In this manner, aiming and servocontrol function are combined, in order to work as far as possible fast.

Fig. 5 represents Target Recognition and aims at used another kind of optical fiber/RED structure in the control.In an illustrated embodiment,, five RED28 are provided for each optical fiber end 30, aim at the RED32 branch of control with four and open for Target Recognition.Will be understood that the optical fiber end 30 shown in can making, servo aligning control RED32 and Target Recognition RED28 are placed in different position (as the degree of depth with respect to Fig. 5 catbird seat) along their common light path.In addition, the size of each optical fiber end 30 can change with switch, perhaps along with between each optical fiber of a switch and change.About relevant light path, aligning control RED32 and Target Recognition RED are set by known but different spatial relationships to corresponding optical fiber end 30.Present embodiment is also relevant with following other sensor construction that will describe.

Fig. 6 represents that another comprises the optical fiber of the 5th RED28 '/RED structure, is used for separately Target Recognition.In the embodiment of Fig. 6, (every optical fiber) four servo alignings control RED32 ', and Target Recognition RED28 ' all with respect to the optical path space of optical fiber end 30 ' relevant on depart from each optical fiber end 30 '.Therefore, will be understood that need not with respect to optical fiber end 30 ' or the special arrangement of Target Recognition RED28 ' aim at RED32 ', given RED32 ' and optical fiber end 30 ' between be known with respect to the spatial relationship of light path.

Fig. 7 represents to be used for the pulse transmitting sequence of Target Recognition and the control of servo aligning, uses five RED/ optical fiber ends shown in Fig. 5-6 to arrange.In general, be designed to the servo aligning RED32 or 32 ' of the RED of #1, #2, #3 and #4 among Fig. 7, and in general, the RED that is designed to #5 is corresponding with Target Recognition RED28 or 28 ' corresponding to Fig. 5 or 6.As shown in the figure, begin described pulse train by RED#5 with the pulse target identifying code.After this, RED#1-#4 is subjected to pulsed modulation in turn, is used for aiming at control.

Fig. 8 represents the another kind of pulse train that five RED/ optical fiber ends are arranged, and wherein sends into the target identifying code and the servo aiming gating pulse of pulse by while or temporary transient overlapping relation.Will be understood that the target identifying code that can easily make into pulse is distinguished with subsequently the servo gating pulse of aiming at, as described below can these pulses of separate detection.

Fig. 9 represents the signal projector spare that another kind of five RED/ optical fiber ends are arranged, and wherein sends pulse by while or temporary transient overlapping relation from all five RED.In this device, can distinguish the pulse of each RED#1-#5 by one or more sensors, because they are modulated by different frequencies.For example, can decompose each signal, perhaps utilize bandpass filter etc., the signal that meets of final gained is divided into component with its formation frequency dependence by the appropriate signals analysis.According to aforesaid example, will be understood that, the device that much transmits all is possible arrange with a plurality of RED, RED, use general or special-purpose RED be used for Target Recognition and the Target Recognition signal aiming at, be sent out and the time relationship between the registration signal, and the method that information is encoded into signal is correlated with.

Input

Will be understood that from top discussion, control signal (being Target Recognition signal and registration signal) and signal of communication (with the signal of each optical fiber conveyer line delivery) generally are the common light paths in the switch interface, perhaps send along a plurality of light paths that have known spatial relationship mutually.In fact, the relation between control signal light path and the signal of communication light path is the major part of needed closed loop servo-control system.Promptly relate to separating of control signal and signal of communication as the pith of control system of the present invention.Specifically, can expect control signal and signal of communication, thereby save because of error Control source due to the difference of light path along the relevant closed path operation that comprises such as same catoptron, lens and other eyeglass.But have been found that selective power and detection performance in order to improve probe designs, it still is useful that control signal is separated from this shared light path.

Utilization comprises the detector cells of off-path sensor can realize this separation.This unit 40 of a kind of embodiment is shown in the mode of signal among Figure 10.Described unit 40 comprises lens 42, and the radiation that is used for entering/to leave optical fiber 44 focuses on switch at the interface.In an illustrated embodiment, demultiplexer 46 is placed between lens 42 and the optical fiber 44, in order to separate the signal of incident by two light paths for the basis by wavelength, article one, be by the general indication of 43 of arrows from lens 42 through the communication light path of separation vessel 46 to optical fiber 44, second be by 45 general indications of arrow from lens 42 through the detection light path of separation vessel 46 to sensor module 48.Different wavestrips can be used for aiming symbol and signal of communication, so that separation vessel 46 is selected between first path and second path according to wavelength.For example, (be under the situation of infrared radiation as signal of communication of λ＞1310nm), RED can be that the diode of emission near-infrared radiation (is λ＜1310nm), or (radiation of visible emitting spectrum) light emitting diode to be at least 1310nm at emission wavelength.With regard to this respect, the wavelength of signal of communication can be 1310 and/or 1550nm, and the wavelength of RED is 880 and/or 950nm.

With regard to this respect, demultiplexer 46 can be polytype dichromatism light separator, as beam split cube, coated optical fibre or thin film optical filters.Separation vessel 46 as shown in figure 11, it is by two prism elements 50 that form and the 52 beam split cubes that form.At least can make the face at the interface between

element

50 and 52 coated, make this separation vessel have the response of filtering/reflection, represented just like Figure 12.Will be understood that in the wavelength coverage that the control signal wavelength of present embodiment can be chosen to, and signal of communication should be in the wavelength coverage greater than about 1200nm less than about 1000nm.

The multiple of radiation-sensitive surface of Figure 13-17 expression sensor module 48 may structure.Radiation-sensitive surface or sensor surface can be made by any near infrared sensitive material, in order to the electric signal that is directly proportional with the radiation signal of incident to be provided.Can read this electric signal from sensor surface with well-known electrode.Electric insulation part branch by sensor surface forms just like the demarcation strip in the following sensor that will discuss, and feasible signal from each area of diaphragm can be separated to detect.In addition, also can adopt ccd detector or other appropriate sensors system.The most handy silicon detector, because these detectors are generally to less than the 1100nm sensitivity, and to insensitive greater than 1200nm, making can not influence it basically from the spuious radiation of signal of communication.

