JP2002023072A - Optical switch, control method therefor and assembly method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that an optical fiber is folded or damaged because of necessity to abutting optical fibers by moving the optical fibers themselves and pressing the optical fibers with a fiber presser 120. SOLUTION: This device is provided with plural optical input/output parts composed of optical fibers for transmitting optical signals, a deflecting means for deflecting a light beam related to an optical signal made incident from any optical input/output part and selecting the optical fiber of the optical input/ output part to transmit this optical signal, and a converging means for converging the light beam, which is related to the optical signal made incident or emitted from the optical input/output part, into parallel beam, converging and making incident the light beam emitted from the deflecting means to the optical fiber of the optical input/output part selected by the deflecting means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical switch for use in an optical communication system and the like, and more particularly to an optical switch for selecting a desired optical fiber by deflecting incoming / outgoing light from an input / output port, an adjusting method thereof, and an assembling method. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the field of optical communication, attention has been particularly focused on providing a technology capable of responding to a demand for transmitting high-capacity information at high speed in recent information communication technology. A plan to lay an optical fiber as an information transmission means is under way. As a device related to such optical communication, there is an optical switch for switching an optical fiber between input / output ports including a plurality of optical fibers.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the above-mentioned conventional optical switch disclosed in, for example, Proceedings of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, 1999, B-10-12. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a fixed fiber fixed on a fiber array 110, which is one-dimensionally fixed so that the end faces of the plurality of fixed fibers 100 are aligned. 100a
Is a moving fiber that optically couples with one of the plurality of fixed fibers 100 arranged on the fiber array 110 to propagate an optical signal, and 110 is a moving fiber holding unit 130
And a plurality of Vs formed on the surface.
A fiber array that fits and fixes the fixed fiber 100 in the groove. A fiber 120 holds the moving fiber 100a so that the end faces of the moving fiber 100a butt against each other when the moving fiber 100a is butt-connected to the predetermined fixed fiber 100. The holding member 130 is a moving fiber holding portion for holding the moving fiber 100a.
The fixed fiber 100 that moves horizontally along the direction in which the end faces of the upper fixed fiber 100 are arranged side by side and optically couples to the moving fiber 100a is selected. Reference numeral 140 denotes an electromagnet for moving the movable fiber holding unit 130 up and down. The electromagnet 140 is moved so that the end face of the movable fiber 100a held above the surface of the fiber array 110 on which the fixed fibers 100 are arranged abuts on the end face of the fixed fiber 100. The fiber holder 130 is moved downward. Reference numeral 150 denotes a ball screw for moving the movable fiber holding unit 130 in a direction in which the end faces of the fixed fibers 100 on the fiber array 110 are arranged in parallel.

Next, the operation will be described. Ball screw 1
The moving fiber holding unit 130 holding the moving fiber 100a by 50 moves horizontally along the direction in which the end faces of the fixed fibers 100 on the fiber array 110 are arranged in parallel. When the movable fiber 100a reaches the target V-groove of the fixed fiber 100, the movable fiber holding unit 130 is moved downward using the electromagnet 140. The moving fiber 100a that has moved downwards is
With 0, the fixed fiber 100 is pressed against the intended V-groove. Thereby, the movable fiber 100a and the fixed fiber 100 are connected with their end faces abutting each other.

When selecting another fixed fiber 100, the fiber holding member 120 and the movable fiber holding portion 13 are required.
0, remove the moving fiber 100a from the V-groove,
Similarly to the above, the fixed fiber 100 is selected by horizontally moving the movable fiber holding unit 130 with the ball screw 150.

[0006]

Since the conventional optical switch is configured as described above, the optical fiber itself is moved, and the optical fiber is pressed by the fiber presser 120, thereby abutting the optical fibers with each other. Due to the necessity, there is a problem that the optical fiber may be broken or damaged.

In addition, since the fiber holder 120 and the electromagnet 140 need to be moved together with the movable fiber holding section 130 in order to abut the optical fibers, the size of the movable mechanism formed by these elements is increased, and the moving speed is increased. It was difficult to increase the speed. Thus, there is a problem that there is a limit in shortening the switching time for selecting the target fixed fiber 100.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and deflects light entering and exiting an input / output port to select a desired optical fiber, thereby providing a light source which may cause damage to the optical fiber. It is an object of the present invention to obtain an optical switch that can omit components that cause the movement of a fiber and increase the size of a movable mechanism, and improve the reliability of optical transmission between optical fibers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for adjusting an optical switch that improves the optical coupling efficiency between optical fibers by appropriately changing the distance between an input / output port and a light collecting means.

Further, in the present invention, the optical fibers located at the center of each end face of the input / output port are arranged so as to face each other, and the optical coupling state between the optical fibers located at the center of each end face is optimized. An object of the present invention is to obtain an optical switch assembling method that can obtain an optical switch in which the optical coupling efficiency between optical fibers is optimized by assembling the optical switch later.

[0011]

An optical switch according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of optical input / output sections each including an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal; and a light beam relating to the optical signal incident from the optical input / output section. Deflecting means for selecting an optical fiber of an optical input / output unit to which the optical signal is to be transmitted; and a converging light beam for an optical signal entering / exiting the optical input / output unit to form a parallel beam. And a light condensing means for condensing the light beam emitted from the deflecting means onto the optical fiber of the selected light input / output unit.

In the optical switch according to the present invention, the optical input / output section has a first optical input / output section in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a cylindrical shape so that the end face has a circular shape, and an end face has the first optical input / output section. A second optical input / output unit disposed at a position opposed to the center of the circular end face of the input / output unit, wherein the deflecting unit is configured to transmit an optical signal incident from the first optical input / output unit or the second optical input / output unit; Is deflected, and the center of the circular end face of the first optical input / output unit and the second
From a wedge-shaped prism that appropriately rotates the straight line connecting the center of the end face of the light input / output unit with the rotation axis and selects the optical fiber of the second light input / output unit or the first light input / output unit to which the optical signal is to be transmitted. It becomes.

[0013] In the optical switch according to the present invention, the deflecting means has an electro-optic effect in which the deflection angle is changed by applying an electric field, and deflects the light beam related to the optical signal input from the optical input / output unit. It comprises an electro-optic prism and an electric-field applying means for applying an electric field to the electro-optic prism so as to change its intensity and selecting an optical fiber of an optical input / output unit to which an optical signal is to be transmitted.

In the optical switch according to the present invention, the deflecting means electrically switches the refraction angle correcting prism for correcting the refraction angle of the electro-optical prism so that the optical axes of the light beams relating to the incoming and outgoing optical signals are parallel to each other. It comprises a deflection unit juxtaposed with the optical prism.

In the optical switch according to the present invention, the deflecting means comprises a deflecting unit array in which a plurality of deflecting units are juxtaposed.

In the optical switch according to the present invention, the deflection unit array includes a deflection unit including electro-optic prisms whose planes determined by the slopes are orthogonal to each other.

In the optical switch according to the present invention, the light condensing means includes a light condensing lens having a hyperboloid or an elliptical surface at the input / output surface.

In the optical switch according to the present invention, at least one of the plurality of optical input / output units is formed of an optical fiber provided with an optically readable identification means for identifying itself.

An optical switch according to the present invention reads an optical fiber identification means relating to optical transmission / reception using an optical signal propagating between optical input / output units, and determines whether or not a desired optical fiber performs optical transmission / reception. Is provided with an optical fiber discriminating means for discriminating.

An optical switch according to the present invention uses an optical signal propagating between optical input / output units to determine an optical coupling state of an optical fiber between optical input / output units from an optical fiber identification unit involved in light transmission / reception. Obtain information, based on this information, so that the optimal optical coupling state between the desired optical fiber,
An adjusting means for adjusting the deflection angle of the deflecting means is provided.

In the optical switch according to the present invention, the discriminating means comprises a reflecting portion for generating reflected light having a specific wavelength when a probe light having a predetermined wavelength is incident, and the optical fiber discriminating means comprises an optical fiber discriminating means. Based on the reflected light generated by the reflection unit by the probe light propagated between the input and output units, it is determined whether or not light transmission / reception is performed between desired optical fibers.

In the optical switch according to the present invention, the optical input / output section is made of an optical fiber having a lens function at an end.

The adjusting method of the optical switch according to the present invention is as follows.
A plurality of optical input / output units each composed of an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal; and a light beam of the optical input / output unit to which the optical signal is to be transmitted by deflecting a light beam relating to the optical signal incident from the optical input / output unit. Deflecting means for selecting a fiber, and light emitted from the deflecting means to the optical fiber of the optical input / output part selected by the deflecting means, by condensing a light beam relating to an optical signal entering and exiting the optical input / output part into a parallel beam. In an adjustment method of an optical switch including a light condensing means for condensing and entering a beam, using an optical signal propagating between the optical input / output units, information relating to an optical coupling state between the optical input / output units is obtained. Obtaining optical coupling information obtaining step;
Based on the information related to the optical coupling state between the optical input / output units obtained in the optical coupling information obtaining step, the distance between the optical input / output unit and the light collecting unit is appropriately changed, and the distance between the optical input / output units is changed. And an optical system adjusting step of adjusting the optical coupling state.

According to the method of assembling an optical switch according to the present invention, a plurality of optical input / output units each including an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal, and a light beam relating to an optical signal incident from the optical input / output unit are deflected. The deflecting means for selecting the optical fiber of the optical input / output unit to which the optical signal is to be transmitted, and the light beam relating to the optical signal entering / exiting the optical input / output unit is condensed into a parallel beam, and the deflecting means selects A light condensing means for condensing the light beam emitted from the deflecting means onto the optical fiber of the light input / output part and causing the light beam to enter the optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber located at the center of each end face of the light input / output part Are positioned so that they face each other, and a focusing step is provided between the light input / output sections positioned in the positioning step, and a light condensing means is disposed between the light input / output sections positioned in the positioning step. Optical fiber located Propagating the probe light having predetermined characteristics, and acquiring from the probe light the information acquisition step of acquiring information relating to the optical coupling state between the optical fibers located at the center of each end face, and the information acquisition step A position adjusting step of adjusting an arrangement position of the optical input / output unit based on information relating to an optical coupling state between optical fibers located at the center of each end face of the optical input / output unit; And an assembling step of arranging the deflecting means between the optical input / output units whose positions have been optimized.

An optical switch according to the present invention is an optical switch provided with a plurality of optical input / output units each composed of an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal. It consists of an optical fiber provided with an optically readable identification means for identification.

An optical switch according to the present invention reads an optical fiber identification means relating to optical transmission / reception using an optical signal propagating between optical input / output units, and determines whether optical transmission / reception is performed between desired optical fibers. It is provided with an optical fiber discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the optical fiber has been turned on.

