JP2002156589A - Optical path changeover structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small and highly efficient optical path changeover structure with which the loss of optical connections can be reduced and which does not require high precision for optical path changeover. SOLUTION: When optical waveguides 10a and 10b are being separated, a light wave L1 which has been made incident on a waveguide core 11b propagates through the inside of the waveguide core 11b, and is made incident on an inclined plane 12b. Since the inclined plane 12b is formed at the angle which totally reflects the light wave propagating through the waveguide core 11b, the light wave L1 is made incident on a waveguide core 11c after a total reflection as a light wave L2 at the inclined plane 12b. On the other hand, when the optical waveguides 10a and 10b are joined, the waveguide cores 11a and 11b are joined in a state their optical axes are aligned, and the inclined planes 12a and 12b are in close contact. Therefore, after the light wave L1 propagates through the inside of waveguide core 11b, it passes through the inclined planes 12b and 12a, and further propagates to the waveguide core 11a as a light wave L3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an optical path switching structure,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a structure for changing an optical path of a light wave in optical communication or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an optical path switching component used in optical communication and the like is an optical passive component that changes the optical path of a light wave, and a mechanical optical path switching component having a movable portion and an electronic optical path using an electro-optical effect or the like. There is a switching part.

As a method for switching the optical path by the mechanical method described above, there is a method in which a reflector such as a mirror is arranged on the optical path and light is propagated in space using the reflection. This method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-261214 as an optical path switching device. 6A shows the entire configuration of the optical path switching device, and FIG. 6B shows details of the optical path switching device and the principle of optical path switching. Less than,
The optical path switching device will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), light propagating through an input optical fiber 101a is converted into parallel light by a rod lens 102a.
0 propagates parallel to the upper surface 100a. Next, the parallel light is reflected and deflected by the reflection surface 103a and the reflection surface 103b of the optical path switching unit 103. As a result, the parallel light is reflected and deflected by 90 ° and enters the rod lens 102c. The parallel light is emitted from the optical fiber 101 for emission by the rod lens 102c.
c and propagates through the output optical fiber 101c.
On the other hand, the light propagating through the incident optical fiber 101b is
The light is converted into parallel light by the rod lens 102b and propagates parallel to the upper surface 100a of the switching substrate 100. Next, the parallel light is similarly transmitted by the optical path switching unit 104 to 9
The light is reflected by 0 ° and enters the rod lens 102d. The parallel light is focused by the rod lens 102d on the output optical fiber 101d, and is output from the output optical fiber 101d.
Is propagated. In FIG. 6A, the optical path switching unit 103 is disposed at the intersection A of the optical axis of the input optical fiber 101a and the output optical fiber 101c, and the optical path switching unit 104 is connected to the input optical fiber 101b and the output light. It is arranged at the intersection B of the optical axis with the fiber 101d. In the optical path switching device, the optical path switching units 103 and 104 are connected to the intersection C of the optical axis between the input optical fiber 101b and the output optical fiber 101c, and the light between the input optical fiber 101a and the output optical fiber 101d. By arranging it at the intersection D of the axes, it is possible to propagate the light of the incident optical fiber 101a to the output optical fiber 101d and the light of the incident optical fiber 101b to the output optical fiber 101c.

As described above, in the optical path switching device, the optical paths are switched by changing the positions of the optical path switching units 103 and 104. Therefore, in the optical path switching device, the position of the optical path switching unit and the intersection angle between the two reflection surfaces and the optical axis are accurately set and arranged, so that the optical path switching angle can be kept constant.

[0006]

However, in the optical path switching device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-261214, the light must be converted into parallel light by a rod lens or the like in order to propagate the light in the air. As a result, the number of parts increases. In addition, in order to reduce the loss at the connection part, the optical path switching device requires precise position and rotation adjustment between each optical fiber and the optical path switching part. Further, in the optical path switching device, a space is required between the incident-side rod lens and the exit-side rod lens, and therefore, the loss of the connection part is increased.

On the other hand, as a conventional method for solving the above-mentioned problem, there is an optical path changeover switch disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-300979. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an optical path switching state of the optical path switch. Hereinafter, the optical path switch will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 7, the optical path switch is
The optical waveguide includes optical waveguides 200 and 300, and waveguide cores 201a and 201b and 301a and 301b formed therein. The optical waveguide 200 is fixed to, for example, a housing (not shown) or the like. Also,
The optical waveguide 300 has its waveguide cores 301a and 30a.
The side face having the cross section of 1b is arranged so as to face the side face having the cross section of the waveguide cores 201a and 201b of the optical waveguide 200, and the side faces are parallel to each other. The distance between the waveguide cores 201a and 201b is equal to the distance between the waveguide cores 301a and 301b,
Each core width and core thickness are formed equally.
Therefore, as shown in FIG.
When 1a and 301a are arranged so as to be continuous,
The waveguide cores 201b and 301b are arranged so as to be continuous. The optical waveguide 300 is vertically movable using an electromagnet (not shown) or the like while maintaining the close contact between the side surfaces. Then, as shown in FIG.
00 is moved so that the optical axes of the waveguide cores 201b and 301a coincide.

In this way, the optical path switch can switch the light incident on the waveguide core 301a to the waveguide cores 201a and 201b and propagate the light. Further, the optical path changeover switch is provided in the waveguide core 30.
1a and the waveguide cores 201a and 201b are joined to each other when the light wave is being propagated, so that the loss at the joint can be reduced.

However, the optical path changeover switch is
The optical waveguide is moved in parallel to the side surface having the cross section of the waveguide core, and in order to align the optical axes of the respective optical waveguides, the optical waveguides must be moved to positions where the respective optical axes are aligned. I had to. Therefore,
The movement of the optical waveguide required high precision.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a small, high-performance optical path switching structure that reduces optical connection loss and does not require high precision in optical path switching.

[0012]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following features. A first invention is an optical path switching structure for changing an optical path of a light wave, wherein the first optical waveguide has a first inclined surface at an end, and the first optical waveguide is formed on the first optical waveguide, and the first optical waveguide is formed at the end. A first waveguide core having a total reflection surface on the same plane as the first inclined surface, a second optical waveguide having a second inclined surface at an end, and a second optical waveguide, and The second waveguide core having the second inclined surface as one end, and the first and second inclined surfaces are matched by fitting the second optical waveguide and sliding the second optical waveguide. A second optical waveguide that slides on the guide portion so that the first and second inclined surfaces are aligned with each other so that the entirety of the first waveguide core is moved. A reflecting surface and a second inclined surface of the second waveguide core are joined, and a light wave propagating in the first waveguide core is propagated to the second waveguide core; By sliding inside and separating the first and second inclined surfaces, the total reflection surface of the first waveguide core and the second inclined surface of the second waveguide core are separated from each other. A light wave propagating in one waveguide core is totally reflected by a total reflection surface.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, by moving the second optical waveguide, the lightwave incident on the first waveguide core is totally reflected by the second optical waveguide on the total reflection surface and is separated from the second optical waveguide. And can be transmitted. By adopting such a structure, optical components such as a condensing component and a mirror, which are conventionally required, are not required. In addition, when the light wave propagates from the first to the second waveguide core, the first and the second waveguide cores are joined and no space is required.
The loss at the connection can be reduced.

A second invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the second optical waveguide moves parallel to the optical axis of the second optical waveguide, and The optical axis and the optical axis of the second optical waveguide are always arranged on the same straight line.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the second optical waveguide is moved in parallel with the optical axis while the optical axes of the first and second optical waveguides are aligned on the same straight line. When the second inclined surface of the optical waveguide coincides with the first inclined surface of the first optical waveguide, the total reflection surface of the first waveguide core and the second inclined surface of the second waveguide core And can be joined.
In addition, since the first and second optical waveguides are joined in a state where the optical axis is adjusted, a simple optical path switching structure can be realized without requiring high moving accuracy of the conventional optical waveguide.

A third invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the second optical waveguide is in contact with the optical axis of the second optical waveguide when the first and second inclined surfaces are in sliding contact with each other. It is characterized in that it moves vertically with respect to.

According to the third aspect, the second optical waveguide is moved perpendicularly to the optical axis of the second optical waveguide while the first and second inclined surfaces are in sliding contact with each other, When the second inclined surface of the second optical waveguide coincides with the first inclined surface of the first optical waveguide, the total reflection surface of the first waveguide core and the second inclined surface of the second waveguide core. An inclined surface can be joined. In addition, since the first and second optical waveguides are joined in a state where the optical axis is adjusted, a simple optical path switching structure can be realized without requiring high moving accuracy of the conventional optical waveguide.