Figure 13 represents to adopt the structure of an independent continuous sensor surface 54, is used for relevant with above-mentioned four RED/ optical fiber embodiment.When relevant optical fiber was aligned just, the image 56 of four RED dropped on the edge of sensor surface 54, made to receive equicohesive basically signal from each RED.For example, with reference to Fig. 2,10 and 13, wherein RED about relevant light path be arranged in optical fiber end around, just like that shown in Figure 2, the position of sensor surface 54 is general corresponding with respect to the position in path 43 with optical fiber 44 with respect to light path 45.In addition, sensor surface 54 can be settled to such an extent that the length of path 43 and 45 is equated basically.In this manner, lens 42 focus on signal of communication on the plane of optical fiber end basically, and control signal are focused on basically in the plane of sensor surface.

Read sensor surface 54 is to provide output signal, the light signal that its expression receives from four RED.With regard to this respect, owing to, can distinguish the signal of each RED such as the modulating frequency difference.Can analyze the relative intensity of output signal then by a processor, with target identification information and the alignment information that obtains encoding.Specifically, coded message is used for determine intending the position of the optical fiber of aiming, and roughly is configured for the light path that connects, connects to form optics.Be the signal of the goal analysis of aligning then from each RED.With regard to this respect, if the intensity of the signal of a given RED changes by the relation (with respect to surface 54) to its radially opposite RED, described processor can be determined and need aim at respect to corresponding axial adjustment.This adjustment can be with respect to the specific adjusted that intend to realize, such as by the end with piezoelectricity bending device bending optical fiber, transmits angle to change signal, and perhaps mobile mirror in the switch interface is with targeting signal transfer path again.According to the understanding of RED with respect to the position of signal transmission path, and the spatial relationship between sensor surface 54 and the associated fiber end, determine needed adjustment.Will be understood that four RED (lining up two pairs of relative positions) can be convenient to two-dimentional servo aiming and aligning is controlled.RED can be arranged to and provide direct two rotating shaft Control and Feedback adjustment moving reflector.Described catoptron can be constituted the reflecting surface of installation microscope machining thin slice, it is hinged or is adorned with universal joint, to rotate around two orthogonal axes.Correspondingly,, respond the control of suitable electric signal starting reflecting surface,, thereby make reflecting surface turn to suitable position, have and realize required path adjustment with the electromagnetic field at change reflecting surface place according to analysis to detector output signal.The moving reflector of this microscope machining is suitable for, such as the device (TexasInstruments) from the Texas Instruments Inc.

Adopt the sensor region 58 that is divided into four quadrants among Figure 14, be used to improve responding ability and signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio).Specifically, each zoning can be used for the signal of separate detection from each RED, so that identification better between these signals, detector region is more little, and the signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio) that provides can improve more.Figure 15 comprises the sensor region 60 of two zonings to each RED, with further raising responding ability.With regard to this respect, will be understood that the whole free area of each control signal all is incident on the sensor surface of this zoning basically in order to improve optical efficiency.In addition, two sensor regions of each signal can be used for different detections, promptly relatively by the signal section of inner sensor region reception and the signal section of corresponding outer zone reception, to determine the radial position of signal incident.Illustrated structure realizes improving signal to noise ratio (S/N ratio) with the sensor surface than small size.As mentioned above, the output signal of reading from each sensor region 58 is discerned the optical signalling incoming position from RED.These incoming positions provide the feedback of relevant relevant light paths aiming/alignment case conversely again.Analysis according to about the optical signalling received from RED can realize the suitable correction to light path.

Figure 16 is corresponding to the embodiment of above-mentioned five RED.Detector assembly 48 comprises quadrant sensor surface 62 and sensor surface that separates 64 that is used to detect from Target Recognition RED signal that is used to detect from four servo contrast control RED signals.Quadrant sensor surface 62 provides just like the above-mentioned alignment information relevant with Figure 14-15.Sensor surface 64 receives the signal from special use aiming RED, and this RED aims at RED and do not overlap with respect to each, such as that shown in Figure 5.For helping the search of target, can make aiming sensor surface 64 be slightly larger than quadrant sensor surface 62.With regard to this respect, will be understood that noise may be little with the relation of aiming, and only require light channel structure roughly.The size of preferably selected described sensor surface be convenient to search for from the aiming symbol of the relevant aiming RED of given optical fiber, and do not detect signal from the aiming RED relevant with adjacent fiber.In addition, sensor surface 64 can be designed to, make its provide with incide sensor surface 64 on the relevant indication of RED signal location.For example, in the detected output signal in different read-out electrodes place, can obtain this indication by relatively.In this manner, can obtain and aim at relevant preparation feedback, help to use alignment procedures from the output on alignment sensor surface 62.

Identification sensor assembly 66 among Figure 17 comprises a plurality of aiming sensor regions 68, is used to improve responding ability, and guiding is aimed at.In other words, by separately reading each sensor region, and according to about aiming RED with by the understanding of the spatial relationship between the optical fiber that aims at, provide initial aligning and indicate.For example, if receive aiming symbol by equalization mode partly by each sensor region 68, though aiming at the feedback of RED and sensor will be useful providing more accurate two-dimensional alignment message context from each, this just can indicate the optical fiber that will connect to be in the state that finally is aligned.Diagram can also be reduced to aim at the noise of sensor by the aiming sensor surface of zoning.In addition, will be understood that under the situation that aiming sensor shown in Figure 16 and 17 and alignment sensor are separated, can adopt different sensor design and material, be used for alignment sensor and aiming sensor, to reduce cost and/or to realize the difference in functionality demand of each sensor.Utilization comprises off-path and below with the Control System Design of the demultiplexer modular construction addressed, helps the selective power of these sensor design.