[0027] In the optical switch according to the present invention, the discriminating means comprises a reflecting portion for generating reflected light having a specific wavelength when a probe light having a predetermined wavelength is incident thereon. Based on the reflected light generated by the reflection unit by the probe light propagated between the input and output units, it is determined whether or not light transmission / reception is performed between desired optical fibers.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1a denotes an input / output port (second optical input / output unit, optical input / output unit) composed of at least one optical fiber. ing.
Hereinafter, a case where the input / output port 1a is operated as an input port for an optical signal will be described. Reference numeral 1b denotes an input / output port (a first optical input / output unit,
In the illustrated example, a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a cylindrical shape such that the end face of the input / output port 1b is circular. Reference numerals 2a and 2b denote condensing lenses (condensing means) disposed between the input / output ports 1a and 1b and the wedge-shaped prism 3, respectively, for condensing light entering and exiting the input / output ports 1a and 1b. The light beam emitted from the wedge prism 3 is condensed and made incident on the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1b selected by the wedge prism 3 as parallel light. 3 has a slope on the side of the input / output port 1b, and the input / output ports 1a, 1b
Is a wedge-shaped prism (wedge-shaped prism, deflecting means) for deflecting light incident from the optical fiber into an optical fiber of an incidence destination, and is a straight line connecting the center of the circular end face of the input / output port 1b and the center of the end face of the input / output port 1a. Is rotated as appropriate as a rotation axis to select the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1b to which the optical signals are to be transmitted.

Next, the operation will be described. The light beam related to the light signal emitted from the input / output port 1a is converted into a parallel beam by the condenser lens 2a and is incident perpendicularly on the end face of the wedge-shaped prism 3 facing the slope. I / O port 1
The normal direction of the end face of the wedge-shaped prism 3 facing the inclined surface of the wedge-shaped prism 3 so that the light beam is incident on any one of the plurality of optical fibers at the input / output port 1b in the wedge-shaped prism 3. Is deflected by a predetermined angle with respect to and exits from the slope. The light beam from the input / output port 1a that has exited the wedge-shaped prism 3 enters the condenser lens 2b. The position of the condenser lens 2b is adjusted so that the light beam from the wedge prism 3 is focused on the end face of the input / output port 1b. As a result, the light beam from the input / output port 1a is condensed and incident on an arbitrary optical fiber of the input / output port 1b, and the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1b are optically coupled.

Next, an operation of optically coupling a predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers in the input / output port 1b with the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a will be described. The wedge-shaped prism 3 can be appropriately rotated by a driving source (not shown) using a straight line connecting the center of the circular end face of the input / output port 1b and the end of the input / output port 1a as a rotation axis. Further, the input / output port 1b has a plurality of optical fiber end faces arranged in parallel on the circumference of the circular end face. The light is deflected so as to be incident on an arbitrary optical fiber of the output port 1b. Thus, when the wedge-shaped prism 3 is rotated around the rotation axis, the rotation angle is associated with each optical fiber of the input / output port 1b, so that the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a is changed according to the rotation angle. And a predetermined optical fiber of the input / output port 1b are selectively optically coupled.

As a drive source for driving the wedge-shaped prism 3 to rotate, a small stepping motor having high rotational accuracy can be considered. As a specific configuration of the rotation mechanism, for example, a hole is formed so that light can pass through the shaft portion of the stepping motor, and the wedge-shaped prism 3 itself is attached to the hole. With such a configuration, only the wedge-shaped prism 3 can be driven to rotate to perform the operation of selecting the optical fiber of the input / output port 1b.
Since the movable mechanism including the magnet and the electromagnet 140 can be omitted, the size of the movable mechanism can be reduced. In addition, since the large-mass electromagnet 140 and the like can be omitted, the operation speed of the movable mechanism can be increased, and the selection time of the optical fiber between the input / output ports 1a and 1b can be reduced.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the input / output port 1b in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a cylindrical shape so that the end face is circular, and the input / output port 1b is formed in the end face. An input / output port 1a disposed at a position facing the center of the circular end face, and a light beam relating to an optical signal incident from the input / output port 1a or the input / output port 1b is deflected to form a circular end face of the input / output port 1b. And a wedge-shaped prism 3 for appropriately rotating the straight line connecting the center of the input / output port 1a and the center of the end face of the input / output port 1a to select an input / output port 1b or an optical fiber of the input / output port 1a to which an optical signal is to be transmitted. , The light beam is deflected to form a wedge prism 3
The selection of the input optical fiber by the rotation of
Without moving the optical fiber itself as in the past,
This can prevent damage to the optical fiber and improve the reliability of optical transmission.

When an optical fiber is selected between the input / output ports 1a and 1b, only the wedge prism 3 needs to be rotated. It is possible to reduce the size of the movable mechanism without making the jig for performing the objective coupling movable. Furthermore, since the large-mass electromagnet 140 and the like can be omitted, the operation speed of the movable mechanism can be increased, and the selection time of the optical fiber between the input / output ports 1a and 1b can be shortened.

Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, the deflecting means has an electro-optic effect in which a deflection angle is changed by applying an electric field, and deflects a light beam related to an optical signal incident from an optical input / output unit. And an electric field applying means for applying an electric field to the electro-optical prism so that the intensity can be changed and selecting an optical fiber of an optical input / output unit to which an optical signal is to be transmitted.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a configuration of an optical switch according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A is a top view, and FIG.
Is a side view. In the figure, reference numeral 1c denotes an input / output port (optical input / output unit) composed of a plurality of optical fibers, and end faces of the optical fibers are arranged one-dimensionally in parallel. The input / output port 1c has a plurality of input / output ports 1c along a direction parallel to the optical axis of the deflected light beam so that the light beam deflected by applying an electric field to the prism 4 enters each optical fiber. Optical fibers are arranged in parallel. Reference numeral 4 denotes a prism (electro-optic prism) made of a material having an electro-optic effect in which the deflection angle changes when an electric field is applied.
For example, an optical crystal such as LiNbO ₃ or LiTaO ₃ is used. Reference numerals 5a and 5b denote electrodes (electric field applying means) for applying an electric field to the prism 4, which are electrically connected to a DC power supply 6 and a ground potential supply source, respectively. 6 is the electrode 5
A DC power source (electric field applying means) for applying an electric field to the prism 4 by using a and 5b. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. The light beam emitted from the input / output port 1a is converted into a parallel beam by the condenser lens 2a, and is perpendicularly incident on the end face of the prism 4 facing the slope. The light beam from the input / output port 1a is directed in the direction normal to the end face of the prism 4 facing the inclined surface of the prism 4 so that the light beam enters one of the optical fibers at the input / output port 1c. On the other hand, the light is deflected by a predetermined angle and exits from the slope. The light beam from the input / output port 1a that has exited the prism 4 enters the condenser lens 2b. This condenser lens 2b
As shown in FIG. 2A, the position is adjusted so that the light beam from the prism 4 is focused on the end face of the input / output port 1c. Thus, the light beam from the input / output port 1a is condensed and incident on the optical fiber of the input / output port 1c, and the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1c are optically coupled.

Next, the operation of optically coupling a predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers at the input / output port 1c with the optical fiber at the input / output port 1a will be described. The prism 4 includes an electrode 5 shown in FIG.
An electric field can be applied with an intensity changeable by an electric field applying means composed of a, 5b and a DC power supply 6. In addition, the input / output port 1c is provided with a plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel along a direction parallel to the optical axis of the light beam deflected by the prism 4, so that the input / output port 1c is perpendicular to the optical axis of the deflected light beam. The end faces of the optical fiber are arranged side by side along the direction.
Since the prism 4 is made of an optical crystal whose refractive index changes when an electric field is applied, when an appropriate electric field is applied to electro-optics, the angle from the normal direction of the end face of the prism 4 facing the inclined surface is obtained. The deflection angle changes, and the direction of deflection of the light beam incident perpendicularly on the end face changes. Therefore, the intensity of the electric field applied to the prism 4 is set according to the deflection angle so that the deflection angle of the light beam from the input / output port 1a deflected by the prism 4 and each optical fiber of the input / output port 1c correspond to each other. Thus, the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a and the predetermined optical fiber of the input / output port 1c can be selectively and optically coupled.

The electric field applying means can be realized by a simple configuration in which the electrodes 5a and 5b are formed on the prism 4 by a technique such as vacuum evaporation or plating, and a variable voltage DC power supply is connected to these electrodes. it can. Thereby, for example, by transmitting an optical signal related to the electric field intensity setting via an optical fiber, and receiving the electric signal, and automatically performing the electric field intensity setting operation by using the electric field applying unit, the existing optical fiber can be used. An optical fiber can be selected, and the number of newly added configurations can be reduced by using the optical switch of the present invention.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the deflecting means has the electro-optic effect of changing the deflection angle by applying an electric field, and the input / output ports 1a, 1b
A prism 4 for deflecting a light beam related to an optical signal incident from the optical disc, and an electrode for selecting an optical fiber of the input / output ports 1a and 1b to which an optical signal is to be transmitted by applying an electric field to the prism 4 so that the intensity can be changed. 5a and 5b and an electric field applying means such as a DC power supply 6, so that the optical fiber itself is not moved as in the prior art, thereby preventing damage to the optical fiber and preventing optical transmission. Reliability can be improved.

Further, the electric field applying means can be realized with a simple structure in which the electrodes 5a and 5b are formed on the prism 4 by a method such as vacuum evaporation or plating, and a variable voltage DC power supply is connected to these electrodes. Therefore, the optical switch can be made inexpensive. Further, since a movable mechanism having a large-mass jig such as the fiber presser 120 and the electromagnet 140 as in the related art can be omitted, the size of the optical switch can be reduced. Further, since a movable mechanism is not required, an optical fiber can be selected according to the setting of the electric field strength, and the selection time of the optical fiber can be shorter than that in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3 In the third embodiment, a deflection angle correcting prism that corrects a refraction angle of an electro-optic prism so that optical axes of light beams related to an incoming and outgoing optical signal are parallel to each other is used as an electro-optic prism. It consists of juxtaposed deflection units.

FIG. 3 shows an optical switch according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
It is a figure showing composition of a switch. In the figure, 1c 'is
Input / output port (optical input / output unit) consisting of multiple optical fibers
The end faces of each optical fiber are arranged one-dimensionally in parallel.
ing. The input / output port 1c 'is connected to the deflection unit.
The light beam emitted from the optical fiber 8 enters each optical fiber.
As shown in FIG.
You. 7 is arranged in parallel with the prism 4 and is used
Prisms such that the optical axes of such light beams are parallel to each other
4 is a refraction angle correcting prism for correcting the refraction angle.
In the example, LiNbO ₃, LiTaO₃And prism 4
A prism using the same optical crystal and having the same shape.
Reference numeral 8 denotes a polarized light comprising the prism 4 and the refraction angle correcting prism 7.
Direction unit (deflecting unit, deflecting means), prism
Laminate the slopes of 4 and 7 in the opposite direction
I have. The same components as those in FIG.
A duplicate description will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. The light beam emitted from the input / output port 1a is converted into a parallel beam by the condenser lens 2a, and is incident perpendicularly on the end face of the deflection unit 8 facing the slope of the prism 4. I / O port 1
The light beam from a is deflected by a predetermined angle with respect to the normal direction of the end face of the prism 4 facing the slope of the prism 4 and exits from the slope. The light beam from the input / output port 1a emitted from the prism 4 is made parallel to the incident light of the deflection unit 8 (light from the input / output port 1a emitted from the condenser lens 2a) by the refraction angle correcting prism 7. The light is deflected so as to be emitted from the deflection unit 8. The light beam from the deflecting unit 8 is focused on the condenser lens 2b.
Incident on. The position of the condenser lens 2b is adjusted so that the light beam from the prism 4 is focused on the end face of the input / output port 1c '. As a result, light from the input / output port 1a is collected and incident on the optical fiber of the input / output port 1c ', and the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1c' are optically coupled.

Next, the operation of optically coupling a predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers in the input / output port 1c 'with the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a will be described. An electric field can be applied to the prism 4 such that the intensity can be freely changed by the electric field applying means including the electrodes 5a and 5b and the DC power supply 6 shown in FIG. The input / output port 1c 'is disposed at a position parallel to the normal direction of the end face facing the inclined surface of the refraction angle correcting prism 7, and each end face of the plurality of optical fibers constituting the deflection unit 8 Each end face of the optical fiber is arranged in parallel along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light beam emitted from the optical fiber. Since the prism 4 is made of an optical crystal whose refractive index changes when an electric field is applied as described in the second embodiment, when an appropriate electric field is applied to the optical crystal, the prism 4 faces the inclined surface of the prism 4. The angle of refraction, which is the angle from the direction of the normal to the end face, changes, and the deflection angle of light incident perpendicularly to the end face changes. The light beam emitted from the prism 4 is deflected by a deflection unit 8 by a refraction angle correcting prism 7.
Is refracted and emitted so that the light beam and the optical axis incident on it become parallel. Thus, by changing the electric field applied to the prism 4, the light beam incident on the deflecting unit 8 is directed along the direction of inclination of the inclined surface of the prism 4 along the normal to the end surface facing the inclined surface of the refraction angle correcting prism 7. It is deflected along the direction perpendicular to the direction. Therefore, the electric field intensity applied to the prism 4 is set in accordance with the deflection angle so that the deflection angle of the light beam from the input / output port 1a deflected by the prism 4 is associated with each optical fiber of the input / output port 1c '. By doing so, the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a and the predetermined optical fiber of the input / output port 1c 'can be selectively optically coupled.

In the configuration according to the second embodiment, even when no electric field is applied to the prism 4, the light emitted from the prism 4 is deflected by the deflection angle of the prism 4 with respect to the incident light. Then, the optical system such as the condenser lens 2b must be adjusted, and the operation is not easy. The optical switch according to the third embodiment is provided with a refraction angle correcting prism 7 in order to solve the above-described problem, so that the optical switch enters a position parallel to the optical axis of the light beam from the input / output port 1a. Since the output port 1c 'may be arranged, the adjustment of the optical system can be facilitated. Further, since there is no need to arrange the input / output port 1c at an angle with respect to the input / output port 1a as in the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce an increase in installation space.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the deflecting means corrects the refraction angle of the prism 4 so that the optical axes of the light beams relating to the incoming and outgoing optical signals are parallel to each other. Since the correction unit 7 includes the deflection unit 8 arranged in parallel with the prism 4, the effect of the second embodiment can be obtained, and the adjustment of the optical system can be easily performed as compared with the configuration of the second embodiment. Can be.

Embodiment 4 In the fourth embodiment, the deflecting means comprises a deflecting unit array in which a plurality of deflecting units are juxtaposed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the drawing, reference numeral 8a denotes a deflection unit array (deflection unit array, deflection means) in which a plurality of deflection units according to the third embodiment, each of which includes a prism 4 and a refraction angle correcting prism 7, are arranged in parallel. An electric field applying unit according to the second embodiment is provided. 1 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. The light beam emitted from the input / output port 1a is converted into a parallel beam by the condenser lens 2a, and is incident perpendicularly on the end face of the deflection unit array 8a facing the slope of the prism 4. The light beam from the input / output port 1a is transmitted to the deflection unit array 8a.
In the prism 4 on the side of the input / output port 1a, the light is deflected by a predetermined angle with respect to the normal direction of the end face facing the slope, and exits from the slope. The light beam from the input / output port 1a that has exited the prism 4 is incident on the deflection unit 8 (condensing lens 2a) by the refraction angle correcting prism 7.
Is deflected so that the optical axis is parallel to the light beam from the input / output port 1a that emits light. After the above operation is performed in all the deflection units 8, the light beam from the input / output port 1a is emitted from the deflection unit array 8a.
The light beam emitted from the deflection unit array 8a is
Condensing lens 2b arranged in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the incident light
Incident on. The position of the condenser lens 2b is adjusted so that the light beam from the deflection unit array 8a is focused on the end face of the input / output port 1c '. As a result, the light beam from the input / output port 1a is condensed and incident on the optical fiber of the input / output port 1c ', and is input to the input / output port 1a.
The optical fibers c ′ are optically coupled.

Next, an operation of optically coupling a predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers in the input / output port 1c 'and the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a will be described. Each of the prisms 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8a can apply an electric field such that the intensity can be freely changed by electric field applying means including the electrodes 5a and 5b and the DC power supply 6 shown in FIG. . The input / output port 1c 'is disposed at a position parallel to the normal direction of the end face facing the inclined surface of the refraction angle correcting prism 7, and each end face of the plurality of optical fibers constituting the deflection unit 8 Each end face of the optical fiber is arranged in parallel along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the light beam emitted from the optical fiber. Each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8a is made of an optical crystal whose refractive index changes when an electric field is applied, as described in the second embodiment. Then, the refraction angle, which is the angle from the normal direction of the end face facing the slope, changes, and the deflection angle of the light beam that is perpendicularly incident on the end face facing the slope changes. The light beam emitted from the deflection unit array 8a is refracted by the refraction angle correction prism 7 on the side of the condenser lens 2b so that the optical axis is parallel to the incident light of the deflection unit array 8a and emitted. Accordingly, by changing the electric field applied to each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8a, the light beam incident on the deflection unit array 8a is
The prism 7 is deflected along the direction perpendicular to the normal direction of the end face of the refraction angle correcting prism 7 facing the slope along the inclination direction of the slope. Therefore, each of the deflection unit arrays 8a according to the deflection angle is set so that the deflection angle of the light beam from the input / output port 1a deflected by the deflection unit array 8a corresponds to each optical fiber of the input / output port 1c '. By setting the intensity of the electric field applied to the prism 4, the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a and the predetermined optical fiber of the input / output port 1c 'can be selectively optically coupled.

Further, the deflection unit array 8a in which a plurality of deflection units each including the prism 4 and the refraction angle correcting prism 7 are arranged side by side allows the light beam from the input / output port 1a deflected by the prism 4 to be deflected by the deflection unit array. 8a
Since the deflection angle is added each time the light beam passes through each of the prisms 4 constituting the optical system, a larger deflection angle can be given to the light beam from the input / output port 1a than in the case of one deflection unit. Thereby, the deflection unit array 8
Even if the intensity of the electric field applied to each prism 4 constituting a is small, a large deflection angle can be obtained as compared with the case of one deflection unit, so that the power consumption of the optical switch can be reduced.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the deflection unit array 8a is formed by arranging a plurality of deflection units in which the refraction angle correcting prism 7 and the prism 4 are arranged in parallel. Since the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained, and a large deflection angle can be obtained as compared with the case of one deflection unit, power saving of the optical switch can be achieved.

Embodiment 5 In the fifth embodiment, the deflection unit array includes deflection units including electro-optical prisms whose planes determined by the slopes are orthogonal to each other.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a top view, and FIG.
Is a side view. In the figure, reference numeral 1d denotes an input / output port (optical input / output unit), in which a plurality of optical fibers are parallel to the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the exit side end face of the deflection unit array 8a and to the longitudinal direction of the exit side end face of the deflection unit array 8b. And are arranged in parallel along various directions. Reference numeral 8b denotes a deflecting unit array (deflecting unit array, deflecting means) in which a plurality of the deflecting units 8 of the third embodiment including the prism 4 and the refraction angle correcting prism 7 are arranged in parallel, and constitute the deflecting unit array 8a. The plane determined by the slope of each prism 4 and the plane determined by the slope of each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8b are orthogonal to each other. Each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8b is provided with the electric field applying means according to the second embodiment. The same components as those in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. The light beam emitted from the input / output port 1a is converted into a parallel beam by the condenser lens 2a, and is incident perpendicularly on the end face of the deflection unit array 8a facing the slope of the prism 4. The light beam from the input / output port 1a is transmitted to the deflection unit array 8a.
In the prism 4 on the side of the input / output port 1a, the light is deflected by a predetermined angle with respect to the normal direction of the end face facing the slope, and exits from the slope. The light beam from the input / output port 1a emitted from the prism 4 is incident on the deflection unit array 8a by the refraction angle correcting prism 7 (light beam from the input / output port 1a emitted from the condenser lens 2a).
And the optical axis is deflected so as to be parallel. Up to this point, the operation is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

The light beam emitted from the deflection unit array 8a is deflected as described above to determine whether or not to pass through the deflection unit array 8b. The light enters the condenser lens 2b arranged in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the incident light via the deflection unit array 8b. The position of the condenser lens 2b is adjusted so that the light beam from the deflection unit array 8b is focused on the end face of the input / output port 1d. As a result, the light beam from the input / output port 1a is collected and incident on the optical fiber of the input / output port 1d,
The optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1d are optically coupled.

Next, the operation of optically coupling a predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers at the input / output port 1d with the optical fiber at the input / output port 1a will be described. Each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8a and the deflection unit array 8b applies an electric field such that the intensity can be freely changed by the electric field applying means including the electrodes 5a and 5b and the DC power supply 6 shown in FIG. Can be applied. Also, I / O port 1d
Is a direction in which a plurality of optical fibers are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the end surface on the emission side of the deflection unit array 8a.
b in parallel with the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the emission-side end face. Deflection unit array 8a and deflection unit array 8
As described in the second embodiment, each of the prisms 4 constituting b is made of an optical crystal whose refractive index changes when an electric field is applied. When an appropriate electric field is applied to the prism 4, the refraction angle, which is the angle from the normal direction of the end face facing the slope of each of the prisms 4 constituting the prism 4, changes, and the light beam incident perpendicularly to the end face facing the slope is changed. The deflection angle changes. That is, the light beam from the input / output port 1a can be selectively deflected in two orthogonal directions.

First, an optical fiber of the input / output port 1a;
A description will be given of a case where a predetermined optical fiber arranged in parallel in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the exit side end face of the deflection unit array 8a at the input / output port 1d is selectively optically coupled. An electric field is applied to each prism 4 of the deflection unit array 8a so that the light beam deflected by the deflection unit array 8a reaches the condenser lens 2b without passing through the deflection unit array 8b. This allows
The light beam incident on the deflecting unit array 8a is directed along the direction perpendicular to the normal direction of the end surface of the prism 4 constituting the deflecting unit array 8a, which faces the inclined surface of the refraction angle correcting prism 7 along the inclined direction of the inclined surface. It is deflected. Here, the deflection angle of the light beam deflected by the deflection unit array 8a from the input / output port 1a and the deflection unit array 8
The electric field intensity applied to each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8a in accordance with the deflection angle so that the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1d arranged in parallel in the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the emission side end face of the optical element a correspond to each other. Is set, the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a and the predetermined optical fiber arranged in parallel along the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the output side end face of the deflection unit array 8a at the input / output port 1d are selectively provided. Can be coupled optically.

Next, an optical fiber of the input / output port 1a,
A description will be given of a case where the optical fiber is selectively optically coupled to a predetermined optical fiber arranged in parallel in the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the output side end face of the deflection unit array 8b at the input / output port 1d. No electric field is applied to each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8a so that the light beam incident on the deflection unit array 8a passes through the deflection unit array 8b, or an electric field is applied to each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8a. And the deflection unit array 8
deflecting the light beam incident on the light source unit a
b. At this time, an electric field of an appropriate intensity is applied to each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8b.
As a result, the light beam incident on the deflection unit array 8a is reflected by the prisms 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8b.
The prism 7 is deflected along the direction perpendicular to the normal direction of the end face of the refraction angle correcting prism 7 facing the slope along the inclination direction of the slope. Here, the deflection angle of the light beam from the input / output port 1a deflected by the deflection unit array 8b and the optical fibers of the input / output port 1d arranged in parallel in the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the exit side end face of the deflection unit array 8b. By setting the electric field strength to be applied to each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8b in accordance with the deflection angle so as to correspond to the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a and the deflection unit at the input / output port 1d. It is possible to selectively and optically couple with predetermined optical fibers arranged in parallel along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the output side end face of the array 8b.

In the above description, the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a and the deflection unit array 8a of the input / output port 1d are used.
When selectively optically coupling predetermined optical fibers arranged in parallel along the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the emission side end face of the light-emitting end face, light deflected by the deflection unit array 8a
Although the example in which the electric field is applied to each prism 4 constituting the deflection unit array 8a so as to reach the condenser lens 2b without passing through the deflection unit array 8b has been described, the deflection unit is considered in consideration of the deflection in the deflection unit array 8b. Array 8
b, the intensity of the electric field applied to each prism 4 of the deflection unit array 8a is adjusted so that the light from the input / output port 1a enters the predetermined optical fiber of the input / output port 1d. Is also good.

As described above, the optical switch according to the fifth embodiment deflects the light from the input / output port 1a in two directions orthogonal to each other by the deflection unit array 8a and the deflection unit array 8b arranged vertically in parallel with the deflection unit array 8a. Can be. As a result, the input / output port 1d can be arranged two-dimensionally with a plurality of optical fibers, and the installation space for the input / output port 1d can be reduced, and the size of the optical switch can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the optical switch according to the fifth embodiment. In the drawing, reference numeral 8c denotes a deflecting unit array (deflecting unit array, deflecting means), which is a prism similar to that shown in the second embodiment having an electro-optical effect in which the deflection angle changes by applying an electric field. A deflecting unit composed of a prism (transparent part) similar to that described in the third embodiment and a prism similar to that described in the third embodiment is disposed on the sloping surface of the prism having the electro-optical effect. Are arranged so that the planes determined by に よ っ て are alternately orthogonal to each other. The same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. The light beam emitted from the input / output port 1a is converted into a parallel beam by the condenser lens 2a and is incident perpendicularly on the end face of the deflection unit array 8c on the condenser lens 2a side. I / O port 1a
Is emitted from the input / output port 1a side end surface while alternately passing between deflection units in which the inclined surfaces of the prism having the electro-optical effect are orthogonal to each other in the deflection unit array 8c. The light beam emitted from the deflection unit array 8c enters the condenser lens 2b arranged in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the incident light. The position of the condenser lens 2b is adjusted so that the light beam from the deflection unit array 8c is focused on the end face of the input / output port 1d. As a result, the light beam from the input / output port 1a is condensed and incident on the optical fiber of the input / output port 1d, and the input / output port 1a, 1
The optical fibers d are optically coupled.

Next, the operation of optically coupling a predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers at the input / output port 1d with the optical fiber at the input / output port 1a will be described. The prism having the electro-optical effect that constitutes the deflection unit array 8c is the same as that shown in FIG.
An electric field applying means including the electrodes 5a and 5b and the DC power supply 6 shown in FIG. 2B is provided, and the electric field can be applied by changing the intensity. Also, I / O port 1d
The optical fibers are arranged in parallel in the direction orthogonal to each other so that the slopes constituting the deflection unit array 8c correspond to the prisms orthogonal to each other. Therefore, by applying an appropriate electric field to the prisms having the electro-optic effect in which the inclined surfaces constituting the deflection unit array 8c are orthogonal to each other, the normal direction of the end face facing the inclined surface of each prism having the electro-optical effect is obtained. Is changed, and the deflection angle of the light beam that is perpendicularly incident on the end face facing the slope changes. That is, by appropriately changing the electric field strength applied to each of the prisms having an oblique surface orthogonal to each other among the prisms having the electro-optical effect constituting the deflection unit array 8c, the light from the input / output port 1a is transmitted in two orthogonal directions. Can be selectively deflected. Thereby, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the optical switch according to the fifth embodiment. In the figure, 4d1, 4d
Numeral 2 denotes a wedge-shaped prism (electro-optical prism, deflection means) constituting the deflection unit array 8d, which is arranged so that the inclination direction of the inclined surface is opposite, and each wedge-shaped prism enters and exits the deflection unit array 8d. The end face on the side is cut obliquely with respect to the end faces of the input / output ports 1a and 1d. Reference numeral 8d denotes a deflecting unit array (deflecting unit array, deflecting means), which is a wedge-shaped prism 4 having an electro-optical effect in which a deflection angle is changed by applying an electric field.
d1, 4d2 and the wedge-shaped prism 4d
The wedge-shaped prisms 4d1 and 4d2 are provided with refractive index correcting prisms (transparent portions) for correcting the refraction angles of the wedge-shaped prisms 4d1 and 4d2 so that the optical axes of the incident light and the output light of 1,4d2 become parallel.
The same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. The light beam emitted from the input / output port 1a is converted into a parallel beam by the condenser lens 2a, and vertically enters the end surface of the deflection unit array 8d on the condenser lens 2a side. I / O port 1a
Is emitted from the end face on the input / output port 1d side through the wedge-shaped prism 4d1, the refractive index correcting prism, the wedge-shaped prism 4d2, and the refractive index correcting prism having the electro-optical effect in the deflection unit array 8d. . The light beam emitted from the deflecting unit array 8d enters the condenser lens 2b arranged in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the incident light. The position of the condenser lens 2b is adjusted so that the light beam from the deflection unit array 8d is focused on the end face of the input / output port 1d. As a result, the light beam from the input / output port 1a is condensed and incident on the optical fiber of the input / output port 1d, and the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1d are optically coupled.

Next, the operation of optically coupling a predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers at the input / output port 1d with the optical fiber at the input / output port 1a will be described. The wedge-shaped prisms 4d1 and 4d2 having the electro-optical effect and constituting the deflection unit array 8d are provided with electric field applying means including the electrodes 5a and 5b and the DC power supply 6 shown in FIG. Thus, an electric field can be applied such that the intensity can be changed. Also,
In the input / output port 1d, a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel along the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the exit side end face of the deflection unit array 8d and the direction perpendicular thereto. Therefore, by applying an appropriate electric field to the wedge-shaped prisms 4d1 and 4d2 constituting the deflection unit array 8d, the wedge-shaped prisms 4d1 and 4d are formed.
The angle of refraction, which is the angle from the normal direction of the slope 2 changes,
The deflection angle of the light beam incident on the slope changes. That is,
The light beam from the input / output port 1a can be selectively deflected in two orthogonal directions. Thereby, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, a plurality of deflecting units are provided by the prism 4 (a prism having an electro-optical effect, a wedge-shaped prism 4d1) whose planes determined by the slopes are orthogonal to each other. , 4d2), the light from the input / output port 1a can be deflected in two directions orthogonal to each other. It is possible to arrange them, and it is possible to reduce the installation space of the input / output ports 1d, and to reduce the size of the optical switch.

Embodiment 6 FIG. In the sixth embodiment, the light condensing means includes a light condensing lens having a hyperboloid or an elliptical surface at the entrance and exit surfaces.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In the drawing, reference numeral 2c denotes a condensing lens (condensing lens, condensing means) having a hyperboloid or elliptical surface for input / output so that light incident obliquely with respect to the lens optical axis becomes parallel to the lens optical axis. To deflect. 10
Is a light beam propagating between the input / output ports 1a and 1b. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

Next, the outline will be described. In the illustrated example, the light switch according to the first embodiment is provided with the condenser lens 2.
Since c is applied, the operation of selecting an optical fiber between the input / output ports 1a and 1b is the same as that described above.
The features of the sixth embodiment will be described below. The light beam 10 from the input / output port 1a is deflected by the deflecting means such as the wedge prism 3, and is obliquely incident on the condenser lens 2c. As described above, when the light beam 10 from the input / output port 1a is not parallel to the lens optical axis of the condenser lens, the optical axis of each optical fiber constituting the input / output port 1b is Since the light beam 10 is disposed parallel to the optical axis of the beam 10, the light beam 10 emitted from the condenser lens may not be incident on the end face of each optical fiber constituting the input / output port 1b.

Therefore, by making the entrance / exit surface of the condenser lens 2c a hyperboloid or an ellipsoid as in the sixth embodiment,
I / O port 1a which is deflected by the deflecting means and obliquely enters
Is made parallel to the optical axis of the lens. Accordingly, the light emitted from the condenser lens 2c does not come off the end face of each optical fiber constituting the input / output port 1b, and the optical coupling efficiency between the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1b is improved. Can be.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the condensing lenses 2
a and 2c, and at least one of the converging lenses 2a and 2c has a hyperboloid or an elliptical surface, so that the optical axis of the light beam 10 emitted from the deflecting means such as the wedge prism 3 is changed to the lens light. Since it can be made parallel to the axis, the light beam 10 emitted from the condenser lens 2c does not deviate from the end face of each optical fiber constituting the input / output port 1b, and between the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1b. Optical coupling efficiency can be improved.

Here, the deflection means of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the optical switch of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 9 denotes a deflecting means which is disposed between the input / output ports 1a and 1b, deflects a light beam emitted from any of these, and selects an optical fiber to which the light beam enters. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the wedge-shaped prism 3, the prism 4, the deflection unit 8, and the deflection unit arrays 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d are shown as deflection means, but the present invention is not limited to this. . That is, any deflecting means arranged between the input / output ports and having a concept of deflecting a light beam emitted from any of these and selecting an optical fiber to be incident may be used. The components described in the first to sixth embodiments may be appropriately changed without departing from the scope.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the input / output port 1a and the input / output ports 1b, 1c, 1c ', 1d
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration using three or more input / output ports made of optical fibers may be used. In particular,
For example, it is also possible to arrange three input / output ports in a T-shape and select an optical fiber to transmit an optical signal between the input / output ports as appropriate by one deflection unit using an electro-optic prism.

