JP2003140061A - Optical switch, optical surface mounted component and optical transmission device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical switch, an optical surface mounted component and an optical transmission device at a low cost. SOLUTION: A front end face 32 on the side opposite to an optical element 10 of a first optical waveguide 30 is inclined in such degree that optical path conversion is possible. The first optical waveguide 30 has a first connection part 34 for optical connection to the outside in the side face. The first connection part 34 is moved along the axis of the first optical waveguide 30 according as a platform 20 is moved by an actuator 50. A second optical waveguide 40 has a second connection part 44 for optical connection to the outside. The second connection part 44 is placed within the range of movement of the first connection part 34.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical switch, an optical surface mount device and an optical transmission device.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Optical switches are used in fields such as optical communications. Mechanical and electronic switches are known as optical switches. Conventional optical switches use expensive parts and are manufactured through complicated manufacturing processes.
The cost was very high.

The present invention solves the conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a low-cost optical switch, an optical surface mount component, and an optical transmission device.

[0004]

(1) An optical switch according to the present invention comprises an optical element having an optical portion, a first optical waveguide optically connected to the optical portion, and the optical element. A platform on which is mounted, an actuator that moves the platform along an axis of the first optical waveguide, and at least one second optical waveguide, wherein the first optical waveguide includes: The tip end surface on the side opposite to the optical element is inclined to such an extent that an optical path can be changed by reflecting light between a direction along the axis and a direction intersecting the axis, and the first optical surface with respect to the outside can be used. It has a connection part on the side,
The first connecting portion moves along the axis of the first optical waveguide along with the movement of the platform by the actuator, and the at least one second optical waveguide is an optical first external waveguide. It has two connecting parts, and the second connecting part is located within the movement range of the first connecting part.

According to the present invention, since the side surface of the first optical waveguide is optically connected to the outside, it is possible to realize an optical switch which is easy to perform switching, is low in cost, and has high accuracy.

(2) In this optical switch, the first
The tip end surface of the optical waveguide may be inclined at an angle for totally reflecting the light traveling inside.

(3) In this optical switch, the first
Further includes a guide for allowing the optical waveguide to move in the axial direction and restricting the movement in the direction intersecting the axis, wherein the first optical waveguide and the platform are fixed, and the first guide is fixed by the guide. The platform may move along the axis of the first optical waveguide by restricting the movement of the optical waveguide.

(4) In this optical switch, the guide is a hole into which the first optical waveguide is inserted, and even if a part of the inner wall surface of the hole is the second connecting portion. Good.

(5) In this optical switch, one second optical waveguide is provided, one second connecting portion is provided, and the moving range of the first connecting portion is the first first And the second
The position may include a position where the connecting portions of the first and second connecting portions do not face each other.

(6) In this optical switch, a plurality of the second optical waveguides are provided, a plurality of the second connecting portions are provided, and the moving range of the first connecting portion is the first The connection may include a position that selectively opposes all of the plurality of optical second connections.

(7) In this optical switch, the first
The moving range of the connection part may further include a position where the first connection part does not face all of the plurality of optical second connection parts.

(8) In this optical switch, the actuator may include a cushion and an energy supply source that deforms the cushion.

(9) In this optical switch, the energy supply source may be a heater, the cushion may be expanded by heat supplied from the heater, and the platform may be lifted by expansion of the cushion.

(10) In this optical switch, the cushion may be an elastic layer that seals gas.

(11) In this optical switch, the cushion may be an elastic layer containing bubbles.

(12) The optical surface mount component according to the present invention comprises:
An optical element having an optical portion, an optical waveguide optically connected to the optical portion, a platform on which the optical element is mounted, and a side of the platform opposite to the side on which the optical element is mounted. An actuator which is attached and whose thickness can be changed, and in the first optical waveguide, the tip end surface on the side opposite to the optical element has a direction along the axis and a direction intersecting the axis. It is inclined to the extent that it can change the optical path by reflecting light between
It has an optical connection surface with the outside on the side surface.

According to the present invention, the optical connection with the outside is made on the side surface of the optical waveguide. If this optical surface mount component is used, it is possible to realize an optical switch that is easy to perform switching, is low in cost, and has high accuracy.