Figure 27 A-27C represents another sensor construction.The potential problems of the sensor of shape installation are relevant with the caused sensor current of photon that is incident in the designed sensor region outside in flakes.Can be by with diode material, as the P-deposition of materials the selection area of substrate determine shown in sensor surface.But relevant depositing region can stretch out from the sensor surface that diode material shown in the deposit limits usually.The systemic photon in deposit district may cause electric current in this sensor.So this sensor may detect the photon of needed sensor region outside, thereby causes error component, and occur system potentially and can not work.

Figure 27 A represents a kind of sensor construction at this potential problems.Shown in sensor 200 be built on the substrate 202.Sensor 200 includes as above-mentioned four quadrant alignment sensor surfaces 204 and four quadrant aiming sensor surfaces 206.As shown in the figure, these aiming sensor surfaces 206 are formed in two aiming sensor surfaces.Obtain relevant alignment sensor surface 204 by the lead wire of conductor 208 that ends at pole piece 210, be used to read registration signal.Electric contact 212 can be welded on each pole piece 210.By metallized area 214, obtain relevant aiming sensor region 206, be used to read aiming symbol, described metallized area 214 provides the connection surface of reading electric contact 216.Contact 218 is used for respectively the metallized area relevant with left and right sides upper quadrant aiming sensor region 206 and interconnects, and can be used in two signals that separate metallized area relevant with each this aiming sensor region 206 and reads contact.Suitable insulating material is set between each sensor surface and conductor element, is used for required electrical isolation.

Shown structure has many definite structure/operating advantages.What can expect is to have reduced the need that metal mask hidden sensor surface.This masked can make sensor surface shorten, and can also influence to reflect back into each surperficial light, thereby cause that noise increases.In an illustrated embodiment, need not the contiguous alignment sensor surface 204 of this masked.The photon of incident can be collected by the most

close sensor surface

204 or 206 in the narrow zone between alignment surface 204 and aiming surface 206.Therefore, the effective coverage on

surface

204 and 206 extends to the center line of narrow zone therebetween, and therefore selectes each surperficial size.All the time can adopt bigger metallized area 214, covering some substrates 202, and provide the connection that obtains easily pole piece, and do not need big metal mask to cover contiguous alignment surface 204.

The relevant another kind of result who shifts the problem of the photon that is adjacent to sensor surface shown in Figure 27 B.In this case, form protection ring 232 on alignment sensor surface 222 with around the aiming sensor surface 224.Each

sensor surface

222 and 224 is connected pole piece 226 by lead wire of conductor 228 and links to each other with metal.Between the diffusion region 232 of substrate 234 and each lead wire of conductor 228, place insulator 230, in order to insulation.Similarly, if desired, available such as SiO ₂And so on insulating material make pattern, make described protection ring 232 and lead wire of conductor 228 insulation.Protection ring 232 is used to assemble because of the electric current due to the photon that is incident in

sensor surface

222 and 224 outsides.Each

sensor surface

222 and 224 effective coverage will extend to they self and adjacent sensors surface or protection ring between the center line in zone.Pole piece 235 provides and being electrically connected of protection ring 232.

The combination of Figure 27 C presentation graphs 27A and 27B design.Specifically, top aiming sensor region quadrant 238 be formed at alignment sensor zone 236 around.In addition, protection ring 240 is set around sensor surface 238.Metallized area 242 is set, to obtain to the

sensor surface

236 and 238 the surface that is connected.Pole piece 244 provides the electrical connection to described protection ring.For the purpose of clear, omitted insulation course among the figure in order to electrical isolation.Thereby illustrated structure can be easily and is accurately aimed at and sighted direction, follows simultaneously to reduce diffusion noise.

On-off control system

Figure 18 is the synoptic diagram that expression adopts unusual sensor construction to have the N * N switch part of demultiplexer assembly.Shown in switch in, each unit 70 comprises an optical fiber 72, lens 74, demultiplexer 76, sensor element 78, a plurality of servo aligning RED80 and a Target Recognition RED82 who separates, shown in demultiplexer can be above-described beam split cube.What do not give expression among Figure 18 is to be used to calculate and activate for aiming at and aim at the parts that required light path is handled.These parts will be discussed below.Figure 18 expresses many preferred characteristics of control system of the present invention.At first be noted that each unit 70 relevant each control element that are provided with 84 both sides, switch interface.So, just should understand two aimings between the optical fiber 72 and aligning and be one with comprise the control assembly relevant process relevant with every optical fiber 72.In addition, therefore just can realize a plurality of connections simultaneously.Have again, can place each RED80 and 82 away from every optical fiber 72 as shown in Figure 18, such as the place, plane that is placed on lens 74 or other optical element.

Figure 19 is the partial schematic diagram of optical correlation parts of expression and optical switch.These parts generally include optical module 86, demultiplexer 88, sensor element 90, lens subassembly 92, static mirrors 94, aiming RED96, moving reflector assembly 98, window 102 and the processor 104 of a plurality of aligning RED100 are installed.In these parts each all is placed on and describes below.

Optical fiber component 86 comprises used ordinary optic fibre 106, sleeve 108 and optical cable 110 in the transmission communicate optical signal, and described optical cable 110 comprises the reinforcement of being made by Kevlar (fiber B) or other suitable material 112.Reinforcement 112 is used to strengthen optical cable 110, makes the optical cable 110 can be crooked and induced damage resistive optical fiber 106 not, and reinforcement 112 is wrapped in around the optical fiber 106 usually, bonded being encapsulated in the optical cable sleeve.The diameter of resulting optical cable 110 is about 2-3mm usually.Sleeve 108 can be made by glass, pottery or other material, keeps bare fibre 106 near demultiplexer 88.With regard to this respect, useful binders is bonded to optical fiber/sleeve on the demultiplexer 88, shown in the refraction coefficient of bonding agent and matching of optical fiber 106 and separation vessel 108 so that at the interface reflection minimum.Preferably make optical fiber 106 and sleeve 108 polished together.