Embodiment 7 In the seventh embodiment, at least one of the plurality of light input / output units is formed of an optical fiber provided with an optically readable identification unit for identifying itself.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In the figure, if is an identification optical fiber for transmitting probe light for reading an identification signal from the optical fiber identification information 11 provided on each optical fiber of the input / output port 1b to the optical multiplexing means 12, and 10a is an input / output port 1a. Signal light 10 b to be transmitted to a predetermined optical fiber of the input / output port 1 b is probe light generated by the light source 13, and is used for optical reading of the optical fiber identification information 11. Reference numeral 11 denotes optical fiber identification information (identification means) provided for each optical fiber of the input / output port 1b, and a light source 13 via the identification optical fiber 1f and the optical multiplexing means 12.
Generates a unique identification signal according to the probe light transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b. As the optical fiber identification information 11, it is conceivable that when a probe light having a predetermined wavelength is incident, a fiber grating that generates reflected light having a specific wavelength is formed on each optical fiber of the input / output port 1b. . Reference numeral 12 denotes an optical multiplexing means (optical fiber discriminating means) for multiplexing the signal light 10a and the probe light 10b from the light source 13 and transmitting the multiplexed light between the input / output ports 1a and 1b. Fiber discriminating means) and 14 transmit the probe light 10b and generate the optical fiber identification information 11 by the probe light 10b.
The semi-transparent mirror (optical fiber discriminating means) for introducing the identification signal generated by the optical fiber identification information 11 into the state monitor 15, the identification signal generated by the optical fiber identification information 11 by the probe light 10b, and receiving the identification signal between the input / output ports 1a and 1b. Is a state monitor (optical fiber determining means) for determining whether or not the optical fiber is transmitting and receiving light. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. The operation of selecting a desired optical fiber between the input / output ports 1a and 1b is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the duplicated description will be omitted. Here, an operation of determining whether the selected optical fiber is a desired optical fiber will be described. First, an optical fiber for transmitting and receiving light between the input / output ports 1a and 1b is selected by the same operation as in the first embodiment.
Thereafter, the probe light 10b is output from the light source 13 to the optical multiplexing means 12 via the identification optical fiber 1f. In the optical multiplexing means 12, the signal light 10a to be transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b and the probe light 10b from the light source 13 are multiplexed and transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b.

The combined signal of the signal light 10a and the probe light 10b is transmitted from the input / output port 1a to the selected optical fiber of the input / output port 1b via the condenser lens 2a, the wedge prism 3, and the condenser lens 2b. Is entered. When the multiplexed signal input to the input / output port 1b reaches the optical fiber identification information 11 provided in the optical fiber of the input / output port 1b, the optical fiber identification information 11 becomes the probe light 1 of the multiplexed signal.
An identification signal corresponding to 0b is generated. The generated identification signal is transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b in the opposite direction to the multiplex signal, and received by the state monitor 15 via the optical multiplexing means 12, the identification optical fiber 1f, and the semi-transparent mirror 14. Based on this identification signal, the state monitor 15 determines whether the optical fiber currently transmitting and receiving the light is the desired optical fiber,
If the desired optical fiber is used, optical transmission is continued as it is. Also, if not the desired optical fiber, or the desired optical fiber but not in the predetermined optical coupling state,
Adjust the rotation angle of the wedge prism 3 or adjust the condensing lens 2
By adjusting the distance between the input / output ports 1a and 1b and the input / output ports 1a and 1b, adjustment is made so that a desired optical fiber is brought into a predetermined optical coupling state.

The above operation will be described with a specific example.
Here, as the optical fiber identification information 11, a fiber grating formed on each optical fiber of the input / output port 1b that generates reflected light having a specific wavelength when the probe light 10b having a predetermined wavelength is incident is used. First, the input / output port 1 is operated in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
An optical fiber for transmitting and receiving light between a and 1b is selected. Thereafter, the probe light 10b is output from the light source 13 to the optical multiplexing means 12 via the identification optical fiber 1f. When the probe light 10b is incident on a fiber grating formed on a desired optical fiber, a predetermined wavelength is set so as to generate reflected light of a specific wavelength. I / O port 1
The optical multiplexing means 12 multiplexes the signal light 10a to be transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b with the probe light 10b from the light source 13.

The combined signal of the signal light 10a and the probe light 10b is transmitted from the input / output port 1a to the selected optical fiber of the input / output port 1b via the condenser lens 2a, the wedge prism 3, and the condenser lens 2b. Is entered. When the multiplexed signal input to the input / output port 1b reaches the fiber grating provided in the optical fiber of the input / output port 1b, the fiber grating reflects the probe light 10b of the multiplexed signal and reflects light having a specific wavelength. Generate The generated reflected light is transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b in the opposite direction to the multiplexed signal, and is received by the state monitor 15 via the optical multiplexing means 12, the identification optical fiber 1f, and the semi-transparent mirror 14. If the state monitor 15 monitors, for example, the intensity of the reflected light from the fiber grating, it is possible to determine from the intensity of the reflected light whether the optical fiber currently transmitting and receiving the light is the desired optical fiber. Can be.

As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the optical fibers constituting the input / output port 1a and / or the input / output port 1b are provided with optically readable optical fiber identification information 11 for identifying themselves. , It is possible to identify whether or not a desired optical fiber is transmitting and receiving light between the input / output ports 1a and 1b.

Further, according to the seventh embodiment, the optical fiber identification information 11 of the optical fiber relating to the transmission and reception of the light is read using the optical signal propagating through the input / output port 1a and the input / output port 1b, and the desired light is transmitted. Since the status monitor 15 for determining whether the fiber is transmitting and receiving light is provided, it is possible to determine whether or not a desired optical fiber is transmitting and receiving light between the input / output ports 1a and 1b. The reliability of selecting an optical fiber between the output ports 1a and 1b can be improved.

In the seventh embodiment, the example in which the wedge-shaped prism 3 is used as the deflecting means has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A device using such a method may be used.

Embodiment 8 FIG. In the eighth embodiment, information on the optical coupling state of the optical fiber between the optical input / output units is obtained from the optical fiber identification unit related to the optical transmission / reception using the optical signal propagating between the optical input / output units. An adjusting means for adjusting the deflection angle of the deflecting means based on this information so that the desired optical fiber is in an optimum optical coupling state.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In the drawing, reference numeral 16a denotes a rotation mechanism (adjustment means) for rotating the wedge prism 3.
For example, a stepping motor as described in the first embodiment is used. Reference numeral 16b denotes a rotation device (adjustment unit) that rotates the wedge-shaped prism 3 by supplying an appropriate power value to the rotation mechanism 16a. 17 is a rotating device 16b
Has a function of setting the power value to be supplied to the rotation mechanism 16a, and changes the power value when it is determined that the wedge prism 3 needs to be adjusted based on the identification signal from the optical fiber identification information 11. Thus, the information reading device (optical fiber discriminating means, adjusting means) adjusts the rotation angle of the wedge-shaped prism 3. The same components as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. The operation of selecting a desired optical fiber between the input / output ports 1a and 1b is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the duplicated description will be omitted. Here, the operation of determining whether the selected optical fiber is a desired optical fiber and adjusting the deflection angle of the deflection unit based on the result will be described. First, the input / output port 1 is operated in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
An optical fiber for transmitting and receiving light between a and 1b is selected. Thereafter, the probe light 10b is output from the light source 13 to the optical multiplexing means 12 via the identification optical fiber 1f. In the optical multiplexing means 12, the signal light 10a to be transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b and the probe light 10b from the light source 13 are multiplexed and transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b.

The combined signal of the signal light 10a and the probe light 10b is transmitted from the input / output port 1a to the selected optical fiber of the input / output port 1b via the condenser lens 2a, the wedge prism 3, and the condenser lens 2b. Is input to When the multiplexed signal input to the input / output port 1b reaches the optical fiber identification information 11 provided in the optical fiber of the input / output port 1b, the optical fiber identification information 11 becomes the probe light 1 of the multiplexed signal.
An identification signal corresponding to 0b is generated. The generated identification signal is transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b in the opposite direction to the multiplexed signal, and received by the information reading device 17 via the optical multiplexing means 12, the identification optical fiber 1f, and the semi-transparent mirror 14. . Based on this identification signal, the information reading device 17 determines whether or not the optical fiber currently transmitting and receiving the light is the desired optical fiber. If the desired optical fiber is the desired optical fiber, the information reading device 17 continues the optical transmission as it is.

If the optical fiber is not the desired optical fiber, or the optical fiber is the desired optical fiber but is not in a predetermined optical coupling state, the information reading device 17 starts the operation of adjusting the rotation angle of the wedge prism 3. . Specifically, based on the identification signal, the information reading device 17 sets the power value supplied from the rotating device 16b to the rotating mechanism 16a, and rotates the wedge prism 3. As described above, the information reading device 17 transmits the signal from the input / output port 1a in accordance with the rotation angle of the wedge-shaped prism 3 until the desired optical fiber is in a predetermined optical coupling state between the input / output port 1a and 1b. Adjust the deflection angle of the light beam.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of an optical switch according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure,
11a is a fiber grating (reflection part, identification means) formed on each optical fiber of the input / output port 1b which generates reflected light having a specific wavelength when the probe light 10b having a predetermined wavelength is incident. Light 10b
The wavelength can be set from the processing control device 19 by a variable wavelength light source (identifying means) that generates the light. Reference numeral 18 denotes an optical power meter (identifying means) for monitoring the intensity of the reflected light from the fiber grating 11a, and selectively detects only the reflected light having a wavelength specifying a desired optical fiber, and measures the intensity. This optical power meter 18 can be realized by a usual spectroscope, light receiving element, or the like. 19 is a rotating device 16b
Has a function of setting the power value to be supplied to the rotation mechanism 16a, and based on the intensity of the reflected light from the fiber grating 11a detected by the optical power meter 18, the wedge prism 3
A processing control device (optical fiber discriminating means, adjusting means) for adjusting the rotation angle of the wedge-shaped prism 3 by changing the power value when it is determined that the adjustment is necessary. Further, the processing control device 19 controls the wavelength of the probe light 10b and the fiber grating 11a provided on the optical fiber.
The information correlating the wavelength of the reflected light from the optical fiber and the information correlating the intensity of the probe light 10b with the intensity of the reflected light when the optical fibers are in an optimal optical coupling state are stored in a storage unit (not shown). It is stored in advance. These optical power meters 1
The information reading device 17 in FIG. The same components as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

Next, the operation will be described. As in the case shown in FIG. 11, the operation of selecting a desired optical fiber between the input / output ports 1a and 1b is the same as that in the first embodiment, so that the duplicate description is omitted, and the selected optical fiber is omitted. Determine whether the fiber is the desired optical fiber,
An operation of adjusting the deflection angle of the deflection unit based on the result will be described. First, an optical fiber for transmitting and receiving light between the input / output ports 1a and 1b is selected by the same operation as in the first embodiment. Thereafter, the probe light 10b is output from the variable wavelength light source 13a to the optical multiplexing means 12 via the identification optical fiber 1f. At this time, the processing controller 19 sets the wavelength of the probe light 10b to a predetermined value so that the fiber grating 11a generates reflected light having a wavelength that specifies a desired optical fiber by using the probe light 10b. The setting is performed based on information that associates the wavelength of the probe light 10b stored in storage means (not shown) in the processing control device 19 with the wavelength of the reflected light from the fiber grating 11a provided in the optical fiber.) . In the optical multiplexing means 12, the signal light 10a to be transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b and the probe light 10 from the variable wavelength light source 13a
b and multiplexed with each other and transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b.

The multiplexed signal of the signal light 10a and the probe light 10b is transmitted from the input / output port 1a to the selected optical fiber of the input / output port 1b via the condenser lens 2a, the wedge prism 3, and the condenser lens 2b. Is entered. When the multiplexed signal input to the input / output port 1b reaches the fiber grating 11a, the fiber grating 11a reflects the probe light 10b of the multiplexed signal to generate reflected light having a specific wavelength. The generated reflected light is transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b in the opposite direction to the multiplexed signal, and is input to the optical power meter 18 via the optical multiplexing means 12, the identification optical fiber 1f, and the semi-transparent mirror 14. . The optical power meter 18 detects only reflected light having a wavelength that specifies a desired optical fiber, and measures its intensity. The reflected light intensity measured by the optical power meter 18 is output to the processing control device 19. The processing control device 19 stores information that associates the intensity of the probe light 10b with the intensity of the reflected light when the optical fibers stored in the storage device (not shown) are in the optimal optical coupling state;
By comparing the input reflected light intensity, it is determined whether the optical fiber that is currently transmitting and receiving light is in a predetermined optical coupling state with the desired optical fiber, and if it is the desired optical fiber, The optical transmission is continued as it is.

If the optical fiber is not the desired optical fiber, or the optical fiber is the desired optical fiber but is not in the predetermined optical coupling state, the processing control device 19 starts the operation of adjusting the rotation angle of the wedge prism 3. . More specifically, based on the input reflected light intensity and information that associates the probe light 10b intensity with the reflected light intensity when the optical fibers stored in the storage device (not shown) are in the optimal optical coupling state. Then, the processing control device 19 sets the power value supplied from the rotation device 16b to the rotation mechanism 16a, and rotates the wedge-shaped prism 3. As described above, the processing control device 19 controls the input / output port 1
The deflection angle of light from the input / output port 1a is adjusted in accordance with the rotation angle of the wedge prism 3 until a desired optical fiber is brought into a predetermined optical coupling state between a and 1b.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, the optical fiber identification information 1 of the optical fiber related to the optical transmission / reception is obtained by using the optical signal propagating through the input / output ports 1a and 1b.
1 to obtain information on the optical coupling state between the optical fibers of both input / output ports 1a and 1b, and based on this information,
Since there is provided a rotating device 16b and an information reading device 17 for adjusting the deflection angle of the deflecting means such as the wedge-shaped prism 3 so that an optimum optical coupling state is obtained between the desired optical fibers, the desired optical fiber is provided. Since it is possible to adjust the optical coupling state between the input / output ports 1a and 1b, the reliability of optical transmission between the input / output ports 1a and 1b can be improved.

Further, according to the eighth embodiment, as the optical fiber discriminating means, when the probe light 10b having a predetermined wavelength is incident, the fiber grating 11a generates reflected light having a specific wavelength. , The optical power meter 18 controls the fiber grating 11 by the probe light 10b transmitted through the input / output ports 1a and 1b.
Since it is determined whether or not a desired optical fiber is transmitting and receiving light based on the reflected light generated by a, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained by applying to the configuration of the above embodiment. Can be In addition, since the identification means for the optical fiber can be realized with a simple configuration only by forming the grating on the optical fiber, the process for providing the identification means for the optical fiber can be simplified.

In the eighth embodiment, the description has been made of the rotating mechanism 16a for rotating the wedge-shaped prism 3, the rotating device 16b, and the information reading device 17 as the adjusting means. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 2 to 5
As for the deflecting means using the prism 4 having the electro-optical effect as shown in FIG.

Embodiment 9 FIG. In the ninth embodiment, information on the optical coupling state between the optical input / output units is obtained using the optical signal propagating between the optical input / output units, and the obtained optical coupling state between the optical input / output units is obtained. The distance between the light input / output unit and the light condensing unit is appropriately changed based on the information according to (1) to adjust the optical coupling state between the light input / output units.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of adjusting an optical switch according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. The illustrated example shows a case where the optical switch according to the eighth embodiment is adjusted according to the ninth embodiment. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. First, the input / output ports 1a, 1b
Of optical coupling between the optical fibers is obtained (optical coupling information obtaining step). This will be described using the eighth embodiment as a specific example. First, in the same manner as in the eighth embodiment, the probe light 10b is transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b via the optical fiber for identification 1f and the optical multiplexing means 12. The probe light 10b enters the optical fiber of the input / output port 1b via the condenser lens 2a, the wedge prism 3, and the condenser lens 2b. When the probe light 10b is input to the input / output port 1b, the fiber grating 11a reflects the probe light 10b to generate reflected light having a specific wavelength. The reflected light is transmitted in reverse between the input / output ports 1a and 1b, and is input to the optical power meter 18 via the optical multiplexing means 12, the identification optical fiber 1f, and the semi-transparent mirror 14.

The optical power meter 18 detects only reflected light having a wavelength that specifies a desired optical fiber, and measures its intensity. The reflected light intensity measured by the optical power meter 18 is output to the processing control device 19. Processing control device 19
Compares information obtained by associating the intensity of the probe light 10b with the intensity of the reflected light when the optical fibers stored in the storage device (not shown) are in the optimal optical coupling state, and the intensity of the reflected light input. Then, it is determined whether or not the optical fiber currently transmitting and receiving light is in a predetermined optical coupling state with a desired optical fiber. At this time, if the processing control device 19 determines that the optical fiber is not the desired optical fiber or that the optical fiber is the desired optical fiber but is not in the predetermined optical coupling state, the operation before adjusting the rotation angle of the wedge prism 3 is started. Then, the distance between the input / output ports 1a, 1b and the condenser lenses 2a, 2b is adjusted.

More specifically, while monitoring the intensity of the reflected light measured by the optical power meter 18, the mounting positions of the condenser lenses 2a and 2b are set along the optical axis of the incoming and outgoing light as shown by arrows in FIG. To move the input / output port 1a and / or
Alternatively, the distance between the input / output port 1b and the condenser lenses 2a, 2b is appropriately changed. When the intensity of the reflected light measured by the optical power meter 18 reaches the intensity of the reflected light obtained when the optical coupling state is adjusted to the optimum optical coupling state determined in advance (or when the maximum value is shown in the adjustment stage), the input is started. Output ports 1a, 1b
Assuming that the optical coupling state between the optical fibers has been optimized, the mounting positions of the condenser lenses 2a and 2b are fixed, and the adjustment operation is completed (optical system adjustment step).

As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, information on the optical coupling state between the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1b is obtained by using the light propagating between the input / output ports 1a and 1b. The distance between the input / output ports 1a, 1b and the condensing lenses 2a, 2b is appropriately changed based on the acquired information on the optical coupling state between the optical fibers, and the light of the input / output ports 1a, 1b is changed. Since the optical coupling state between the fibers is adjusted, the deflection angle error of the deflection means and the input / output port 1
The deterioration of the coupling efficiency due to the arrangement error of the optical fiber in b can be reduced only by changing the lateral magnification of the optical system between the input / output ports 1a and 1b.

In the ninth embodiment, an example has been described in which the reflected light intensity shown in the eighth embodiment is used as the information on the optical coupling state between the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a and 1b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the input / output ports 1a, 1b and the condenser lens 2 are checked while checking the optical coupling state between the optical fibers of the input / output ports 1a, 1b.
It is sufficient that the distance from a and 2b can be appropriately changed.
For example, the adjustment operation may be performed by monitoring the signal light transmitted between the input / output ports 1a and 1b without providing a special signal for position adjustment.

In the ninth embodiment, an example in which the optical system between the two input / output ports 1a and 1b is adjusted has been described. However, the same applies to a case where three or more input / output ports are provided. Can be.

Embodiment 10 FIG. This Embodiment 10
The optical input / output sections are arranged so that the optical fibers located at the centers of the respective end faces of the optical input / output sections face each other, and the light collecting section is arranged between the positioned optical input / output sections. While propagating the probe light having predetermined characteristics to the optical fiber located at the center of each end face, acquiring information related to the optical coupling state between the optical fibers located at the center of each end face from the probe light, acquiring Based on the information on the optical coupling state between the optical fibers located at the center of each end face of the optical input / output unit, the arrangement position of the optical input / output unit is adjusted, and the arrangement position is optimized. A deflecting means is arranged between the sections.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of assembling an optical switch according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1e denotes an optical fiber provided at the center of the circular end face of the input / output port 1b, and the end face of the optical fiber 1e is arranged so as to face the end face of the input / output port 1a. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

Next, the outline will be described. In the optical switch according to the first to eighth embodiments, the input / output port 1
If the respective end faces of a and 1b are not accurately arranged at the position where they face each other, for example, the light deflected by the deflecting means will be accurately incident on the optical fiber in one direction, but the optical fiber in the other direction There is a problem that the light cannot be incident on the. In order to eliminate such a defect, the input / output ports 1a and 1a are required when assembling the optical switch.
It is necessary to accurately arrange the respective end faces of b at positions facing each other. Therefore, the assembling method according to the tenth embodiment provides an input / output port 1a, 1b by accurately arranging the end faces of the input / output ports 1a, 1b at positions facing each other before incorporating deflection means between the input / output ports 1a, 1b. Port 1a, 1
The problem caused by the displacement of the position b can be reduced. The details will be described below. First, the input / output ports 1a and 1b are arranged so that the end face of the input / output port 1a and the end face of the optical fiber 1e provided at the center of the circular end face of the input / output port 1b face each other (positioning step). .

The condenser lenses 2a and 2b are arranged between the positioned input / output ports 1a and 1b, and the probe light propagates from the input / output port 1a to the optical fiber 1e. At this time, a photodetector (not shown) for monitoring the intensity of the probe light is provided in front of the optical fiber 1e, and the intensity of the probe light obtained from the photodetector is changed to an optical coupling state between the optical fibers. Handle as such information. In other words, when the intensity of the probe light propagated from the input / output port 1a to the optical fiber 1e is maximized, it is determined that the end face of the input / output port 1a and the end face of the optical fiber 1e are arranged at positions exactly facing each other ( Information acquisition step).

While monitoring the intensity of the probe light, the arrangement positions of the input / output ports 1a and 1b are adjusted (the attachment positions of the condenser lenses 2a and 2b are also adjusted if necessary) (position adjustment step). When the positions of the input / output ports 1a and 1b at which the intensity of the probe light propagated from the input / output port 1a to the optical fiber 1e is maximized are determined by the above adjustment, the positions of the input / output ports 1a and 1b are changed. It is determined that the optimization has been performed, and a deflecting unit (in the illustrated example, a wedge-shaped prism 3) is arranged between the input / output ports 1a and 1b (assembly step). Thereby, the assembly of the optical switch of the present invention is completed.

In the tenth embodiment, an example has been described in which the intensity of the probe light is used as information on the optical coupling state obtained from the probe light propagated from the input / output port 1a to the optical fiber 1e. Alternatively, the optical fiber identification means described in the seventh and eighth embodiments may be used.

In the tenth embodiment, the optical fiber 1e provided at the center of the circular end face of the input / output port 1b is used as the optical fiber facing the end face of the input / output port 1a.
Has been described above, but a plurality of optical fibers
In the input / output ports 1c 'and 1d arranged two-dimensionally and two-dimensionally, an optical fiber located at the center of the end face is used.

As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, the input / output ports 1a and 1b are positioned such that the optical fibers located at the centers of the respective end faces face each other.
I / O ports 1a, 1b where a and 1b are arranged and positioned
b, condenser lenses 2a and 2b are arranged between the optical fibers 1a and 1b, and probe light having predetermined characteristics is propagated to an optical fiber located at the center of each end face of the input / output ports 1a and 1b. Information on the optical coupling state between the optical fibers located at the center is acquired, and based on the acquired information on the optical coupling state between the optical fibers located at the center of each end face, the input / output ports 1a and 1b are obtained. The position of the input / output ports 1a, 1b is adjusted and the deflecting means is disposed between the optimized input / output ports 1a, 1b. can do. Also, I / O port 1
Since a and 1b are accurately arranged, the adjustment operation described in the ninth embodiment can be easily performed on the assembled optical switch.

In the first to tenth embodiments, the input / output port 1a is composed of one optical fiber, but is not limited to this, and may be composed of a plurality of optical fibers.

In the tenth embodiment, an example of assembling an optical switch using two input / output ports 1a and 1b has been described. Positioning may be performed using an optical fiber positioned at the center of the end face of each input / output port, and the present invention can be applied in the same manner as in the tenth embodiment.

Further, in the first to tenth embodiments,
The optical signal incident from input / output port 1a is
Although an example in which light is incident on predetermined optical fibers constituting b, 1c, 1c ', and 1d has been described, the input / output port 1
The present invention can be applied without adding a special component even when an optical signal incident from the optical fibers constituting b, 1c, 1c ', and 1d enters the optical fiber of the input / output port 1a. it can.

Further, in the first to tenth embodiments,
I / O port 1a and I / O ports 1b, 1c, 1
Although an example is shown in which the end faces of the optical fibers constituting c ′ and 1d are trimmed by dicing or the like, the input / output ports 1a and / or the input / output ports 1b, 1c, and 1 are used.
Each of c ′ and 1d may be formed of an optical fiber having a lens function at an end so that parallel light enters and exits. More specifically, for example, if the number of optical fibers constituting the input / output ports 1b and 1d is increased (the number of selectable channels is increased), the bundle of optical fibers inevitably becomes thicker. . As a result, the position of the optical fiber to be focused by the condenser lens 2b shifts from the optical axis of the lens.
The angle at which light from the deflecting means enters the optical fiber of the input / output port 1b via the condenser lens 2b increases, and the coupling loss of light between the input / output ports 1a and 1b increases (that is, the input / output ports 1a, 1b). 1b, the loss in the selection of the optical fiber increases). If a long focal length lens is used as the condenser lens 2b for such a problem, the angle of incidence on the optical fiber of the input / output port 1b can be reduced.
Light coupling loss between the input / output ports 1a and 1b can be reduced. However, if the condensing lens has a long focal length, its size becomes relatively large, and the optical switch itself becomes large.

Therefore, the input / output port 1a and / or the input / output ports 1b, 1c, 1c ', 1d are provided at their ends with fiber collimators, which are optical fibers having a lens function, so that parallel light can be input and output. Thus, a function relating to optical coupling is provided, and a function of converting the light deflected by the deflecting means into a position is provided by using the condensing lenses 2a and 2b as telecentric lenses. Thereby, when the fiber collimator is not used, the condenser lens 2
The functions of the optical switches a and 2b are shared by the two components, so that the size of the optical switch can be reduced.
The optical coupling efficiency of light between b can be improved.

[0118]

As described above, according to the optical switch of the present invention, a plurality of optical input / output sections each comprising an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal, and a light beam relating to the optical signal incident from the optical input / output section Deflecting, a deflecting means for selecting an optical fiber of an optical input / output unit to which this optical signal is to be transmitted, and condensing a light beam relating to an optical signal entering / exiting the optical input / output unit into a parallel beam, And a condensing means for condensing the light beam emitted from the deflecting means onto the optical fiber of the light input / output unit selected by the deflecting means, and deflecting the light beam and rotating the wedge-shaped prism. Since the fiber is selected, there is an effect that the optical fiber itself is not moved as in the related art, the damage of the optical fiber is prevented, and the reliability of the optical transmission can be improved.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, the optical input / output section has the first optical input / output section in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a cylindrical shape so that the end face is circular, and the optical input / output section has the first end face. A second light input / output unit disposed at a position facing the center of the circular end face of the light input / output unit; and a deflecting unit that receives light incident from the first light input / output unit or the second light input / output unit. The optical signal is transmitted by deflecting the light beam related to the signal and appropriately rotating the straight line connecting the center of the circular end face of the first light input / output section and the center of the end face of the second light input / output section as the rotation axis. Since it is composed of a wedge-shaped prism for selecting the optical fiber of the second optical input / output unit or the first optical input / output unit, the effect of the above paragraph 0118 can be obtained, and the optical input / output unit and the optical input / output unit can be connected. Conventionally, when selecting an optical fiber between them, only the wedge prism needs to be rotated. Movable mechanism without the massive jigs and movable can be miniaturized so, there is an effect that the operation speed can be increased. Thereby, there is an effect that the selection time of the optical fiber between the optical input / output unit and the optical input / output unit can be reduced.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, the deflecting means has an electro-optical effect in which the deflection angle is changed by applying an electric field, and deflects the light beam related to the optical signal input from the light input / output unit. And an electric field applying means for selecting an optical fiber of an optical input / output unit to which an optical signal is to be transmitted by applying an electric field to the electro-optical prism so that the intensity can be changed. There is an effect that the optical fiber itself is not moved, damage of the optical fiber due to this is prevented, and the reliability of optical transmission can be improved.

Further, since the electric field applying means can be realized with a simple configuration, there is an effect that the cost of the optical switch itself can be reduced. Further, there is an effect that a movable mechanism having a large-mass jig as in the related art can be omitted, and the size of the optical switch can be reduced. Further, the optical fiber can be selected in accordance with the setting of the electric field strength, and there is an effect that the selection time of the optical fiber can be shorter than the configuration of the paragraph 0119.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, the deflection angle correcting prism for correcting the refraction angle of the electro-optical prism so that the optical axes of the light beams relating to the optical signals transmitted and received by the deflecting means are parallel to each other. Since it is composed of a deflection unit juxtaposed to the optical prism, the above paragraphs 0120 and 0
In addition to the effect obtained by 121, the above paragraph [0120]
There is an effect that the adjustment of the optical system can be easily performed as compared with the configuration described above.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, since the deflecting means is constituted by a deflecting unit array in which a plurality of deflecting units are juxtaposed, the same effect as in the above-mentioned paragraph 0122 can be obtained, and also in the case of one deflecting unit. Since a relatively large deflection angle can be obtained, there is an effect that power saving of the optical switch can be achieved.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, since the deflecting unit array is composed of deflecting units including electro-optical prisms whose planes determined by the slopes are orthogonal to each other, the light beams from the optical input / output unit are orthogonal to each other. Since the optical input / output unit can be deflected in the direction, the optical input / output unit can be arranged in a two-dimensional array of a plurality of optical fibers, and the installation space for the optical input / output unit can be reduced. There is an effect that it can be achieved.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, since the light condensing means includes the light condensing lens having a hyperboloid or elliptical surface at the entrance and exit surfaces, the optical axis of the light emitted from the deflecting means is changed to the lens optical axis. The optical coupling efficiency between the optical fibers of the optical input / output unit does not deviate from the end face of each optical fiber constituting the optical input / output unit because the light beam emitted from the condenser lens can be made parallel to There is an effect that can be improved.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of optical input / output units is made of an optical fiber provided with optically readable identification means for identifying itself. Thus, it is possible to determine whether or not a desired optical fiber is transmitting and receiving light.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, by using the optical signal propagating between the optical input / output units, the identification means of the optical fiber relating to the optical transmission / reception is read, and whether or not the desired optical fiber is performing the optical transmission / reception is determined. The optical fiber discriminating means for discriminating whether or not a desired optical fiber is transmitting and receiving light between the optical input and output units, thereby improving the reliability of selecting an optical fiber. There is an effect that can be.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, an optical signal propagating between the optical input / output units is used to change the optical coupling state of the optical fibers between the optical input / output units from the optical fiber identification means relating to the light transmission / reception. Such information is obtained, and based on this information, there is provided adjusting means for adjusting the deflection angle of the deflecting means so as to obtain an optimal optical coupling state between desired optical fibers. Since it can be adjusted so as to be in an optimal optical coupling state, there is an effect that the reliability of optical transmission between the optical input / output units can be improved.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, the discriminating means comprises a reflecting portion for generating reflected light having a specific wavelength when the probe light having a predetermined wavelength is incident thereon. Since it is determined whether or not light transmission / reception is performed between desired optical fibers based on the reflected light generated by the reflection unit by the probe light propagated between the optical input / output units, it is applied to the configuration of paragraph 0128 described above. Thereby, an effect similar to that of the above paragraph 0128 can be exerted. In addition, since it is possible to realize a reflection portion serving as an optical fiber identification unit with a simple configuration that only forms a grating in an optical fiber, it is possible to simplify the process of providing the optical fiber identification unit. effective.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, since the optical input / output section is made of an optical fiber having a lens function at the end, the size of the optical switch can be reduced, and the optical fiber between the optical input / output section can be optically connected. There is an effect that the coupling efficiency can be improved.

According to the method for adjusting an optical switch of the present invention, a plurality of optical input / output sections composed of optical fibers for transmitting optical signals and a light beam relating to the optical signal incident from the optical input / output section are deflected. A deflecting means for selecting an optical fiber of an optical input / output unit to which this optical signal is to be transmitted; and a condensing light beam for an optical signal entering / exiting the optical input / output unit to form a parallel beam. A light condensing means for condensing and projecting the light beam emitted from the deflecting means onto the optical fiber of the light input / output part, using an optical signal propagating between the light input / output parts. An optical coupling information acquiring step of acquiring information relating to an optical coupling state between the optical input / output units, and based on information relating to an optical coupling state between the optical input / output units acquired in the optical coupling information acquiring step. Between the light input / output unit and the light collecting means. An optical system adjusting step of adjusting the optical coupling state between the optical input / output units by appropriately changing the separation, thereby causing an error in the deflection angle of the deflecting means and an error in the arrangement of the optical fiber between the optical input / output units. There is an effect that the deterioration of the coupling efficiency can be reduced only by changing the lateral magnification of the optical system between the optical input / output units.

According to the method for assembling an optical switch of the present invention, a plurality of optical input / output sections each comprising an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal, and a light beam relating to the optical signal incident from the optical input / output section are deflected. A deflecting means for selecting an optical fiber of an optical input / output unit to which this optical signal is to be transmitted; and a condensing light beam for an optical signal entering / exiting the optical input / output unit to form a parallel beam. A light condensing means for condensing and projecting the light beam emitted from the deflecting means onto the optical fiber of the light input / output unit, wherein the light located at the center of each end face of the light input / output unit is provided. A positioning step of arranging the respective optical input / output sections so that the fibers face each other, and a focusing means disposed between the optical input / output sections positioned in the positioning step, and a center of each end face of the optical input / output section. Located in the optical fiber While propagating the probe light having predetermined characteristics, the information acquisition step for acquiring information on the optical coupling state between optical fibers located at the center of each end face from the probe light, and the information acquisition step A position adjusting step of adjusting the arrangement position of the optical input / output unit based on information relating to an optical coupling state between optical fibers positioned at the centers of the respective end faces of the optical input / output unit; and An assembling step of arranging the deflecting means between the optical input / output sections whose arrangement positions are optimized, thereby providing an optical switch in which the selection failure of the optical fiber due to an arrangement position error between the optical input / output sections is reduced. There is an effect that can be. Further, since the optical input / output unit is accurately arranged, there is an effect that the adjustment operation shown in the above paragraph 0131 can be easily performed on the assembled optical switch.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, there is provided an optical switch including a plurality of optical input / output units each comprising an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical input / output units is a self-switch. Since the optical fiber is provided with an optically readable identification means for identifying the optical fiber, it is possible to identify whether or not the desired optical fiber is transmitting and receiving light between the optical input / output units.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, by using the optical signal propagating between the optical input / output units, the identification means of the optical fiber relating to the optical transmission / reception is read, and the optical transmission / reception is performed between the desired optical fibers. Since there is provided an optical fiber discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not a desired optical fiber is transmitting and receiving light between the optical input and output units,
There is an effect that the reliability of selecting an optical fiber between the optical input / output units can be improved.

According to the optical switch of the present invention, the discriminating means comprises a reflecting portion for generating reflected light having a specific wavelength when the probe light having a predetermined wavelength is incident thereon. Since it is determined whether or not light transmission / reception is performed between desired optical fibers based on the reflected light generated by the reflection unit by the probe light propagated between the optical input / output units, it is applied to the configuration of the above paragraph 0134. Thereby, an effect similar to that of the above paragraph 0134 is exerted. In addition, since the identification means of the optical fiber can be realized with a simple configuration only by forming a grating on the optical fiber, there is an effect that the process for providing the identification means of the optical fiber can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of an optical switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A is a top view and FIG. 2B is a side view.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a configuration of an optical switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A is a top view and FIG. 5B is a side view.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the optical switch according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the optical switch according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an optical switch according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of an optical switch according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method for adjusting an optical switch according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of assembling an optical switch according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a conventional optical switch.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a input / output port (second optical input / output unit, optical input / output unit),
1b input / output port (first optical input / output unit, optical input / output unit),
1c, 1c ', 1d I / O port (optical I / O unit), 1
e optical fiber, 1f identification optical fiber, 2a, 2b
Condensing lens (condensing means), 2c condensing lens (condensing lens, condensing means), 3 wedge prism (wedge prism,
Deflecting means), 4 prisms (electro-optical prism), 4d
1, 4d2 wedge-shaped prism (electro-optic prism, deflection means), 5a, 5b electrodes (electric field application means), 6 DC power supply (electric field application means), 7 prism for correcting refraction angle, 8
Deflection unit (deflection unit, deflection means), 8a, 8
b, 8c, 8d deflection unit array (deflection unit array, deflection means), 9 deflection means, 10 light beams, 1
0a signal light, 10b probe light, 11 optical fiber identification information (identification means), 11a fiber grating (reflection section, identification means), 12 optical multiplexing means (optical fiber identification means), 13 light source (optical fiber identification means), 1
3a Variable wavelength light source (identifying means), 14 semi-transparent mirror (optical fiber discriminating means), 15 status monitor (optical fiber discriminating means), 16a rotating mechanism (adjusting means), 16b rotating device (adjusting means), 17 information reading device ( Optical fiber discriminating means, adjusting means), 18 optical power meter (identifying means), 19 processing control device (optical fiber discriminating means, adjusting means).

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of optical input / output units each comprising an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal, and a light beam relating to the optical signal incident from the optical input / output unit is deflected to transmit the optical signal. A deflecting unit for selecting an optical fiber of a light input / output unit to be condensed; and a light beam relating to the optical signal which enters and exits the optical input / output unit and is condensed into a parallel beam. A light condensing means for condensing the light beam emitted from the deflecting means to make it incident on the optical fiber of the section. 2. An optical input / output section comprising: a first optical input / output section in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a cylindrical shape so that an end face is circular; A second optical input / output unit disposed at a position opposed to the center of the shape end face; and a deflecting unit configured to irradiate the light related to the optical signal incident from the first optical input / output unit or the second optical input / output unit. The optical signal is transmitted by deflecting the beam and appropriately rotating the straight line connecting the center of the circular end face of the first light input / output section and the center of the end face of the second light input / output section as a rotation axis. 2. The optical switch according to claim 1, further comprising a wedge-shaped prism for selecting an optical fiber of said second optical input / output unit or said first optical input / output unit. 3. An electro-optic prism having an electro-optic effect in which a deflection angle is changed by applying an electric field, and deflecting a light beam relating to an optical signal incident from an optical input / output unit. 2. The optical switch according to claim 1, further comprising electric field applying means for applying an electric field to the electro-optical prism so as to change the intensity and selecting an optical fiber of an optical input / output unit to which the optical signal is to be transmitted. 4. The deflecting means includes a refraction angle correcting prism for correcting the refraction angle of the electro-optic prism such that the optical axes of the light beams relating to the incoming and outgoing optical signals are parallel to each other. The optical switch according to claim 3, comprising a deflection unit provided. 5. An optical switch according to claim 4, wherein said deflecting means comprises a deflecting unit array in which a plurality of deflecting units are juxtaposed. 6. The optical switch according to claim 5, wherein the deflection unit array comprises deflection units including electro-optic prisms whose planes determined by the slopes are orthogonal to each other. 7. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the light converging means includes a light converging lens having a hyperboloid or an elliptical surface at the input / output surface. 8. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical input / output units comprises an optical fiber provided with optically readable identification means for identifying itself. 9. An optical fiber identification unit related to optical transmission / reception is read using an optical signal propagating between optical input / output units,
9. The optical switch according to claim 8, further comprising an optical fiber discriminating means for discriminating whether or not light transmission / reception is being performed between desired optical fibers. 10. Using an optical signal propagating between optical input / output units, acquiring information on an optical coupling state of the optical fiber between the optical input / output units from an optical fiber identification unit related to optical transmission / reception, 9. The optical switch according to claim 8, further comprising adjusting means for adjusting a deflection angle of the deflecting means so as to obtain an optimum optical coupling state between desired optical fibers based on the information. 11. A discriminating means comprises a reflector for generating reflected light having a specific wavelength when a probe light having a predetermined wavelength is incident thereon. 10. The optical switch according to claim 9, wherein it is determined whether or not light transmission / reception is performed between desired optical fibers based on the reflected light generated by the reflection section by the probe light. 12. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the optical input / output unit comprises an optical fiber having a lens function at an end. 13. A plurality of optical input / output units each comprising an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal, and a light beam relating to the optical signal incident from the optical input / output unit is deflected to transmit the optical signal. Deflecting means for selecting an optical fiber of a light input / output unit; and a light beam relating to the optical signal which enters and exits the light input / output unit to be converged into a parallel beam, and the light input / output selected by the deflecting means A light condensing means for condensing the light beam emitted from the deflecting means and making the light beam incident on the optical fiber of the part, wherein the optical signal propagating between the light input and output parts is An optical coupling information acquiring step of acquiring information relating to an optical coupling state between the optical input / output units, and based on the information relating to the optical coupling state between the optical input / output units acquired in the optical coupling information acquiring step. The optical input / output unit and the By changing the distance between the optical means as appropriate, adjusting method of the optical switch characterized by comprising an optical system adjusting step of adjusting the optical coupling state between said optical input and output portion. 14. A plurality of optical input / output units each comprising an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal, and a light beam relating to the optical signal incident from the optical input / output unit is deflected to transmit the optical signal. Deflecting means for selecting an optical fiber of a light input / output unit; and a light beam relating to the optical signal which enters and exits the light input / output unit to be converged into a parallel beam, and the light input / output selected by the deflecting means A light condensing means for condensing the light beam emitted from the deflecting means and making the light beam incident on the optical fiber of the part, wherein the optical fiber located at the center of each end face of the light input / output part is provided. A positioning step of arranging the light input / output sections so as to face each other; and arranging the light condensing means between the light input / output sections positioned in the positioning step, and each end face of the light input / output section. Located in the center of Propagating probe light having predetermined characteristics to the fiber, and an information acquisition step of acquiring information on an optical coupling state between optical fibers located at the centers of the end faces from the probe light, and the information acquisition step A position adjusting step of adjusting an arrangement position of the light input / output unit based on information on an optical coupling state between optical fibers positioned at the center of each end face of the light input / output unit obtained by Assembling the optical switch between the optical input / output units whose placement positions have been optimized in the adjusting step. 15. An optical switch comprising a plurality of optical input / output units comprising an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical input / output units is optically identifying itself. An optical switch comprising an optical fiber provided with readable identification means. 16. An optical fiber identification unit related to optical transmission / reception is read using an optical signal propagating between optical input / output units,
16. The optical switch according to claim 15, further comprising an optical fiber discriminating means for discriminating whether or not light transmission / reception is performed between desired optical fibers. 17. The discrimination means comprises a reflection part for generating reflected light having a specific wavelength when a probe light having a predetermined wavelength is incident thereon, and the optical fiber discrimination means propagates between the light input and output parts. 17. The optical switch according to claim 16, wherein it is determined whether or not light transmission / reception is performed between desired optical fibers based on reflected light generated by the reflection unit by the probe light.