A fourth invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein a light receiving element is connected to the second optical waveguide.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the second optical waveguide connected to the light receiving element is joined to the first optical waveguide as necessary, so that the light receiving element allows total reflection of the first optical waveguide. It is possible to monitor the light wave propagating by total reflection on the surface, and it is possible to easily detect the light wave such as a system test.

A fifth invention is an invention according to the first invention, further comprising a third optical waveguide having a third waveguide core formed therein, wherein the third optical waveguide comprises: The optical waveguide is characterized in that it is adjusted to a position where at least a part of the light wave that propagates in the first waveguide core and is totally reflected by the total reflection surface propagates to the third waveguide core.

According to the fifth aspect, since the light wave totally reflected on the total reflection surface of the first waveguide core can be propagated to the third waveguide core, the light wave propagates in the first waveguide core. The lightwave to be transmitted can be switched and propagated to the second or third waveguide core.

A sixth invention is an invention according to the first invention, wherein the first and second optical waveguides have a configuration in which the first and second inclined surfaces form one optical waveguide at a predetermined angle. It is characterized by being formed by cutting and separating.

According to the sixth aspect, one optical waveguide is obliquely cut and separated at a predetermined angle, so that the position, the core width, and the core width of the first and second waveguide cores formed therein are formed. The thickness can be easily matched. Furthermore, the first
In addition, the first and second inclined surfaces of the second optical waveguide can be easily formed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical path switching structure for changing an optical path of a light wave, wherein the first optical waveguide has a first inclined surface at an end, and the first optical waveguide is formed on the first optical waveguide. A first waveguide core having a total reflection surface on the same plane as the first inclined surface at an end, an optical fiber having a second inclined surface at the end, an optical fiber supported, and A guide portion that guides the first and second inclined surfaces to a positional relationship such that the first and second inclined surfaces match by sliding the optical fiber, and the optical fiber slides the guide portion to bring the first and second inclined surfaces into contact with each other. By matching, the total reflection surface of the first waveguide core and the second inclined surface of the optical fiber are joined, the light wave propagating in the first waveguide core is propagated to the optical fiber, and the guide portion is By sliding and separating the first and second inclined surfaces, the total reflection surface of the first waveguide core and the optical fiber are separated. Is disengaging the second inclined surface of the driver, characterized in that for totally reflected by the total reflection surface light waves propagating in the first waveguide core.

According to the seventh invention, the optical fiber is moved instead of the second optical waveguide of the first invention, so that the light wave incident on the first waveguide core is totally reflected by the optical fiber. The light can be totally reflected by the surface and switched to another optical path for transmission. By adopting such a structure, optical components such as a condensing component and a mirror, which are conventionally required, are not required. Further, when the light wave propagates from the first waveguide core to the optical fiber, the space between the first waveguide core and the optical fiber is joined because no space is required, so that the loss of the connection portion is reduced. Can be reduced.

An eighth invention is an invention according to the eighth invention, wherein the optical fiber moves parallel to the optical axis of the optical fiber, and the optical fiber and the optical axis of the first optical waveguide are moved in parallel. The optical axis is always arranged on the same straight line.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the first optical waveguide and the optical fiber are made to have the same optical axis on the same straight line, and the optical fiber is moved in parallel to the optical axis, thereby the second optical fiber is moved. When the inclined surface of the optical waveguide coincides with the first inclined surface of the first optical waveguide, the total reflection surface of the first waveguide core and the core of the optical fiber can be joined. In addition, since the first optical waveguide and the optical fiber are joined in a state where the optical axis is adjusted, high moving accuracy of the conventional optical waveguide is not required.
A simple optical path switching structure can be realized.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 3
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an optical path switching structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of the optical path switching structure, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of the optical axis viewed from the direction M in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion D in FIG. Hereinafter, the optical path switching structure will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 1, the optical path switching structure includes optical waveguides 10 a to 10 c on the upper surface of a base 1. Grooves 2 and 3 having the same width as the widths of the respective optical waveguides 10a to 10c are formed in the base 1, and the respective groove depths are the same. The optical waveguide 10a is fitted to a guide 4 fixed to the base 1 so as not to move in the X and Y directions shown in FIG.
It is arranged to slide only in the Z direction along b. The shape of the guide 4 may be any shape as long as the function described above is satisfied. The optical waveguide 10b is fitted into the groove 2 and fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 2 with an adhesive (not shown) or the like. The optical waveguide 10c is fitted into the groove 3 and fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 3 with an adhesive (not shown) or the like. The end face 13c of the optical waveguide 10c is
The side surface of the optical waveguide 10b is joined with an adhesive (not shown) or the like. The detailed positions of the optical waveguides 10a to 10c will be described later.

Next, the structure of the optical waveguides 10a to 10c will be described. FIG. 2A shows optical waveguides 10a and 10b.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the optical waveguides 10a and 10b are joined together. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 2A, the optical waveguides 10a to 10a-1
Waveguide cores 11a to 11c are formed inside 0c, respectively. The waveguide cores 11a and 11b
Are arranged at the same distance from each other with respect to the side surfaces of the optical waveguides 10a and 10b which are in contact with the bottom surface and the side surface 2a of the groove 2 described above. The end face of the optical waveguide 10a having a cross section of the waveguide core 11a is cut obliquely at an angle α, and as a result, an inclined surface 12a is formed.
On the other hand, the end face having the cross section of the waveguide core 11b of the optical waveguide 10b facing the inclined surface 12a is obliquely cut at an angle of 180 ° -α, and as a result, the inclined surface 12b is formed. Here, the angle α is set to an angle at which a light wave propagating inside the waveguide core 11b is totally reflected. Further, the optical axis of the waveguide core 11c is
Are arranged so as to intersect with the inclined surface 12b.

The optical waveguides 10a to 10c can be made to have the same thickness and width by the same process, and the waveguide core 11a formed inside the optical waveguides can be made uniform.
11c, the core width and the core thickness can be easily matched. Further, the inclined surfaces 12a and 12b of the optical waveguides 10a and 10b form one optical waveguide by an angle α.
It can be formed easily by cutting and separating at an angle.

Next, the operation of the optical waveguide 10a will be described. As described above, since the optical waveguide 10a fits into the groove 2 and the guide 4, it cannot move in the X direction and the Y direction shown in FIG. 2, but in the Z direction along the side surfaces 2a and 2b of the groove 2. Only can slide. Here, the optical waveguide 10a is moved in the Z direction using, for example, an electromagnet, a stepper with a motor, a piezo element (not shown), or the like. Then, the optical waveguide 10a slid in the Z direction is joined to the optical waveguide 10b fitted into the same groove 2 and fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical waveguide 10a moves until the tip A of the optical waveguide 10a coincides with the intersection B between the inclined surface 12b of the optical waveguide 10b and the side surface 2b of the groove 2. That is, since the optical waveguide 10a has the same wedge angle α as the wedge-shaped portion formed by the inclined surface 12b and the side surface 2b, the inclined surfaces 12a and 12b can be completely matched in the X and Z directions. it can. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical waveguide 10a is fitted to the guide 4 in the Y direction, and thus always coincides with the bottom surface of the groove 2. Therefore, the optical waveguide 10b and the optical waveguide 10a fixed to the bottom of the same groove 2 can be made to coincide in the Y direction. That is, the optical waveguide 10a
And 10b can be joined in a state where the inclined surfaces 12a and 12b are completely matched by moving the optical waveguide 10a in the Z direction. At this time, it goes without saying that the waveguide cores 11a and 11b are also joined in a state where the optical axes are aligned.

Next, propagation of light in the optical path switching structure will be described. In FIG. 2A, the optical waveguide 10
a and 10b are separated. At this time, the light wave L1 incident on the waveguide core 11b is
The light propagates through the inside and enters the inclined surface 12b. As previously mentioned,
The inclined surface 12b is formed at an angle for totally reflecting the light wave propagating in the waveguide core 11b. Therefore, the light wave L1 is totally reflected by the inclined surface 12b, and is reflected in the X direction as the light wave L2. Here, as described above, the waveguide core 11
Since the optical axis of c is arranged so as to intersect with the inclined surface 12b of the waveguide core 11b, the light wave L2 is
And then enters the waveguide core 11c. That is, the light wave L1 incident on the waveguide core 11b is
2 is propagated to the waveguide core 11c.