Separation vessel 88 separates control signal and signal of communication, so that receive control signal by sensor element 90, and by optical fiber 106 receiving communication signals.Adopt beam splitter, coated optical fibre or thin film optical filters or other structure can realize this separation vessel, in order to according to differentiate between each signal such as the optical characteristics of signals such as wavelength and separately they.Illustrated separation vessel 88 is dichromatism light separators, just like above-mentioned, is formed by two

prism block

114 and 116 with independent wavelength response.In this manner, the signal of communication that wavelength be can be 1310nm or 1550nm sends to optics 106, and the control signal that makes wavelength can be 880nm or 950nm is reflected onto sensor element

90.In prism block

114 or 116 at the interface,, see through signal of communication and reflect the optical band pass filter of control signal, can realize this response to limit one effectively by coating in addition suitable at least one the surface in the two.

Can consider, place sensor element 90, make from lens subassembly 92 to sensor element 90 optical path length almost with 106 optical path length is identical from lens subassembly 92 to optics.In this manner, have as desired, lens subassembly 92 can focus on signal of communication on the optical fiber 106, and control signal is focused on the plane of sensor surface of sensor element 90, detects in order to strengthen.But, in general, sensor element 90 can not be connected on the separation vessel 88, make the lower surface of sensor surface near lower prism piece 116.Therefore, the lower prism piece 116 of separation vessel 88 can be slightly less than top prism block 114, and sensor element 90 can correctly be located.

Can be clear from top discussion, the correct location of lens subassembly 92, separation vessel 88, sensor element 90 and optical fiber component 86 and aligning are a matter of great account feelings.Can be by following these parts of mode assembly, to protect correct positioning and aligning.At first, the bonding agent that matches with refraction coefficient is bonded to optical fiber 106 and sleeve 108 on the top prism block 114.Then sensor element 90 roughly is placed on the relevant position of tie point that forms with optical fiber 106 and contiguous block 114.Again bottom contiguous block 116 is placed on the relative position of sensor element 90 tops and top prism block 114.Can be after this by three dimensional constitution movable sensor element 90, up to when with visual when each position corresponding with lens subassembly 92 seen, sensor surface overlaps on the end of optical fiber 106, and each parts that bond, and keeps described aligning with alternative.Preferably use adjustable assembling and positioning lens subassembly 92 again, make signal focus on 106 detector surfaces of optical fiber.

Sensor element 90 comprises the sensor substrate 118 that is installed on the printed circuit board (PCB) 120.Relevant circuit can be placed on the substrate 118, perhaps be placed on the substrate of installing on the described circuit board 120 that separates.The structure and the interlock circuit thereof of Figure 23 and a kind of sensor surface of 24 expressions.Illustrated sensor surface 122 is corresponding to the embodiment of a kind of four RED that are used to aim at and/or aim at, it is become a plurality of quadrants by zoning, all comprise inner sensor zone and outer sensor zone in each quadrant, whole is eight sensor regions (shown in the 1-8 among Figure 23).As shown in the figure, each sensor region (1-8) all be connected pole piece 124 and link to each other, in order to be electrically connected.Zoning area between all quadrants is used for energising, guides to inner sensor surface (1-4).The geometric configuration of control system is constituted, and feasible signal from a RED is received by each quadrant.In order to obtain the information relevant with the radial position of signal incident, can make detection (device) detail of design with the quadrant difference, the output in zone 1 is compared with the output in zone 5, the output in zone 2 is compared with the output in zone 6, the output in zone 3 is compared with the output in zone 7, and the output in zone 4 is compared with the output in zone 8.

Figure 24 represents a simple circuit, is used to handle the output that comes from a pair of quadrant, in this case, and promptly from the output of zone 1 with zone 5.Provide from zone 1 and zone 5 output, as the input of operational amplifier 126 (indicated 1 and 5).Therefore, from the output of amplifier 126 (indicated 1 and 5) be directly proportional from the difference between the signal in zone 1 and zone 5.Conversely, this output valve is proportional with the radial position of optical signalling incident in relevant quadrant.Similarly, the value that obtains from other three quadrants is relevant with the radial position of signal incident these quadrants.These values offer processor 104, and this can be a computing machine, and the correct adjustment that it calculates moving reflector assembly 98 (Figure 19) with these values is to reach desired aligning.Will be understood that and to use basic geometry principle and to calculate required adjustment according to the known signal incoming position and the geometric configuration of system.

With reference to Figure 19, lens subassembly 92 receives the signal that (through window 102, mirror assembly 98 and catoptron 94) comes in, and with these signal focus on optical fiber 106.Lens subassembly 92 also receives from the signal of optical fiber 106 output, and transmits these signal through catoptron 94 and mirror assembly 98 with the form of narrow beam by window 102.Lens subassembly 92 can be a suitable lens doublet or three-lens objective, in order to provide required optical property.With regard to this respect, because the optics geometric configuration of system, so only require coaxial performance.The optical arrangement that will be understood that illustrated embodiment can constitute very large switch, as 1000 * 1000 or bigger because this optical texture is coaxial signal guide lens, and at one's discretion in the switch interface (with respect to optical axis) bigger transmission angle is arranged.

Catoptron 94 is set mainly is bending, with regard to this respect, can use any suitable catoptron for light path.RED96 is installed on the circuit board 128, is used to provide correct power supply signal, with the pulse emission of control RED96.Radiation detector 130 also is installed on the circuit board 128, in the face of the RED100 that installs on the assembly 98.This detector 130 detects each RED radiation emitted amount, for the purpose of calibrating and keeping.

Figure 19 represents that prevailingly the signal that is sent is concentrated by lens subassembly 92, forms the beam that is conveyed through the switch interface.In order to reduce optical loss, the beam that the beam that is sent preferably is focused, promptly with such as collimated beam (forming for parallel ray) comparatively speaking by basic.Figure 30 A-30B illustrates this focusing optics.For ease of diagram, bending optical device and moving reflector (or other beam director element) have been omitted.Shown in Figure 30 A, image in basically on the surface of second focusing optics 406 by first focusing optics 404 from the signal of the first end 400 of first optical fiber 402, thereby determine first narrow beam 405.Second focusing optics 406 receives first narrow beam 405, and distributes this signal to pass the end 408 of second optical fiber 410.Similarly, shown in Figure 30 B, make from the signal of second optical fiber end 408 by the second focusing optical assembly to be imaged on the surface of first focusing optics 404, thereby determine second narrow beam 407.First focusing optics receives second narrow beam 407, and distributes this signal to pass the end 400 of first optical fiber 402.This focusing has guaranteed to make the optical loss minimum, and optical efficiency is improved.

In general, this focusing is the positioning function of the focal length (f) of the numerical aperture (NA) of effective aperture, each optics of

optical device

404 and 406 effective apertures with respect to optical fiber end 400 and 408 (being determined by distance u and v),

optical fiber

402 and 410, optical device (D) and each optical device.Specifically, by each optical device is arranged satisfied following three equations, can make optical efficiency the best:

D=2u?tan(sin ^-1(NA))+d

1/f=1/v+1/u

D/u==D/vNA is restricted to the sine value of optical fiber emission angle α.Approximate be assumed to be thin lens, also suppose D＞＞d.For these equational purposes, be under the situation of Gaussian beam, according to 1/e at beam ²Determine d, the effective value of D and NA.

Return Figure 19, moving reflector 98 comprises the movable reflective surface 132 and the RED100 that is installed on the housing 134 of the relevant control element of band.Assembly 98 is used to handle the adjustment of aiming and aligning.The instruction of reflecting surface 132 response from processors 104 and moving is so that the signal of communication that can be received by window 102 with the two-dimensional approach adjustment with respect to optical fiber 106 and sensor element 90 and the light path of control signal.With regard to this respect, can adopt any moving reflector element with suitable two-dimensional adjustable joint performance, the speed of response and instruction inputting interface.Illustrated assembly adopts the on-chip of an installation, such as microelectron-mechanical (MEM) catoptron of being made by Texas Instruments (Texas Instruments).

Figure 25 represents this on-chip moving reflector assembly 98 that is installed in.As shown in the figure, assembly 98 comprises reflecting surface 132 and the aligning RED100 that is installed on the substrate 150.Reflecting surface 132 is supported in the universal joint mechanism, and this mechanism provides degree of freedom twice.Specifically, two axially aligned bent fold mechanisms 152 can rotate catoptron around first 154 pivot.Conversely, fold mechanism 152 and axle 154 are supported in the plane of being determined by rigid frame 156.Framework 156 is through the bent fold mechanism 158 and substrate 150 interconnection of two alignings, and this fold mechanism 158 can rotate described reflecting surface around second 160 pivot.This universal joint mechanism can be made into parts by silicon, thereby provides degree of freedom twice, in order to aiming with aim at.With regard to this respect, reflecting surface 132 and/or framework 156 are designed to respond the variation of electromagnetic field, so that rotate by known mode pivot according to the variation of local field.By with appropriate signals, offer the electromagnetic component that is installed in on-chip, close reflecting surface 132 and close 156 as electric current, control this variation.

Will be understood that to replace being provided with a catoptron that the control of two dimensional beam profile direction is provided, can adopt two or more moving reflectors, as two catoptrons, each catoptron provides the control of one dimension beam direction.But for the application of determining, an illustrated moving reflector embodiment may be best, because it can use less catoptron.In other words, under the situation of two moving reflectors, beam will move around the surface of at least one moving reflector, and this is because due to the moving of another catoptron, thereby, for loss of signal minimum, just need a bigger catoptron.

With reference to Figure 19, RED100 is installed on the housing 134 by the known relationship of optical fiber 106 with respect to 136 light paths of indicating prevailingly of label.In illustrated embodiment, RED100 and RED96 are the near infrared emitting diodes, are the radiation of 880nm and 950nm as emission wavelength.RED96 relevant with the work of particular fiber and RED100 are independently with respect to the RED of other optical fiber in the described switch preferably, and uncorrelated with shared system clock.Window 102 preferably sees through signal of communication and control signal basically, and it is set to described unit is kept clean.With regard to this respect, the space in the plate rail shell is filled with the air of drying or the nitrogen of drying.

Figure 26 is the aiming of expression closed loop servo and aims at the process flow diagram of control procedure.This process comprises the instruction (step 162) of reception from network controller, represents that the first given optical fiber will be connected with the second given optical fiber.Will be understood that can based on to the aligning control signal of continuous emission relatively, receive such instruction according to relative frequency.When according to fresh target of switch order indication (step 163), moving reflector work makes an open loop jump to this fresh target (step 165).Afterwards, described such just like top, the aligning RED of each optical fiber that plan is aligned and aiming RED continuous working send aiming symbol and registration signal (step 164).The signal that each aiming optical fiber sends is received (step 166) by the sensor of other aiming optical fiber.According to each signal of sensor, processor is determined the relevant information (step 168) of incoming position with target code and each signal.For example, it is that correct optical fiber is connected that each output signal can be indicated, and is correctly aimed at, in order to transmit signal of communication betwixt, perhaps each output signal can indicate light path with by about the optical fiber end that aims at or aim at up and down.As mentioned above, according to the known spatial relationship of each RED, each sensor and optical fiber end, can receive this information at an easy rate.

According to these information, processor need to determine whether the correction (step 170) in path, realizing desired connection, or is used for correctly aiming at.If need not to revise, then this alignment procedures is done, and keeps this light path (step 171).Revise if desired, then processor calculates suitable corrective action (step 172) according to the understanding to system geometries.This corrective action can comprise such as bending optical fiber end, perhaps mobile moving reflector with the piezoelectricity bending device.By appropriate signals being sent to relevant actuator, finish described corrective action (step 174), and described control system watch-keeping switch order, so that find further switching process.Will be understood that this alignment procedures is by realizing in real time with two relevant parts of aiming optical fiber basically.In order to improve precision, repeat and monitor continuously this aligning, as (178) like that, so that the best aligning repeatedly by the indication prevailingly of feedback cycle institute.Can repeat p.s. such as about 500 this feedback cycle, and the operation by described switch continuously.In case realize suitable connection, just can between aiming optical fiber, send signal of communication (176) effectively.

Figure 20-22 is illustrated in and realizes each parts shown in Figure 19 among the specific switch embodiment.For the situation of institute's reference, represent corresponding each parts with the corresponding digital closed loop among Figure 20-22 with Figure 19.Shown in Figure 20 and 22, the control module 138 of a particular fiber 106 or a pair of such control module are installed on the chassis 140.These chassis 140 can be inserted in the opening 142 of plate rail 144.In illustrated embodiment, plate rail 144 supporting catoptrons 146 make first optical fiber and second optical fiber arrange by version that disperse or arranged side by side.Will be understood that this chassis and plate rail structure can be used in removes each single chassis, so that repairing and keeping when needed, and can not influence the work of network excessively.

Figure 29 A-29C is the synoptic diagram of the another realization plate rail of expression the present invention.Shown in Figure 29 A, switch 310 comprises plate rail 312, is used to admit many chassis 314.Each chassis two optical fiber 316 of 314 supportings and just like the beam director element of every above-mentioned optical fiber.Specifically, each chassis supporting input optical fibre 316A and output optical fibre 316B, and be installed on the substrate in order to control the electron device 324 of moving reflector, with two RED and detectors that optical fiber is relevant.Electron device 324 is through lead 318A and relevant controller 320A connection, and controller 320A can comprise computer system, in order to provide switch order.For example, controller 320A can interconnect with the communication network on-off controller.Similarly controller 320B (Figure 29 B) is connected with electron device 324 through lead 318B.Each controller 320A/320B had both controlled transmitting element, also controlled receiving element, and comprised dual controller 320A/320B, was used for multiple signals.Input and output optical fiber 316A and 316B interconnect with optical mode through catoptron 322A.In order to replace and use catoptron 322A, the second catoptron 322B can be set, in order to when needed, slide in catoptron 322A front.By in the plate rail housing, slit being set, to keep the position of catoptron, the accurate location that can realize catoptron 322A and 322B.Will be understood that the result who replaces as catoptron, servo-control system of the present invention is easy to be suitable for any required optics adjustment.

Figure 31 represents the structure of another beam pilot unit, and this unit omits and uses static mirrors, thereby makes design simplification and can reduce light loss.In illustrated embodiment, by the moving reflector 500 that is installed in the catoptron shell 502 signal that is received is sent to condenser lens 504, and do not insert any catoptron.Condenser lens 504 through dichromatism light separator 512 with the signal that received (by and the principal ingredient wavelength associated) focus on the end of optics 506, perhaps focus on the detector 508 that is installed in the probe body 510.

Figure 32 represents the structure of another beam pilot unit, and this unit does not need beam splitter.Specifically, the advantage of this structure is the wavelength transmission characteristic of silicon, so that detector 600 inserts in the Control on Communication signal path.Since silicon see through basically (such as) greater than the wavelength of about 1200nm, 1310nm or 1550nm, therefore signal of communication is sent to the fibre core 608 of optical fiber 610 by detector 600, wavelength ratio is detected device 600 absorptions as the control signal for 880nm or 950nm simultaneously, and is detected.Detector 600 usefulness cementing agents can be installed on the ceramic substrate 602.Lead 606 with bending is realized being electrically connected.Can detector 600 be bonded on the optical fiber 610 with the cementing agent 612 that refraction coefficient matches.

Figure 33 represents one and the similar embodiment of Figure 32 embodiment, represents similar project by the corresponding digital label.But, in this case, make detector be subjected to etching, form a container 614 that couples optical fiber 610, thus help with optical fiber exactly relative positioning on detector, also make detector further be subjected to being etched with and determine a chamber 616.Chamber 616 has reduced the thickness of detector 600, so that better for the spatial resolution of the conical beam of coming in.

Claims

1. device that the optical matrix switch is used, be used for making first optical fiber optionally to be connected with arbitrary of a large amount of second optical fiber through a light path, described light path extends through the switch interface between described first and second optical fiber, each bar in described first optical fiber and described many second optical fiber all is associated with a beam direction unit that separates, it is characterized in that, each described beam direction unit that separates is all between one of described optical fiber and described switch interface, and comprise one with a described moving reflector that optical fiber is relevant, be used for respect to a described optical fiber direct light signal, described device comprises:

Light is assembled element, is used for obtaining the light beam assembled from a described optical fiber radiation emitted;

Light bending element, it separates with described moving reflector, is placed in described light and assembles between element and the described switch interface, is used to bend the light path between described optical fiber and the described switch interface;

Wherein said light bending element can utilize the moving reflector based on the beam direction unit to make the switch designs miniaturization.

2. a device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described smooth bend unit is placed between described smooth accumulation unit and the moving reflector.

3. device as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, also comprise the parts (RED) of a plurality of control Radiation Emission, be used for emissioning controling signal when gauge tap, wherein said control RED and described optical fiber are placed in the opposite flank of described smooth accumulation unit with respect to described light path.

4. a device as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, at least one described control RED is placed near described smooth accumulation unit.

5. a device as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, at least one described control RED is placed near described smooth bend unit.

6. a device as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, described at least one control RED comprises aiming RED, is used to discern described optical fiber.

7. a device as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, at least one described control RED is placed near described moving reflector.

8. a device as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, described at least one control RED comprises aligning RED, is used for optical alignment.

9. a device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described smooth bend unit comprises the mechanism that changes light signal, and wherein this mechanism is used to change and the combining of described moving reflector, to constitute described light path.

10. a device as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, the described mechanism that is used to change comprises second moving reflector, and wherein said moving reflector is united the described light path of formation.

11. a device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described smooth accumulation unit comprises the lens with respect to described fiber orientation, and the end that makes described optical fiber is in fact on the focal plane of described lens.

12. a device as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, described control RED comprises at least one aiming RED and at least one aligning RED; Described device also comprises first module, is used to detect the registration signal of described at least one aligning RED emission, also comprises Unit second, is used to detect the aiming symbol of described at least one aiming RED emission.

13. device as claimed in claim 12, it is characterized in that, also comprise control module, it and the described Unit first and second that are used to detect are interrelated in operation, control described moving reflector in order to respond described detected aligning and aiming symbol.

14. device as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, described smooth bend unit and the associating of described moving reflector, can make described light path bending, make and to pass described switch interface by described moving reflector radiation reflected, basically with described smooth accumulation unit and described bend unit between the radiation that sends parallel.

15. a device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described smooth accumulation unit comprises focusing lens, in order to receiving the radiation of a described optical emitting, and provides the beam of radiation that is focused.

16. device that the optical matrix switch is used, be used to make first optical fiber optionally to be connected with second optical fiber through a light path, described light path extends through the switch interface between described first and second optical fiber, described switch comprises at least one and the related moving reflector of described first optical fiber, in order to respect to the described first optical fiber direct light signal, it is characterized in that described device comprises:

At least one Radiation Emission parts (RED), they are between described first and second optical fiber, and have at interval with respect to light path and described first and second optical fiber, used control signal when handling described switch in order to provide, wherein, described control signal is launched into moving reflector by the mode of aiming at described light path from described RED usually;

Detector, place with respect to light path with known spatial relationship, in order to the control signal that receives described RED emission and reflected by described moving reflector, wherein, received signal is useful when constituting the described light path that extends through described switch interface, and described light path is used to connect described first and second optical fiber.

17. device that the optical matrix switch is used, be used to make first optical fiber optionally to be connected with second optical fiber through a light path, described light path extends through the switch interface between described first and second optical fiber, described switch comprises at least one and the related moving reflector of described first optical fiber, in order to respect to the described first optical fiber direct light signal, it is characterized in that described device comprises:

A plurality of Radiation Emission parts (RED), they are positioned near described first moving reflector;

Detector cells is used to detect the control signal that described each RED launches, and described signal is used to control the action of described optical matrix switch;

Wherein said a plurality of RED and detector cells are used to constitute the described light path that extends through the switch interface, and described light path is used to connect described first and second optical fiber.

18. a device as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, also comprises static mirrors, is placed in the light path between described RED and the detector cells.

19. a device as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, also comprises second moving reflector, is placed in the light path between described RED and described one second optical fiber.

20. a device as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, described at least one moving reflector comprises first moving reflector and second moving reflector; Described light path comprises the second portion between the first between described first optical fiber and first moving reflector, described second optical fiber and second moving reflector, and the third part between described first and second moving reflectors; Described detector cells is placed with respect to the third part of described light path with the known spatial relationship to one of described second optical fiber.

21. device that the optical matrix switch is used, be used for making first optical fiber optionally to be connected with arbitrary of many second optical fiber through a light path, described light path extends through the switch interface between described first and second optical fiber, described device comprises the used housing of described each first and second optical fiber, each described housing supporting:

The end of one of described first and second optical fiber;

Detector is with the known spatial relationship setting to described optical fiber end;

Moving reflector is used for respect to described optical fiber end guide beam;

Lens subassembly is used for connecting moving reflector and optical fiber end with optical mode.

22. device that the optical matrix switch is used, be used for optionally connecting first optical fiber and second optical fiber, so that making light signal can write to each other between described first and second optical fiber, described switch comprises at least one moving reflector, be placed between described first and second optical fiber, be used for the direct light signal, it is characterized in that, described device comprises:

First focusing lens, it is inserted between described first optical fiber end and described second optical fiber end with optical mode;

Second focusing lens, it is inserted between described first focusing lens and described second optical fiber end with optical mode;

Described first focusing lens is used to make described first optical fiber end to image in described second focusing lens;

Described second focusing lens is used to make described second optical fiber end to image in described first focusing lens;

Unite when wherein said first focusing lens, second focusing lens and moving reflector transmit described light signal between described first and second optical fiber, and described first and second focusing lens can be used in and reduce the loss of signal.

23. a device as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that, the relative side of optics that described first and second focusing lens are positioned at described at least one moving reflector.

24. a device as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that, described first focusing lens also is used to distribute first received signal to cross the zone of described first optical fiber end; Described second focusing lens also is used to distribute second received signal to cross the zone of described second optical fiber end.

25. optical fiber control system, the end that is used to make first optical fiber is connected with the end of second optical fiber with light path between second optical fiber end optically with respect to first optical fiber end, so that can carry out optical communication between described first and second optical fiber, described control system comprises:

Signal source device, it is to be provided with respect to described light path with the known spatial relationship to described first optical fiber end, in order to by normally aiming at described light path, in the zone between described first optical fiber end and described second optical fiber end, about the first control signal path emissioning controling signal;

Sensor device, it is so that the known spatial relationship of described second optical fiber end is provided with respect to described light path, in order to receiving described control signal, and provides output signal with respect to the control signal that is received;

The treating apparatus relevant with described sensor device, in order to receiving described output signal, and according to described output signal with respect to the definite correction of described light path;

Wherein said correction can be used for respect to the described light path signal of communication that leads between first and second optical fiber ends, to set up the light contact.

26. an optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that described signal source device comprises the Radiation Emission unit, in order to provide the optics control signal.

27. an optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that described signal source device comprises a plurality of transmitters, they are placed in locus separately with respect to described light path.

28. optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 25, it is characterized in that, described signal source device comprises at least one aiming symbol source that aiming symbol is provided and the registration signal source that registration signal is provided, and wherein said aiming symbol is used for Target Recognition, and described registration signal is used for aiming at.

29. an optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that, described signal source device comprises a plurality of radiation sources and the signal that is used to modulate from described a plurality of signal sources, makes described signal can be able to be distinguished mutually.

30. an optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that described sensor device comprises the aiming sensor, is used to receive the aiming symbol that comprises target identification information.

31. an optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that described sensor device comprises alignment sensor, is used to receive comprise in order to aim at the registration signal of described first and second optical tip with respect to described light path.

32. an optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that, described sensor device comprises the aiming sensor of receiving target identification signal and the alignment sensor in order to the reception registration signal of separating.

33. optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 25, it is characterized in that, described sensor device comprises demultiplexer, in order to about first the outlet light path launch described control signal, and about with described first the outlet light path separate second the outlet light path launch described signal of communication.

34. an optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 33 is characterized in that, described separation vessel comprises the device that is used for launching about the described first and second outlet light paths of separating in the mode of selecting based on wavelength described control signal and described signal of communication.

35. optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 33, it is characterized in that, described separation vessel comprises the catoptron with wavelength response, one of wherein said control signal and signal of communication are launched by described catoptron in fact, and in described control signal and the signal of communication another is by described mirror reflects.

36. an optical fiber control system as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that, described treating apparatus comprises in order to determine the element of the incident information relevant with the incoming position of described control signal on described sensor device.

37. optical fiber control system, the end that is used to make first optical fiber is connected with the end of second optical fiber with light path between second optical fiber end optically with respect to first optical fiber end, so that can transmit signal of communication between described first and second optical fiber, described control system comprises:

First device, press the known spatial relationship of described first optical fiber end with respect to described light path setting, in order to about the first control signal light path emission control light signal, the described first control signal light path usually with described first optical fiber end and described second optical fiber end between regional interior described light path aim at;

Second device, press the known spatial relationship of described second optical fiber end with respect to described light path setting, in order to receive described control signal, and used control information when determining to connect described first and second optical fiber ends with optical mode according to the control signal that is received, described second device comprises the detector surface placed apart with described light path;

The 3rd device, be used for making at least the direction of the described control signal of part to change to the second control signal light path from the described first control signal light path, the described second control signal light path is pointed to and is transverse to described light path, and described detector surface is positioned on the described second control signal light path.

38. optical fiber control system, the end that is used to make first optical fiber is connected with the end of second optical fiber with light path between second optical fiber end optically with respect to first optical fiber end, so that strengthen the optical communication between described first and second optical fiber, described control system comprises:

First device, by to the known spatial relationship of described first optical fiber end with respect to described light path setting, in order to about the interior control signal light path emissioning controling signal in zone between described first optical fiber end and described second optical fiber end;

Second device, press the known spatial relationship of described second optical fiber end with respect to described light path setting, in order to receiving described control signal, and used control information when determining to connect described first and second optical fiber ends with optical mode according to the control signal that is received;

The 3rd device, be used to receive signal of communication and described control signal by described first optical fiber emission, and be used for selection mode about the first outlet light path described communication signal emitting to described second optical fiber end, and described control signal is emitted to described second device about the second outlet light path.

39. optical fiber control system, the end that is used to make first optical fiber is connected with the end of second optical fiber with light path between second optical fiber end optically with respect to first optical fiber end, so that the optical communication that can carry out between described first and second optical fiber, described control system comprises:

Second the device, by to the known spatial relationship of described second optical fiber end with respect to described light path setting, in order to receive described control signal, described second device comprises detector;

The 3rd device is used for determining the incident information relevant with the position of described control signal incident on described detector;

Wherein said incoming position is useful when described relatively light path is determined for the adjustment that connects described first and second optical fiber ends.

40. a device that is used to control fiber switch, in order to set up being connected of aiming optical fiber and many optical fiber, described device comprises:

A plurality of control signal source units, they are related with described many optical fiber, used control signal when being used to be transmitted in gauge tap between described many optical fiber;

The aiming element, be used to handle a related signal source device of described with a corresponding optical fiber, so that emission Target Recognition coded signal, wherein the described coded signal of being launched by a described signal source device related with optical fiber comprises identifying information, is enough to discern described target optical fiber.

41. a device as claimed in claim 40 is characterized in that, each described control signal source unit comprises a plurality of Radiation Emission elements.

42. device as claimed in claim 40, it is characterized in that, each described control signal source unit comprises the aiming symbol source of at least one emission aiming symbol and the registration signal source of at least one emission registration signal, and they separate with described aiming symbol source.

43. a device as claimed in claim 40 is characterized in that, each described control signal source unit comprises at least one signal source that can not only launch aiming information but also launch alignment information.

44. a device as claimed in claim 40 is characterized in that, described aiming unit comprises the unit that makes a described signal source unit pulse emission, in order to provide described identifying information.

45. a device as claimed in claim 40 is characterized in that, described at least one aligned units source comprises a plurality of signal sources, and these signal sources are subjected to frequency modulation (PFM), so as to help to handle described a plurality of signal sources signal.

46. device that is used to control fiber switch, it is characterized in that, the first aiming optical fiber that the work of described switch is used for making more than first optical fiber being contained in first array be contained in second array in second the aiming at optical fiber and be connected of more than second optical fiber, each the bar optical fiber in described more than first and second optical fiber is associated with:

The control signal transmitter unit, it comprises at least one radiation source, is used to be transmitted in control signal used when controlling the optics connection;

The control signal detecting unit is used to detect control signal;

The aiming unit in order to according to the described control signal that records, constitutes light path between described first and second arrays;

Described device comprises:

Coding delivery unit, its work make the first control signal transmitter unit be associated with the first aiming optical fiber of described first array, comprise the control signal of the coded message relevant with described first optical fiber with emission;

The coding receiving element, it is associated with the given control signal detecting unit of the second aiming optical fiber of described second array, in order to obtain and relevant it the described information that is encoded of the described first aiming optical fiber;

The wherein said information that is encoded can be used by the aiming unit of the described second aiming optical fiber, to aim at the described first aiming optical fiber.

47. a device as claimed in claim 46 is characterized in that, described coding delivery unit is handled described control signal transmitter unit, provides one of the identifying information relevant with the described first aiming optical fiber and positional information.

48. one kind is used the control fiber switch to set up a method that aiming optical fiber be connected middle with many optical fiber, said method comprising the steps of:

A plurality of control signal source units are provided, and they are associated with described many optical fiber, used control signal when being transmitted in gauge tap between described many optical fiber;

At first make the work of one of described a plurality of signal sources unit, this signal source is associated with one of described many optical fiber, so that emission Target Recognition coded message, wherein the described coded signal by the described signal source unit emission relevant with a described optical fiber comprises the identifying information that is enough to discern described aiming optical fiber.