(13) In this optical surface-mounted component, the tip end surface of the optical waveguide may be inclined at an angle at which the light traveling inside is totally reflected.

(14) In this optical surface mount device, the actuator may include a cushion and an energy supply source that deforms the cushion.

(15) In this optical surface mount device, the energy supply source may be a heater, and the cushion may be expanded by heat supplied from the heater.

(16) In this optical surface-mounted component, the cushion may be an elastic layer that seals gas.

(17) In this optical surface mount device, the cushion may be an elastic layer containing bubbles.

(18) An optical transmission device according to the present invention has the above optical switch.

(19) An optical transmission device according to the present invention has the above optical surface mount component.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1A to 1
(B) is a diagram showing an optical switch according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The optical switch has an optical element 10. The optical element 10 has at least one (one or more) optical portion 12. Although the optical element 10 shown in FIG. 1A is a light emitting element, it may be a light receiving element. As an example of the light emitting element, a surface emitting element, particularly a surface emitting laser can be used. A surface emitting element such as a surface emitting laser emits light in a vertical direction from its surface. When the optical element 10 is a light emitting element, the optical portion 12 is a light emitting portion, and when the optical element 10 is a light receiving element, the optical portion 1 is an optical portion 1.
2 is a light receiving part. The plurality of optical portions 12 may be arranged at the same pitch. Here, the same pitch means that the pitches are the same (substantially the same) within a required accuracy range. According to the optical element 10 having the plurality of optical portions 12, it is not necessary to adjust the pitch of the optical portions 12.

The optical element 10 has at least one (for example, a plurality) electrode 14. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the electrode 14
Includes bumps (such as gold or solder). The electrode 14 may be formed only on the surface of the optical element 10 on which the optical portion 12 is formed, or the electrode 14 may be formed on the surface on which the optical portion 12 is formed and the other surface (for example, the opposite surface). It may have been done.

The optical element 10 has at least one (one or more) stopper 16. The stopper 16 is provided on the surface of the optical element 10 on which the optical portion 12 is formed. The stopper 16 prevents the tip end surface of the optical waveguide (first optical waveguide) from coming into contact with the optical portion 12. Therefore, the stopper 16 is provided near the optical portion 12 (for example, within the range of the tip surface of the first optical waveguide). The stopper 16 may be a protrusion or a bump.

The optical switch has a platform 20. The optical element 10 is mounted on the platform 20 (for example, face-down mounting). A wiring pattern 22 is formed on the platform 20. The optical element 10 is electrically connected to the wiring pattern 22. For example, the electrode 14 and the wiring pattern 22 are joined. Alternatively, wires may be used for electrical connection.

A through hole 24 is formed in the platform 20. The through hole 24 opens on the surface of the platform 20 on which the optical element 10 is mounted (for example, the surface on which the wiring pattern 22 is formed). By inserting the first optical waveguide 30 into the through hole 24, the platform 20 and the first optical waveguide 30 can be positioned.

The optical switch has a first optical waveguide 30. The first optical waveguide 30 is a transmission line for propagating an optical signal. The cross section of the first optical waveguide 30 is circular,
It may be oval or rectangular. In the present embodiment, the first optical waveguide 30 is an optical fiber.
The optical fiber is composed of a core and a clad. The material of the optical fiber may be either quartz glass or plastic. The optical fiber may be covered with a jacket to form an optical fiber cable. First optical waveguide 30
Are optically connected to the optical portion 12. Optical connection means a state in which an optical signal can be transmitted from the optical portion 12 to the first optical waveguide 30, or the first optical waveguide 3
A state in which an optical signal can be transmitted from 0 to the optical portion 12. The first optical waveguide 30 has an optical surface 1 at the end face thereof.
It is arranged toward 2. In addition, the first optical waveguide 30
Since the tip end surface of the optical disk hits the stopper 16, it does not hit the optical portion 12. The first optical waveguide 30 is attached (eg, fixed) to the platform 20. This installation (or fixed)
May be performed by inserting (for example, press-fitting) the first optical waveguide 30 into the through hole 24 of the platform 20.