On the other hand, in FIG.
a and 10b are in a joined state. At this time, the light wave L1 incident on the waveguide core 11b is
1b, and enters the inclined surface 12b. As described above, the waveguide cores 11a and 11b are joined with their optical axes aligned, that is, the inclined surfaces 12a and 12b are in close contact with each other. Therefore, the light wave L1 passes through the inclined surfaces 12b and 12a, and becomes the light wave L3 in the waveguide core 11a.
Is propagated to That is, the light wave L1 incident on the waveguide core 11b is propagated to the waveguide core 11a as a light wave L3.

Thus, in the optical path switching structure,
By moving the optical waveguide 10a, the waveguide core 1 is moved.
The lightwave incident on 1b can be switched and transmitted to the optical waveguides 10a and 10c. With such a structure, it is possible to realize an optical path switching structure that does not require optical components such as a condensing component and a mirror, which are conventionally required. In addition, when the optical axes of the optical waveguides are aligned with each other, the optical axes of the optical waveguides also coincide with each other when the inclined surfaces are aligned with each other, so that the high precision required for moving the conventional optical waveguides is unnecessary. A switching structure can be realized.

The inclined surface 12a of the optical waveguide 10a
A light receiving element may be arranged at the other end of the light receiving element. As described above, if necessary, the optical waveguide 10a can be replaced with the optical waveguide 10b.
Is bonded to the waveguide core 1 by the light receiving element.
It is possible to monitor the light wave propagating from 1b to 11c, and it is possible to easily detect the light wave such as a system test.

In the optical path switching structure, the optical waveguide is moved to switch the optical path. However, an optical fiber may be used instead of the optical waveguide. An inclined surface is formed at the tip of the optical fiber at the above-described angle α, and a groove in which the optical fiber is optically aligned with the waveguide core 11b and slides is fixed to the upper surface of the base 1. By moving the optical fiber on the groove and joining the inclined surface and the inclined surface 12b, an optical path switching structure can be realized as described above.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 4 and 5 are views showing an optical path switching structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the optical path switching structure, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing only the optical waveguide viewed from the N direction in FIG. Hereinafter, the optical path switching structure will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 4, the optical path switching structure has optical waveguides 10b to 10d on the upper surface of the base 5. Grooves 6 and 7 having the same width as the widths of the respective optical waveguides 10b to 10d are formed in the base 5, and the respective groove depths are the same. The optical waveguide 10d is provided with the groove 6 and the base 5 so as not to move in the X direction and the Z direction shown in FIG.
Guides 8a and 8b fixed to
It is in contact with the inclined surface 12b of the optical waveguide 10b. Also,
The optical waveguide 10d is arranged so as to slide along the guides 8a and 8b by a distance T only in the Y direction along the guides 8a and 8b while being in sliding contact with the inclined surface 12b of the optical waveguide 12b. The shapes of the guides 8a and 8b may be any shapes as long as the functions described above are satisfied. Further, an optical fiber 9 for emitting a light wave from a waveguide core, which will be described later, is bonded to one end of the optical waveguide 10d with an adhesive (not shown) at a position not interfering with the guides 8a and 8b. On the other hand, the optical waveguide 10b is fitted into the groove 6 and fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 6 with an adhesive (not shown) or the like. The optical waveguide 10c is fitted into the groove 7 and fixed to the bottom surface of the groove 7 with an adhesive (not shown) or the like. The end face 13c of the optical waveguide 10c is joined to the side face of the optical waveguide 10b with an adhesive (not shown) or the like. The optical waveguides 10b to 1b
The detailed position of each of 0d will be described later.

Next, the structure of the optical waveguides 10b to 10d will be described. FIG. 5A shows the optical waveguides 10b and 10d.
FIG. 5B shows a state in which the optical waveguide 1 is separated from the optical waveguide 1.
The state where 0b and 10d are joined is shown. Less than,
The description will be made with reference to FIGS. Since the structures of the optical waveguides 10b and 10c are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 5A, the optical waveguide 10d is
It has the same structure as the optical waveguide 10a described in the first embodiment. That is, a waveguide core 11d is formed inside the optical waveguide 10d, and the waveguide cores 11d and 11b are positioned with respect to the side surfaces of the optical waveguides 10d and 10b which are in contact with the bottom surface of the groove 6 and the side surface of the groove 6 described above. Are arranged at the same distance from each other. The end face of the optical waveguide 10d is cut obliquely at an angle α, and as a result, an inclined face 12d is formed. On the other hand, the inclined surface 12d
The end face of the optical waveguide 10b opposite to the angle 180 ° -α
, And as a result, an inclined surface 12b is formed. Here, the angle α is set to an angle at which a light wave propagating inside the waveguide core 11b is totally reflected.

The optical waveguides 10b to 10d can be made to have the same thickness and width by the same process, and the waveguide core 11b formed inside the optical waveguides 10b to 10d can have the same thickness and width.
Positions 11 to 11d, the core width, and the core thickness can be easily matched. Further, the inclined surfaces 12b and 12d of the optical waveguides 10b and 10d form one optical waveguide by an angle α.
It can be formed easily by cutting and separating at an angle.

Next, the operation of the optical waveguide 10d will be described. As described above, the optical waveguide 10d is connected to the guide 8a.
4 and 8b and is in contact with the inclined surface 12b, cannot move in the X and Z directions shown in FIG. 4, and slides along the inclined surfaces 12b along the guides 8a and 8b in the Y direction. Only the distance T can be slid. Here, the distance T is set to a distance at which the inclined surface 12d of the waveguide core 11d does not contact the inclined surface 12b of the optical waveguide 10b when the optical waveguide 10d moves in the Y direction. That is, assuming that the distance T is H _{1 in} the Y direction of the optical waveguide 10b and H _{2 in} the Y direction of the waveguide core 11d,
T = (H ₁ + H ₂ ) / 2. In addition, the optical waveguide 1
0d can be moved in the Y direction using, for example, an electromagnet, a stepper with a motor, a piezo element (not shown), or the like.

The optical waveguide 10d sliding in the direction of the base 5
Mates with the groove 6. At this time, the optical waveguide 10d has X
And in the Z direction, and has the same wedge angle α as the wedge-shaped portion formed by the inclined surface 12b and the groove 6, so that the inclined surfaces 12d and 12b completely coincide with the X and Z directions. be able to. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the optical waveguide 10d coincides with the bottom surface of the groove 6 in the Y direction, so that the optical waveguide 10b and the optical waveguide 10d fixed to the bottom surface of the same groove 6 are different from each other in the Y direction. Can also be matched. That is, the optical waveguides 10d and 10b
By moving the optical waveguide 10d in the Y direction, bonding can be performed with the inclined surfaces 12d and 12b completely aligned. At that time, the waveguide cores 11d and 11d
Needless to say, b is also joined with the optical axis aligned.

Next, the propagation of light in the optical path switching structure will be described. In FIG. 5A, the optical waveguide 10
Since d and 10b are shifted from each other by the distance T in the Y direction, the waveguide cores 11d and 11b are not connected. At this time, the light wave L1 incident on the waveguide core 11b propagates in the waveguide core 11b and is incident on the inclined surface 12b. As described above, the inclined surface 12b is formed at an angle at which the light wave propagating through the waveguide core 11b is totally reflected. Therefore, the light wave L1 is totally reflected by the inclined surface 12b, and is reflected in the X direction as the light wave L2. Here, as described above, the optical axis of the waveguide core 11c is
Is arranged so as to intersect with the inclined surface 12b of
After the light wave L2 propagates through the cladding 14b, the waveguide core 1
1c. That is, the light wave L1 incident on the waveguide core 11b is propagated as the light wave L2 to the waveguide core 11c.

On the other hand, in FIG.
d and 10b are joined, and the waveguide cores 11d and 11b are joined. At this time, the light wave L1 incident on the waveguide core 11b is
The light propagates through the inside and enters the inclined surface 12b. As previously mentioned,
The waveguide cores 11d and 11b are joined with their optical axes aligned, that is, the inclined surfaces 12d and 12b are in close contact. Therefore, the light wave L1 passes through the inclined surfaces 12b and 12d, and propagates as the light wave L3 to the waveguide core 11d. That is, the light wave L1 incident on the waveguide core 11b is propagated as the light wave L3 to the waveguide core 11d.

As described above, in the optical path switching structure,
By moving the optical waveguide 10d, the waveguide core 1 is moved.
The lightwave incident on 1b can be switched and transmitted to the optical waveguides 10a and 10c. With such a structure, it is possible to realize an optical path switching structure that does not require optical components such as a condensing component and a mirror, which are conventionally required. In addition, when the optical axes of the optical waveguides are aligned with each other, the optical axes of the optical waveguides are aligned when the inclined surfaces are aligned with each other. A switching structure can be realized.

The inclined surface 12d of the optical waveguide 10d
At the other end, a light receiving element may be arranged instead of the optical fiber 9. As described above, by joining the optical waveguide 10d to the optical waveguide 10b as necessary, it is possible to monitor the light wave propagating from the waveguide cores 11b to 11c by the light receiving element, and the system can be easily realized. Light wave detection such as a test can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical path switching structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in the direction of an optical axis viewed from a direction M in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a part D in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an optical path switching structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing only the optical waveguide viewed from the N direction in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an optical path switching device disclosed in JP-A-63-261214.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an optical path switching state of an optical path switch disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-300979.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 5, base 2, 3, 6, 7 groove 4, 8 guide 9 optical fiber 10, optical waveguide 11, waveguide core 12, inclined surface 13, end surface 14, clad

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An optical path switching structure for changing an optical path of a light wave, comprising: a first optical waveguide having a first inclined surface at an end; and a first optical waveguide formed at the first optical waveguide and having an end formed at the end. A first waveguide core having a total reflection surface on the same plane as the first inclined surface; a second optical waveguide having a second inclined surface at an end; and a second optical waveguide formed on the second optical waveguide. And a second waveguide core having the second inclined surface as one end, the first and second optical waveguides being fitted to the second optical waveguide and sliding the second optical waveguide. A guide portion for guiding a positional relationship to match the inclined surface of the second optical waveguide, wherein the second optical waveguide slides on the guide portion to match the first and second inclined surfaces. Bonding the total reflection surface of the first waveguide core and the second inclined surface of the second waveguide core, The light wave propagating in the first waveguide core is propagated to the second waveguide core, the guide is slid, and the first and second inclined surfaces are separated from each other. Separating the total reflection surface of the first waveguide core from the second inclined surface of the second waveguide core, and totally reflecting the light wave propagating in the first waveguide core at the total reflection surface. An optical path switching structure, characterized in that: 2. The optical waveguide of claim 2, wherein the second optical waveguide moves in parallel with an optical axis of the second optical waveguide, and an optical axis of the first optical waveguide and an optical axis of the second optical waveguide. Are always arranged on the same straight line,
The optical path switching structure according to claim 1. 3. The optical waveguide according to claim 1, wherein the second optical waveguide includes the first and second optical waveguides.
2. The optical path switching structure according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface of the second optical waveguide slides and moves perpendicularly to the optical axis of the second optical waveguide. 3. 4. The optical path switching structure according to claim 1, wherein a light receiving element is connected to the second optical waveguide. 5. A third optical waveguide having a third waveguide core formed therein, wherein the third optical waveguide propagates through the first waveguide core and the total reflection is performed. 2. The optical path switching structure according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the light wave totally reflected by the surface is adjusted to a position where the light wave propagates to the third waveguide core. 3. 6. The first and second optical waveguides are characterized in that the first and second inclined surfaces are formed by cutting and separating one optical waveguide at a predetermined angle. The optical path switching structure according to claim 1. 7. An optical path switching structure for changing an optical path of a light wave, comprising: a first optical waveguide having a first inclined surface at an end; a first optical waveguide formed at the first optical waveguide; A first waveguide core having a total reflection surface on the same plane as the first inclined surface; an optical fiber having a second inclined surface at an end; supporting the optical fiber; A guide portion for guiding the positional relationship such that the first and second inclined surfaces match by sliding the optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber slides the guide portion, and the first and second optical fibers slide. By matching the inclined surface, the total reflection surface of the first waveguide core and the second inclined surface of the optical fiber are joined,
The first waveguide is formed by propagating a light wave propagating in the first waveguide core to the optical fiber, sliding the guide, and separating the first and second inclined surfaces. Separating the total reflection surface of the core and the second inclined surface of the optical fiber,
An optical path switching structure, wherein a light wave propagating in the first waveguide core is totally reflected by the total reflection surface. 8. The optical fiber moves parallel to the optical axis of the optical fiber, and the optical axis of the first optical waveguide and the optical axis of the optical fiber are always arranged on the same straight line. The optical path switching structure according to claim 7, wherein: