DE3608134A1 - Optical switch - Google Patents

Optical switch

Info

Publication number
DE3608134A1
DE3608134A1 DE19863608134 DE3608134A DE3608134A1 DE 3608134 A1 DE3608134 A1 DE 3608134A1 DE 19863608134 DE19863608134 DE 19863608134 DE 3608134 A DE3608134 A DE 3608134A DE 3608134 A1 DE3608134 A1 DE 3608134A1
Authority
DE
Germany
Prior art keywords
outputs
light
input
optical switch
inputs
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
DE19863608134
Other languages
German (de)
Other versions
DE3608134C2 (en
Inventor
Georg Dipl Ing Blume
Fritz Dipl Ing Eckardt
Ludwig Franke
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bosch Telecom GmbH
Original Assignee
ANT Nachrichtentechnik GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ANT Nachrichtentechnik GmbH filed Critical ANT Nachrichtentechnik GmbH
Priority to DE19863608134 priority Critical patent/DE3608134A1/en
Publication of DE3608134A1 publication Critical patent/DE3608134A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of DE3608134C2 publication Critical patent/DE3608134C2/de
Granted legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
    • G02B6/351—Optical coupling means having switching means involving stationary waveguides with moving interposed optical elements
    • G02B6/3512—Optical coupling means having switching means involving stationary waveguides with moving interposed optical elements the optical element being reflective, e.g. mirror
    • G02B6/3514—Optical coupling means having switching means involving stationary waveguides with moving interposed optical elements the optical element being reflective, e.g. mirror the reflective optical element moving along a line so as to translate into and out of the beam path, i.e. across the beam path
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
    • G02B6/354—Switching arrangements, i.e. number of input/output ports and interconnection types
    • G02B6/3544—2D constellations, i.e. with switching elements and switched beams located in a plane
    • G02B6/3546—NxM switch, i.e. a regular array of switches elements of matrix type constellation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
    • G02B6/354—Switching arrangements, i.e. number of input/output ports and interconnection types
    • G02B6/3544—2D constellations, i.e. with switching elements and switched beams located in a plane
    • G02B6/3548—1xN switch, i.e. one input and a selectable single output of N possible outputs
    • G02B6/3552—1x1 switch, e.g. on/off switch
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
    • G02B6/354—Switching arrangements, i.e. number of input/output ports and interconnection types
    • G02B6/3562—Switch of the bypass type, i.e. enabling a change of path in a network, e.g. to bypass a failed element in the network
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
    • G02B6/3564—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details
    • G02B6/3568—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details characterised by the actuating force
    • G02B6/3572—Magnetic force
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/35—Optical coupling means having switching means
    • G02B6/3564—Mechanical details of the actuation mechanism associated with the moving element or mounting mechanism details
    • G02B6/358—Latching of the moving element, i.e. maintaining or holding the moving element in place once operation has been performed; includes a mechanically bistable system

Abstract

An optical switch having at least one light input (E1, E2) and at least two light outputs (A1, A2), which are all aligned relative to one another such that their radiation axes intersect in one point, has a movable pin (3) with a reflecting end face (5), which pin is situated in one position with its reflecting end face (5) at the point of intersection of the radiation axes and in this case diverts a light beam entering through the input (E1) to one of the two outputs (A1, A2). In another position, the same pin (3) is remote from the radiation axes of the inputs and outputs, with the result that a light beam entering through the input (E1) reaches the other output (A2). <IMAGE>

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen optischen Schalter mit mindestens einem Licht-Eingang und mindestens zwei Licht- Ausgängen, die alle so zueinander ausgerichtet sind, daß sich deren Strahlungsachsen in einem Punkt schneiden, wobei eine bewegbare, eine reflektierende Fläche aufweisende Strahlumlenkvorrichtung vorhanden ist, welche in einer Position mit ihrer reflektierenden Fläche in dem Schnittpunkt der Strahlungsachsen liegt und dabei einen durch den Eingang eintretenden Lichtstrahl zu einem der beiden Ausgänge umleitet und selbige Strahlumlenkvorrichtung in einer anderen Position von den Strahlungsachsen der Ein- und Ausgänge entfernt ist, so daß ein durch den Eingang eintretender Lichtstrahl zu dem anderen Ausgang gelangt.The present invention relates to an optical switch with at least one light input and at least two light Outputs that are all aligned so that their radiation axes intersect at a point, where a movable beam deflecting device having a reflecting surface which is in a position with their reflective surface at the intersection of the radiation axes lies and thereby one entering through the entrance Beam of light redirected to one of the two exits and the same beam deflecting device in a different position away from the radiation axes of the inputs and outputs is so that a light beam entering through the entrance to the other exit.

Ein derartiger optischer Schalter, bei dem die als verspiegeltes Plättchen ausgebildete Strahlumlenkvorrichtung durch eine Drehbewegung von einer Schaltposition in die andere gebracht werden kann, ist aus der EP-A1-0 128 800 bekannt.Such an optical switch, in which the as a mirrored Platelet trained beam deflector a rotary movement from one switching position to the other can be brought is known from EP-A1-0 128 800.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen optischen Schalter der eingangs genannten Art anzugeben, der mit geringem mechanischen Aufwand realisierbar ist und zwischen durchzuschaltenden Ein- und Ausgängen eine möglichst niedrige Koppeldämpfung aufweist.The invention has for its object an optical Specify switch of the type mentioned, the low mechanical effort is realizable and between inputs and outputs to be switched as low as possible Has coupling damping.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe durch die im Kennzeichen des Anspruchs 1 angegebenen Merkmale gelöst.According to the invention, this object is achieved by the in the mark of the specified features solved.

Zweckmäßige Ausführungen der Erfindung gehen aus den Unteransprüchen hervor.Appropriate embodiments of the invention result from the subclaims forth.

Es ist ein Vorteil der Erfindung, daß als Strahlumlenkvorrichtung lediglich ein Stift dient, der auf einfache Weise z. B. mittels eines Magneten entweder in den Kreuzungspunkt der optischen Achsen vorgeschoben oder von diesem Punkt fortgezogen werden kann.It is an advantage of the invention that as a beam deflecting device just a pen that serves in a simple way  e.g. B. either by means of a magnet in the crossing point the optical axes advanced or from that point can be moved away.

An Hand eines in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels wird nun die Erfindung näher erläutert.Using an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing the invention will now be explained in more detail.

Der in der Figur gezeigte Schalter besitzt zwei Eingänge E 1, E 2 und zwei Ausgänge A 1, A 2, durch welche über Lichtwellenleiter Licht in den Schalter eingekoppelt bzw. ausgekoppelt wird. In die Ein- und Ausgänge sind Kollimatoren KE 1, KE 2, KA 1 und KA 2 in Gestalt von Kugellinsen oder Gradientenlinsen eingefügt. Auf der gleichen optischen Achse wie der Kollimator KE 1 des ersten Eingangs E 1 liegt der Kollimator KA 1 des ersten Ausgangs A 1. Ebenso haben der Kollimator KE 2 des zweiten Eingangs E 2 und der Kollimator KA 2 des zweiten Ausgangs A 2 eine gemeinsame optische Achse, welche sich mit der optischen Achse des ersten Eingangs E 1 und des ersten Ausgangs A 1 unter einem Winkel von z. B. 60° schneidet. Die auf einer gemeinsamen optischen Achse liegenden Kollimatoren KE 1, KA 1 bzw. KE 2, KA 2 sind jeweils in einem von zwei geradlinig verlaufenden, in dem Schaltergehäuse eingelassenen Kanälen 1 bzw. 2 fixiert. Durch die zwei sich kreuzenden Kanäle 1 und 2, deren Längsachsen mit den optischen Achsen der Kollimatoren KE 1, KA 1, KE 2 und KA 2 zusammenfallen, breiten sich die an den Eingängen E 1, E 2 eingekoppelten Lichtstrahlen ungestört aus.The switch shown in the figure has two inputs E 1 , E 2 and two outputs A 1 , A 2 , through which light is coupled into or out of the switch via optical waveguides. Collimators KE 1 , KE 2 , KA 1 and KA 2 in the form of spherical lenses or gradient lenses are inserted into the inputs and outputs. On the same optical axis as the collimator 1 KE of the first input E 1 is the collimator KA 1 of the first output A1. Likewise, the collimator KE 2 of the second input E 2 and the collimator KA 2 of the second output A 2 have a common optical axis, which coincides with the optical axis of the first input E 1 and the first output A 1 at an angle of z. B. cuts 60 °. The collimators KE 1 , KA 1 and KE 2 , KA 2 lying on a common optical axis are each fixed in one of two rectilinear channels 1 and 2 embedded in the switch housing. Due to the two intersecting channels 1 and 2 , whose longitudinal axes coincide with the optical axes of the collimators KE 1 , KA 1 , KE 2 and KA 2 , the light beams coupled in at the inputs E 1 , E 2 propagate undisturbed.

In dem optischen Schalter befindet sich eine Strahlumlenkvorrichtung in Gestalt eines in Richtung seiner Längsachse (Pfeilrichtung) verschiebbar gelagerten Stiftes 3. Dieser Stift 3 kann durch eine Führungsöffnung 4 mit seiner als reflektierende Fläche ausgebildeten Stirnseite 5 bis zu dem Kreuzungspunkt der beiden Kanäle 1 und 2 vorgeschoben oder aus den Kanälen 1 und 2 herausgezogen werden. Ein Magnet 6 versetzt den Stift 3 in die eine oder die andere dieser zwei möglichen Positionen.In the optical switch there is a beam deflection device in the form of a pin 3 which is displaceably mounted in the direction of its longitudinal axis (arrow direction). This pin 3 can be advanced through a guide opening 4 with its end face 5 designed as a reflecting surface to the point of intersection of the two channels 1 and 2 or can be pulled out of the channels 1 and 2 . A magnet 6 moves the pin 3 in one or the other of these two possible positions.

Ist der Magnet 6 stromdurchflossen, dies ist der Normalzustand, so zieht er den Stift 3 aus den Kanälen 1 und 2 heraus. In dieser ersten Position des Stiftes 3 kann sich ein durch den ersten Eingang E 1 eingespeistes Lichtsignal ungehindert zum ersten Ausgang A 1 ausbreiten. Das Lichtsignal gelangt dann vom ersten Ausgang A 1 über einen Zwischenverstärker 7, wo es regeneriert und verstärkt wird, zum zweiten Eingang E 2. Durch den zweiten Eingang E 2 wird es wieder in den Schalter eingekoppelt und breitet sich geradewegs zum zweiten Ausgang A 2 aus.If the magnet 6 has current flowing through it, this is the normal state, it pulls the pin 3 out of the channels 1 and 2 . In this first position of the pin 3 , a light signal fed in through the first input E 1 can propagate freely to the first output A 1 . The light signal then passes from the first output A 1 via an intermediate amplifier 7 , where it is regenerated and amplified, to the second input E 2 . It is coupled back into the switch through the second input E 2 and propagates straight to the second output A 2 .

Im Falle, daß der Zwischenverstärker 7 defekt ist oder der Strom ausfällt, wird der Stift 3 in seine zweite Position gebracht; d. h. er dringt in die Kanäle 1 und 2 mit seiner reflektierenden Stirnfläche 5 vor bis zu dem Schnittpunkt der optischen Achsen der zwei Kollimatoren KE 1 und KA 2 des ersten Eingangs E 1 und des zweiten Ausgangs A 2. Nun wird also ein durch den ersten Eingang E 1 eingespeistes Lichtsignal an der reflektierenden Stirnfläche 5 des Stiftes 3 zum zweiten Ausgang A 2 umgelenkt.In the event that the repeater 7 is defective or the power fails, the pin 3 is brought into its second position; ie it penetrates the channels 1 and 2 with its reflective end face 5 up to the intersection of the optical axes of the two collimators KE 1 and KA 2 of the first input E 1 and the second output A 2 . Now, a light signal fed in through the first input E 1 is deflected at the reflecting end face 5 of the pin 3 to the second output A 2 .

Claims (3)

1. Optischer Schalter mit mindestens einem Licht-Eingang und mindestens zwei Licht-Ausgängen, die alle so zueinander ausgerichtet sind, daß sich deren Strahlungsachsen in einem Punkt schneiden, wobei eine bewegbare, eine reflektierende Fläche aufweisende Strahlumlenkvorrichtung vorhanden ist, welche in einer Position mit ihrer reflektierenden Fläche in dem Schnittpunkt der Strahlungsachsen liegt und dabei einen durch den Eingang eintretenden Lichtstrahl zu einem der beiden Ausgänge umleitet und selbige Strahlumlenkvorrichtung in einer anderen Position von den Strahlungsachsen der Ein- und Ausgänge entfernt ist, so daß ein durch den Eingang eintretender Lichtstrahl zu dem anderen Ausgang gelangt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Strahlumlenkvorrichtung ein in Richtung seiner Längsachse verschiebbar gelagerter Stift (3) ist und daß seine Stirnseite (5) als reflektierende Fläche ausgebildet ist. 1. Optical switch with at least one light input and at least two light outputs, all of which are aligned with one another in such a way that their radiation axes intersect at one point, a movable beam deflecting device having a reflecting surface being present, which is in a position with its reflecting surface lies in the intersection of the radiation axes and thereby redirects a light beam entering through the entrance to one of the two exits and the same beam deflection device is located in a different position from the radiation axes of the inputs and outputs, so that a light beam entering through the entrance is closed arrives at the other exit, characterized in that the beam deflection device is a pin ( 3 ) which is displaceably mounted in the direction of its longitudinal axis and that its end face ( 5 ) is designed as a reflecting surface. 2. Optischer Schalter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zwei Eingänge (E 1, E 2) und zwei Ausgänge (A 1, A 2) vorhanden sind und daß jeweils ein Eingang und ein Ausgang auf einer gemeinsamen optischen Achse liegen.2. Optical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that two inputs (E 1 , E 2 ) and two outputs (A 1 , A 2 ) are present and that in each case one input and one output lie on a common optical axis. 3. Optischer Schalter nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in den Eingängen (E 1, E 2) und Ausgängen (A 1, A 2) Strahlkollimatoren (KE 1, KE 2, KA 1, KA 2) angeordnet sind.3. Optical switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the inputs (E 1 , E 2 ) and outputs (A 1 , A 2 ) beam collimators (KE 1 , KE 2 , KA 1 , KA 2 ) are arranged.
DE19863608134 1986-03-12 1986-03-12 Optical switch Granted DE3608134A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19863608134 DE3608134A1 (en) 1986-03-12 1986-03-12 Optical switch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19863608134 DE3608134A1 (en) 1986-03-12 1986-03-12 Optical switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
DE3608134A1 true DE3608134A1 (en) 1987-09-24
DE3608134C2 DE3608134C2 (en) 1990-01-04

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DE19863608134 Granted DE3608134A1 (en) 1986-03-12 1986-03-12 Optical switch

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0452012A2 (en) * 1990-04-09 1991-10-16 AT&T Corp. Activation mechanism for an optical switch
EP0569187A1 (en) * 1992-04-30 1993-11-10 General Electric Company Microdynamic fiber-optic switch
DE4309049A1 (en) * 1993-03-20 1994-09-22 Marquardt Gmbh Optical switching element
EP0903607A2 (en) * 1997-08-15 1999-03-24 Lucent Technologies Inc. Freespace optical bypass-exchange switch
WO2003107058A1 (en) * 2002-06-12 2003-12-24 Microcut Ag Electromagnetic linear optical positioner

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10129923C1 (en) * 2001-06-21 2003-02-27 Inst Mikrotechnik Mainz Gmbh Optical switching device

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4057719A (en) * 1976-08-27 1977-11-08 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Fiber optics electro-mechanical light switch
GB1594336A (en) * 1977-12-20 1981-07-30 Plessey Co Ltd Opitcal apparatus for switching or variably coupling light between a plurality of optical fibre light guides
EP0128800A1 (en) * 1983-06-10 1984-12-19 Socapex Optical quadripole and multipole comprised of such a quadripole

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4057719A (en) * 1976-08-27 1977-11-08 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Fiber optics electro-mechanical light switch
GB1594336A (en) * 1977-12-20 1981-07-30 Plessey Co Ltd Opitcal apparatus for switching or variably coupling light between a plurality of optical fibre light guides
EP0128800A1 (en) * 1983-06-10 1984-12-19 Socapex Optical quadripole and multipole comprised of such a quadripole

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Optical by pass switch for fiber-optic data bus systems Applied Optics, Vol. 19, No. 15, August 1980, S. 2574-2577 *

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0452012A2 (en) * 1990-04-09 1991-10-16 AT&T Corp. Activation mechanism for an optical switch
EP0452012A3 (en) * 1990-04-09 1991-12-18 American Telephone And Telegraph Company Activation mechanism for an optical switch
EP0569187A1 (en) * 1992-04-30 1993-11-10 General Electric Company Microdynamic fiber-optic switch
DE4309049A1 (en) * 1993-03-20 1994-09-22 Marquardt Gmbh Optical switching element
EP0903607A2 (en) * 1997-08-15 1999-03-24 Lucent Technologies Inc. Freespace optical bypass-exchange switch
EP0903607A3 (en) * 1997-08-15 2001-10-04 Lucent Technologies Inc. Freespace optical bypass-exchange switch
WO2003107058A1 (en) * 2002-06-12 2003-12-24 Microcut Ag Electromagnetic linear optical positioner
US6796718B2 (en) 2002-06-12 2004-09-28 Microcut Ag Electromagnetic linear optical positioner

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Publication number Publication date
DE3608134C2 (en) 1990-01-04

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