Optical device 10 in first optical waveguide 30
The end face 32 on the side opposite to the (optical portion 12) is inclined (specifically, inclined with respect to the axis of the first optical waveguide 30). At least a part of the light traveling inside the first optical waveguide 30 is reflected by the inclined end face 32 and returns to the inside. Thereby, the optical path can be changed. In particular,
As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1A, at least a part of the light traveling in the direction along the axis of the first optical waveguide 30 is reflected by the inclined end surface 32 and crosses the axis (side surface). Direction). When the optical element 10 is a light receiving element, at least a part of the light traveling in the direction intersecting the axis (direction from the side surface to the inside) is opposite to the arrow shown in FIG. Reflected by the first optical waveguide 30
In the direction along the axis (direction of the optical portion 12).

The angle of inclination of the end face 32 depends on the first optical waveguide 3
Even if the light traveling inside 0 (for example, the light traveling along the axis or the light traveling at a right angle from the side surface) is totally reflected (the angle equal to or greater than the critical angle (for example, about 45 °)) Good. Further, a light-shielding film (for example, a metal film) is formed on the end surface 32.
May be formed to reduce the loss due to light radiation.

The first optical waveguide 30 has the above-described structure, and thus has the optical first connection portion 34 with the outside on the side surface. The first optical waveguide 30 has a first connecting portion 34.
And an optical path (for example, a tip end surface) facing the optical portion 12 is formed.

The optical switch comprises one first optical waveguide 30.
Corresponding to, at least one (1 in the example of FIG. 1A)
Second) optical waveguide 40. Second optical waveguide 4
0 has an optical second connection portion 44 with the outside. The second connecting portion 44 shown in FIG.
0 is the front end surface. The second connection portion 44 can be optically connected (for example, opposed) to the first connection portion 34. The optical connection means the first and second connection parts 34,
A state in which optical signals can be transmitted and received between the channels 44. When the first connection portion 34 is on the side surface of the first optical waveguide 30,
The second connection portion 44 is arranged so as to face the side surface of the first optical waveguide 30. Specifically, the second connecting portion 44 faces the first connecting portion 34 (see FIG. 1B), or the first connecting portion 34 to the first connecting portion 34 on the side surface of the first optical waveguide 30. The optical waveguide 30 faces a portion displaced along the axis (see FIG. 1A). The second connecting portion 44 is
It is located within the movement range of the first connecting portion 34. The movement range of the first connecting portion 34 is defined by the first and second connecting portions 34,
44 and the first and second connection portions 34, 4
A position where 4 does not face each other.

The second optical waveguide 40 may be formed on the substrate 46. For example, a part of the inside of the substrate 46 is the second
Optical waveguide 40, or the second optical waveguide 40 may be mounted on the substrate 46. Second optical waveguide 40
Corresponds to the contents described in the first optical waveguide 30.
A wiring pattern (not shown) may be formed on the substrate 46. Electronic components may be mounted on the board 46.

A hole (through hole or recess) 48 is formed in the substrate 46.
Are formed. A part of the inner wall surface of the hole 48 may be the second connecting portion 44. This structure can be obtained by forming the substrate 46 so as to include the optical waveguide therein and forming the hole 48 in the substrate 46 at a position where the optical waveguide is cut.
In this case, the optical waveguide is cut to be separated into a portion (second optical waveguide 40) having the second connection portion 44 and the other portion. The hole 48 may be formed perpendicular to the second optical waveguide 40.

The optical switch has a guide for restricting the movement of the first optical waveguide 30. In the example shown in FIG.
The guide is a hole 48. The movement of the first optical waveguide 30 is restricted by inserting the first optical waveguide 30 into the hole 48 (guide). Specifically, the hole 48 (guide) allows the first optical waveguide 30 to move in the axial direction, but restricts the movement in the direction intersecting the axis. When the movement of the first optical waveguide 30 is restricted, the movement of the platform 20 fixed to the first optical waveguide 30 is also restricted.

The optical switch has an actuator 50. The actuator 50 connects the platform 20 to
It is moved along the axis of the first optical waveguide 30. With the movement of the platform 20 by the actuator 50, the first optical waveguide 30 also moves. The guide (hole 48) described above moves the first optical waveguide 30 only in the axial direction. Therefore, the first connection portion 34 moves along the axis of the first optical waveguide 30. The actuator 50 illustrated in FIG. 1A includes a cushion 52 and an energy supply source 54 that deforms the cushion 52. The energy supply source 54 may be a heater.
In that case, the wiring pattern (not shown) formed on the substrate 46 and the heater are electrically connected. Cushion 52
May be expanded by the heat supplied from the heater, and the platform 20 may be lifted by the expansion of the cushion 52. The cushion 52 may be an elastic layer (balloon or the like) that seals gas. Such a cushion 52 can be called an air cushion.

The optical switch according to this embodiment has the above-mentioned structure, and its operation will be described below. Figure 1 (A)
Shows the state where the optical switch is OFF, and FIG. 1B shows the state where the optical switch is ON.

When the optical switch is OFF, the first and second optical waveguides 30 and 40 are in an optically disconnected state (state in which light is not transmitted). For example, the optical first and second connecting portions 34 and 44 are not opposed to each other. Therefore, an optical element (not shown) connected to the optical element 10 and an optical connecting portion (not shown) on the opposite side of the second connecting portion 44 in the second optical waveguide 40.
, It is not possible to send and receive optical signals between them.

When the optical switch is ON, the first and second optical waveguides 30 and 40 are in an optically connected state (a state in which light can be transmitted). For example, the optical first and second connecting portions 34 and 44 are in a state of facing each other. Therefore, the optical element 10 and the second optical waveguide 40
It is possible to transmit and receive an optical signal between an optical element (not shown) connected to an optical connection portion (not shown) on the side opposite to the second connection portion 44 in.

The ON / OFF switching of the optical switch is
The actuator 50 is used. That is, the actuator 50 moves the platform 20, and the first optical waveguide 30 moves accordingly. Then, the optical switch is turned on by stopping the first optical waveguide 30 (first connecting portion 34) at a position where the optical first and second connecting portions 34 and 44 face each other (see FIG. 1 (B)). On the other hand, the optical first and second connection parts 34, 44
The optical switch is turned off by stopping the first optical waveguide 30 (the first connecting portion 34) at a position where they do not face each other (see FIG. 1A).

In the present embodiment, the optical switch is OFF with the cushion 52 contracted. Specifically, energy is not supplied from the energy supply source 54 (for example, the heater) to the cushion 52 (for example, when the heater is turned on).
The optical switch is turned off by setting it to FF) or reducing the energy (for example, turning the heater to LOW).
Become F. On the other hand, the optical switch is ON with the cushion 52 inflated. Specifically, energy is supplied from the energy supply source 54 (for example, a heater) to the cushion 52 (for example, the heater is turned on) or the energy is increased (for example, the heater is HIGH
Then, the optical switch is turned on.

The structure on which the operation of this embodiment is based is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 1B, the second optical waveguide 40 is arranged at the position of the first connecting portion 34 when the cushion 52 is expanded. As an opposite example, the second optical waveguide 40 may be arranged at the position of the first connecting portion 34 when the cushion 52 contracts. In that case, the operation is the reverse of the operation shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B). That is,
The optical switch is turned on when the cushion 52 is contracted, and the optical switch is turned off when the cushion 52 is expanded.
It becomes F.

As yet another modification, the level of energy (for example, heat) supplied from the energy supply source 54 (for example, heater) to the cushion 52 is set to three levels or more, and the optical switch is turned on at any of the levels. You may turn it on. For example, turn the heater off, low, hi
The second optical waveguide 40 may be arranged so that it can be switched to three stages of GH and the first and second connecting portions 34 and 44 face each other when the heater is LOW.
By doing so, when the heater is LOW, the optical switch is turned ON, and when the heater is OFF or HIGH,
The optical switch is turned off.

Although the above description of the operation is for the case where the optical element 10 is a light emitting element, the operation is the same except that the traveling direction of light is reversed even when the optical element 10 is a light receiving element. This also applies to the following embodiments.
According to the present embodiment, since the side surface of the first optical waveguide 30 is optically connected to the second optical waveguide 40, it is possible to realize an optical switch that is easy to perform switching, is low in cost, and has high accuracy. You can

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 2A to 2
(B) is a diagram showing an optical switch according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. In the present embodiment, the optical switch has a plurality of second optical waveguides 60 and 62 and a plurality of optical second connection parts 61 and 63. The optical switch according to the present embodiment has the first optical waveguide 30 described in the first embodiment. A plurality of second optical waveguides 6
0 and 62 are arranged in a direction (moving direction) along the axis of the first optical waveguide 30. The movement range of the optical first connecting portion 34 includes a position where the first connecting portion 34 can selectively oppose to all of the plurality of optical second connecting portions 61 and 63. The configuration other than this is the same as the contents described in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the optical path can be switched to any of the plurality of second optical waveguides 60 and 62. That is, FIG. 2A shows a state in which one (lower side) of the plurality of second optical waveguides 60 and 62 is selected,
FIG. 2B shows a state in which the other (upper side) of the plurality of second optical waveguides 60 and 62 is selected.

Specifically, in FIG. 1A, the cushion 52 is in a contracted state and the platform 20 is in a lowered state. Therefore, the lower one of the plurality of second optical waveguides 60, 62 and the first optical waveguide 3
0 and 0 are optically connected. In FIG. 1B, the cushion 52 is in an inflated state, and the platform 2
0 is in a state of rising. Therefore, a plurality of second
The upper one of the optical waveguides 60 and 62 is optically connected to the first optical waveguide 30. The ON / OFF switching operation described in the first embodiment is a switching operation of the plurality of second optical waveguides 60 and 62 in the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the moving range of the optical first connecting portion 34 is such that the first connecting portion 34 does not face all of the plurality of optical second connecting portions 61, 63. May be further included. For example, if the cushion 52 shown in FIG. 2 (A) further contracts, the first connecting portion 34
However, it does not face any of the plurality of optical second connecting portions 61 and 63. In this case, the first and second optical waveguides 3
It is possible to optically cut 0, 60. That is,
The optical switch can be turned off.

In order to realize this operation, for example, the level of energy (for example, heat) supplied from the energy supply source 54 (for example, heater) to the cushion 52 is set to three levels or more (more specifically, the plurality of second optical waveguides 60, The number may be set to the number of 62 plus 1) and the optical switch may be turned off at any one of the levels. For example, if the heater is
It is set so that it can be switched among three stages of FF, LOW, and HIGH. Then, when the heater is OFF, the plurality of second optical waveguides 60, 6 are arranged so that the first connecting portion 34 does not face any of the plurality of second connecting portions 61, 63.
Place 2. Further, when the heater is LOW, the plurality of second optical waveguides 60 are arranged so that the first connecting portion 34 faces one (lower side) of the plurality of second connecting portions 61 and 63. , 62 are arranged. Furthermore, the heater is HIGH
At this time, the first connecting portion 34 has a plurality of second connecting portions 6
So as to face the other (upper side) of 1,63,
A plurality of second optical waveguides 60 and 62 are arranged. By doing so, when the heater is OFF, the optical switch is OFF, and when the heater is LOW, the plurality of second connecting portions 6 are
One (lower side) of the first connecting portions 61 and 63 is selected, and when the heater is HIGH, the other (upper side) of the plurality of second connecting portions 61 and 63 is selected.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an optical switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a cushion 70 is used instead of the cushion 52 of the second embodiment. The cushion 70 is an elastic layer having a plurality of spaces for sealing gas. The cushion 70 may be a tape or a sheet. The cushion 70 is the platform 20.
You may arrange so that it may protrude. Accordingly, the energy supply source 72 may also be arranged so as to protrude from the platform 20. According to this, the positional accuracy of providing the cushion 70 may be low. Other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment.

In FIG. 3, a portion mounted on the substrate 66 (the optical element 10, the platform 20, the first
The optical waveguide 30 and the actuator (a portion including the cushion 70 and the energy supply source 72) can be referred to as an optical surface mount component.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an optical switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a cushion 74 is used instead of the cushion 52 of the second embodiment. The cushion 74 is an elastic layer (for example, tape) containing air bubbles (or microcapsule-shaped air cushion).
Is. As such a cushion 74, "Riva Alpha" (trademark) of Nitto Denko Corporation can be used. The cushion 74 may be arranged so as to protrude from the platform 20. Accordingly, the energy supply source 76 may also be arranged so as to protrude from the platform 20. According to this, the cushion 74
The position accuracy of providing the position may be low. Other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment.

In FIG. 4, a portion mounted on the substrate 66 (the optical element 10, the platform 20, the first
The optical waveguide 30 and the actuator (the portion including the cushion 74 and the energy supply source 76) can be referred to as an optical surface mount component.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIGS. 5A to 5
(B) is a diagram showing an optical switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The optical switch according to the present embodiment has a different actuator structure as compared with the optical switch according to the first embodiment. That is, the actuator according to the present embodiment includes the actuator 50 described in the first embodiment and the second actuator 80. The second actuator 80 may include a cushion 82 and an energy source 84.

In this embodiment, the platform 86
The actuator 50 and the second actuator 80 are provided on both sides of the (or the first optical waveguide 30) in the moving direction.
Either one of them is arranged. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the second optical waveguide 4 on the platform 86 is
The actuator 50 is provided on the 0 side, and on the opposite side,
A second actuator 80 is provided. Further, the second actuator 80 is sandwiched between the platform 86 and the support body 88. The position of the support 88 relative to the second optical waveguide 40 is fixed. For example, the support 88 is fixed to the substrate 46.

The actuator 50 and the second actuator 80 move the platform 86 (or the first optical waveguide 30) in the same direction. Therefore, the actuator 50 and the second actuator 80 operate in opposite directions. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the cushion 52 contracts, the cushion 82 expands. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the cushion 52 expands, the cushion 82 contracts.

According to this, by the actuator 50 and the second actuator 80, the platform 8 is
The force to move 6 is increased. In particular, in the case shown in FIG.
It becomes the force to lower 6. Therefore, the platform 86 can be lowered against the friction between the hole 48 and the first optical waveguide 30. The contents of this embodiment can also be applied to the second to fourth embodiments.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a view showing an optical surface mount component according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The optical surface mount component includes the optical element 10 described in the first embodiment, the platform 90 (functionally the same as the platform 20 shown in FIG. 1A), and the (first) optical waveguide 30. Have. For these,
This is as described in the first embodiment.

An actuator 92 is attached to the platform 90. Specifically, the actuator 92 is attached to the side of the platform 90 opposite to the side on which the optical element 10 is mounted. The actuator 92 includes a cushion 94 and an energy source 9
Have six. The content of the energy supply source 96 is the same as that of the energy supply source 54 described in the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, an energy source 96 is attached between the platform 90 and the cushion 94. In this case, the cushion 94 includes the cushion 52 of the first embodiment, the cushion 70 of the third embodiment,
It may be the same as any of the cushions 74 of the fourth embodiment.

(Other Embodiments) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an optical transmission device according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
The light transmission device 100 connects electronic devices 102 such as a computer, a display, a storage device, and a printer to each other. The electronic device 102 may be an information communication device. The optical transmission device 100 has a cable 104 including an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber. At least one end (for example, both ends) of the cable 104 is provided with the above-described optical switch or optical surface mount component. For example, the optical waveguide of the cable 104 and the second optical waveguide 40 of the optical switch according to the first embodiment are optically connected. The light transmission device 100 may be one in which the plugs 106 are provided at both ends of the cable 104. An electric signal output from one of the electronic devices 102 is converted into an optical signal by the light emitting element, the optical signal is transmitted through the cable 104, and converted into an electric signal by the light receiving element. The electric signal is input to the other electronic device 102. Thus
According to the optical transmission device 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to transmit information of the electronic device 102 by an optical signal.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a usage pattern of the optical transmission device according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied. Light transmission device 1
12 connects between the electronic devices 110. Electronic device 110
As a liquid crystal display monitor or digital CRT
(It may be used in the fields of finance, mail order, medical care, and education.), LCD projector, plasma display panel (PDP), digital TV, cash register (P) of retail stores.
Examples include OS (Point of SaleScanning), video, tuner, game machine, printer, and the like.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but various modifications can be made. For example, the present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations having the same function, method and result, or configurations having the same purpose and result). Further, the invention includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. Further, the present invention includes a configuration having the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments or a configuration capable of achieving the same object. Further, the invention includes configurations in which known techniques are added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A to FIG. 1B are diagrams illustrating an optical switch according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

2 (A) and 2 (B) are diagrams illustrating an optical switch according to a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an optical switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an optical switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

5 (A) and 5 (B) are diagrams illustrating an optical switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an optical surface mount component according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an optical transmission device according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a usage pattern of the optical transmission device according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 optical elements 12 Optical part 20 platforms 30 First optical waveguide 34 Optical First Connection 40 Second optical waveguide 44 Optical Second Connection 48 holes 50 actuators 52 cushion 54 Energy Supply Source

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2H037 AA01 BA02 CA38 DA03 DA06                       DA15                 2H041 AA14 AB13 AC07 AZ02 AZ03                 5F089 AA01 AB01 AC13 AC16 AC30                       DA05 EA01                 5K002 BA00 BA06 BA21

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An optical element having an optical portion, a first optical waveguide optically connected to the optical portion, a platform on which the optical element is mounted, the platform, and the first optical waveguide. An actuator that moves along the axis of the optical waveguide; and at least one second optical waveguide, wherein the tip end surface of the first optical waveguide on the opposite side to the optical element is along the axis. Between the direction and the direction intersecting the axis, the inclination is such that the optical path can be changed by reflection of light, and the side surface has an optical first connection portion with the outside, and the first connection portion is Moving along the axis of the first optical waveguide with the movement of the platform by the actuator, the at least one second optical waveguide having an optical second connection with the outside , The second connection is An optical switch which is located within the range of movement of the first connecting portion. 2. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the tip end surface of the first optical waveguide is inclined at an angle that totally reflects light traveling inside. 3. The optical switch according to claim 1, further comprising a guide that allows movement of the first optical waveguide in an axial direction and restricts movement in a direction intersecting the axis, An optical switch in which the first optical waveguide and the platform are fixed, and the movement of the first optical waveguide is restricted by the guide, so that the platform moves along the axis of the first optical waveguide. . 4. The optical switch according to claim 3, wherein the guide is a hole into which the first optical waveguide is inserted, and a part of an inner wall surface of the hole is the second connection portion. An optical switch. 5. The optical switch according to claim 1, further comprising: one second optical waveguide, one second connecting portion, and the first optical waveguide. The moving range of the connecting portion is an optical switch including a position where the first and second connecting portions face each other and a position where the first and second connecting portions do not face each other. 6. The optical switch according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of the second optical waveguides, a plurality of the second connecting portions, and the first The moving range of the connection part is that the first connection part is
An optical switch including a position selectively opposed to all of the plurality of optical second connections. 7. The optical switch according to claim 6, wherein the moving range of the first connecting portion is such that the first connecting portion is
The optical switch further including a position that does not face all of the plurality of optical second connecting portions. 8. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a cushion and an energy supply source that deforms the cushion. 9. The optical switch according to claim 8, wherein the energy supply source is a heater, the cushion is expanded by heat supplied from the heater, and the platform is raised by expansion of the cushion. switch. 10. The optical switch according to claim 9, wherein the cushion is an elastic layer that seals gas. 11. The optical switch according to claim 9, wherein the cushion is an elastic layer containing bubbles. 12. An optical element having an optical portion, an optical waveguide optically connected to the optical portion, a platform on which the optical element is mounted, and a side of the platform on which the optical element is mounted. An actuator that is mounted on the opposite side of the first optical waveguide and is capable of changing the thickness, wherein the tip end surface of the first optical waveguide on the side opposite to the optical element is aligned with the axis and An optical surface mount component that is inclined to the direction of intersection so that the optical path can be changed by reflection of light and has an optical connection surface with the outside on its side surface. 13. The optical surface mount component according to claim 12, wherein the tip end surface of the optical waveguide is inclined at an angle that totally reflects light traveling inside. 14. The optical surface mount component according to claim 12, wherein the actuator includes a cushion and an energy supply source that deforms the cushion. 15. The optical surface mount component according to claim 14, wherein the energy supply source is a heater, and the cushion is expanded by heat supplied from the heater. 16. The optical surface mount component according to claim 15, wherein the cushion is an elastic layer that seals gas. 17. The optical surface mount component according to claim 15, wherein the cushion is an elastic layer containing bubbles. 18. An optical transmission device comprising the optical switch according to claim 1. Description: 19. An optical transmission device comprising the optical surface mount component according to claim 12. Description: