JP2004117450A - Tunable multiplexing/demultiplexing element - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tunable multiplexing/demultiplexing element with which low light loss is realized, and the size required in increasing the number of selected wavelengths and a manufacturing/mounting cost, etc. are reduced. <P>SOLUTION: In the tunable multiplexing/demultiplexing element, a reflection surface 110 is provided on an optical waveguide layer 14 inside which a light beam is propagated and, at the same time, a plurality of tunable filters 18-1 to 18-4 are attached on the counter surface. When a light beam is made incident on the selected wavelength transmission type tunable filters 18-1 to 18-4, it is made incident with an incident angle giving rise to no superposition of an optical axis of an incident (transmitted) light beam and an optical axis of a reflected light beam. Also in the case a multiple reflection light beam is propagated inside the optical waveguide layer 14 by being alternately reflected on the reflection surface 110 and the tunable filters 18-1 to 18-4, a light beam with an arbitrary wavelength is extracted from an arbitrary tunable filter and demultiplexed, or a light beam with an arbitrary wavelength is made incident on an arbitrary tunable filter and multiplexed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device, and more particularly, to wavelength multiplexing optical transmission in which optical signals of a plurality of wavelengths are multiplexed and transmitted on a single transmission line, and an arbitrary wavelength is used. The present invention relates to an optical wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device that can selectively multiplex and demultiplex an optical signal.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology has been attracting attention. This technology is a technology for multiplexing and transmitting a plurality of optical signals having different wavelengths on one optical transmission line, and has particularly played a significant role in increasing the capacity of the transmission line and reducing the communication cost.
[0003]
Further, by applying this WDM technology to the circuit switching technology, it is possible to perform circuit switching in units of optical wavelengths without performing optical-electrical switching. Therefore, the optical-electrical switching unit can be eliminated from the circuit switching device, and a higher-speed and lower-cost device can be realized.
[0004]
A specific example of the above device is an all-optical add / drop device. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the relationship between an all-optical add / drop device and a network. As shown in the figure, the all-optical add / drop device 131 selects an optical signal of a specific wavelength from the wavelength-division multiplexed optical signal transmitted in the upstream ring network 132 without performing optical-electrical exchange. Extracted and transmitted to the downstream optical network 133 (reference numeral 134). Similarly, an optical signal of a specific wavelength selectively extracted from the wavelength-division multiplexed optical signal on the downstream side is inserted into the upstream ring-type optical network 132 and transmitted (reference numeral 135).
[0005]
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an all-optical add / drop device corresponding to the development of a network. As shown in the figure, the number of downstream optical networks 142 tends to increase in the future. Therefore, in order for one all-optical add / drop device 141 to correspond to a plurality of optical networks 142, it is considered that a plurality of sets of input / output ports 143 are required for the all-optical add / drop device 141. Each optical network 142 is connected to each input / output port 143.
[0006]
In this case, the all-optical add / drop device 141 not only has a function of selectively extracting and inserting an optical signal of a specific wavelength into the upstream ring optical network 144, but also further transmits the signal to a transmission destination. A function of inputting / outputting a specific port 143 corresponding to the downstream optical network 142 is required.
[0007]
Therefore, the WDM multiplexing / demultiplexing device inside the all-optical add / drop device has one common port and a plurality of input / output ports, and when used as a demultiplexer, the light of any wavelength at any output port is used. When a signal can be extracted and used as a multiplexer, there is an increasing need for a “wavelength-selective multiplexing / demultiplexing device” that can insert an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength at an arbitrary input port.
[0008]
The most widespread method as a conventional technique for realizing the "wavelength-selective multiplexing / demultiplexing device" is a method of combining a multiplexing / demultiplexing device such as an AWG filter with an optical switch. FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength-selective multiplexing / demultiplexing device configured by combining an optical switch with a multiplexing / demultiplexing device such as an AWG filter.
[0009]
As shown in the figure, by optically connecting the n input / output ports 152 of the AWG filter 151 and the n × m type matrix switch 153, one common port 154 and m input / output ports 155 as a whole are obtained. Can be realized.
[0010]
When the wavelength selective multiplexing / demultiplexing device 150 is used as a demultiplexer, a wavelength-division multiplexed optical signal is input from the common port 154, and a switch corresponding to each demultiplexed wavelength is appropriately controlled. The optical signal having the wavelength of can be extracted to an arbitrary input / output port 155.
[0011]
When the wavelength-selective multiplexing / demultiplexing device 150 is used as a multiplexer, an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength is input to an arbitrary input / output port 155 among the m input / output ports 155, and the wavelength is corresponding to each wavelength By appropriately controlling the switch so that the optical signal is sent to the input / output port 152 of the AWG filter 151, the optical signal of each wavelength is multiplexed and can be output from the common port 154 as a wavelength multiplexed optical signal.
[0012]
Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2000-206362) is a technical document relating to an optical ADM node device. Although the configuration itself shown in FIG. 15 is not shown in Patent Document 1, a description of a conventional optical ADM apparatus is described in a section of the detailed description of the invention. This optical ADM device uses a 2 × 2 optical switch for n wavelengths, but has substantially the same architecture as an optical ADM device using an n × n optical switch.
[0013]
As another conventional technique, a method of combining a wavelength tunable grating fiber and an optical circulator is also conceivable. FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength selective multiplexing / demultiplexing device configured by combining a wavelength tunable grating fiber and an optical circulator.
[0014]
As shown in the figure, m grating fibers 162 each having a grating 161 and m optical circulators 163 having three ports are prepared in a part of the optical path, and the grating fibers 162 and the optical circulators 163 are alternately arranged. By connecting them in series, it is possible to realize a wavelength selective multiplexing / demultiplexing element 160 having one common port 164 and m input / output ports 165 as a whole.
[0015]
The grating fiber 162 can reflect only the optical signal of a specific wavelength corresponding to the grating interval among the wavelength multiplexed optical signals passing through it. For this reason, it is possible to control the reflection wavelength by changing the grating interval by giving mechanical strain to the grating 161 from the outside.
[0016]
When the wavelength-selective multiplexing / demultiplexing element 160 is used as a demultiplexer, a wavelength-division multiplexed optical signal is input from the common port 164 to control the reflection wavelength at the grating fiber 162 corresponding to each input / output port 165. Thus, an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength can be extracted from an arbitrary input / output port 165.
[0017]
When the wavelength-selective multiplexing / demultiplexing element 160 is used as a multiplexer, an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength is input to an arbitrary input / output port 165 among the m input / output ports 165, and each input / output By controlling the reflection wavelength at the grating fiber 162 corresponding to the port 165, optical signals of each wavelength can be multiplexed and output from the common port 164 as a wavelength multiplexed optical signal.
[0018]
Patent Document 2 (JP-A-9-23210) is a technical document relating to a wavelength multiplexing optical cross-connect circuit. In the claims section of Patent Document 2, there is a description of a tunable grating fiber, which includes almost the same architecture as the wavelength selective multiplexing / demultiplexing element 160 shown in FIG.
[0019]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-206362 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-9-23210
[0020]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional wavelength selective multiplexing / demultiplexing device described above, various problems occur as the number of wavelength multiplexes increases and the number of input / output ports increases.
[0021]
For example, when combining a multiplexing / demultiplexing element such as an AWG filter and an optical switch, as the number of wavelength multiplexes increases, the size of the optical switch and the size of the multiplexing / demultiplexing element increase, resulting in an increase in size. Further, as for the number of optical path connections between the multiplexing / demultiplexing element and the optical switch, the number of optical path connections corresponding to the number of wavelengths multiplexed is required, which increases optical loss and optical mounting cost.
[0022]
When a wavelength-tunable grating fiber and an optical circulator are combined, the variable band of the selected wavelength and its stability depend on the mechanical strain applied to the fiber and its accuracy. Becomes large. Further, as the number of input / output ports increases, as many wavelength-tunable grating fibers and optical circulators as the number of ports are required, the overall size and cost also increase.
[0023]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to solve the problems described above, that is, problems associated with increasing the number of wavelengths and the number of ports of a wavelength-tunable multiplexing / demultiplexing element.
1) Low loss
2) Reduction in size and increase in manufacturing and mounting costs when the selected wavelength is increased
3) Improvement of freedom of processing technology and material selection
Is to provide a variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing element that realizes the above.
[0024]
That is, in the first invention, a "reflection surface" is provided on the first surface of the "optical waveguide means", and a plurality of "variable optical wavelength selection means" is provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface. This is a variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device attached, and when a light beam enters a “variable light wavelength selecting means” of a selective wavelength transmission type, an optical axis of an incident light beam (an optical axis of a transmitted light beam) and an optical axis of a reflected light beam. And is incident at an angle such that they do not overlap, and propagates through the inside of the "optical waveguide means" by the multiple reflections being reflected alternately by the "reflection surface" and the "variable light wavelength selection means". In doing so, a light beam of any wavelength is extracted and demultiplexed from any "variable light wavelength selecting means", or a light beam of any wavelength is incident on any "variable light wavelength selecting means". At least one of multiplexing is performed. The first surface and the second surface face in parallel.
[0025]
Specifically, for the "variable light wavelength selecting means", a configuration using a wavelength variable etalon using MEMS technology, electro-optic effect, thermo-optic effect, or the like can be considered. The "optical waveguide means" is made of flat silicon, glass or transparent resin, etc., and uses a flat optical waveguide layer having multiple film mirrors or metal-deposited mirrors formed on both surfaces or one surface thereof to control incident light. A configuration that performs multiple reflections is conceivable. Another form of the “optical waveguide means” may be a form in which light propagates in the air. In this case, for example, in a member having a flat cavity formed therein, a multi-layer mirror or a metal-deposited mirror is formed on the inner surface of the cavity, and the incident light propagates in the cavity while being multiply reflected. Can be considered. An optical waveguide means in which a light beam propagates with multiple reflections in a cavity may be advantageous in terms of propagation loss and reflectivity at a reflecting surface. Regarding the “light transmission port”, a configuration in which an optical window for transmitting the wavelength band of the propagating light beam is formed on the surface of the optical waveguide layer is conceivable, and the number is provided in plural according to the number of input / output light beams. You may.
[0026]
The specific operation principle when the variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to the present invention is used as a demultiplexer is as follows.
[0027]
From the outside of the "optical waveguide means", the collimated light enters the inside through a "light transmission port" for inputting a light beam. Since the incident angle is oblique to the “reflection surface” of the “optical waveguide means”, the incident light propagates while being multiple-reflected inside the “optical waveguide means”.
[0028]
On the surface of the "optical waveguide means" opposite to the "reflection surface", "variable optical wavelength selection means" are mounted in an array, and the "variable optical wavelength selection means" and "optical waveguide means" are optical. Are combined.
[0029]
On the surface of the "optical waveguide means", the position of the incident light beam is adjusted so that the reflection position (excluding the reflection position on the reflection surface) of the multiple reflected light beam propagating therethrough matches the mounting position of the "variable light wavelength selection means". By adjusting the incident position and the incident angle, the propagating light beam is obliquely incident on the incident end face of each “variable light wavelength selecting means”.
[0030]
The wavelength selected by the "variable light wavelength selecting means" is externally controlled. When a wavelength-tunable etalon is used as a specific example of the "tunable light wavelength selecting means", the cavity length of the etalon is externally controlled, and light having a wavelength that resonates there passes through the etalon as it is and is referred to as "optical waveguide". It is injected outside the "means". Light of other wavelengths is reflected at a reflection angle equal to the incident angle, and is multiple-reflected at the “reflection surface” existing on the opposing surface of the “variable light wavelength selection means” and is incident on the adjacent tunable etalon. .
[0031]
Within the “optical waveguide means”, the wavelength-division multiplexed optical signal input from the outside is alternately reflected and propagated by the “reflection surface” and the “variable optical wavelength selection means”, so that any “variable optical light” can be obtained. In the "wavelength selecting means", a light beam having an arbitrary wavelength can be emitted outside the "optical waveguide means". In addition, a light beam having a wavelength not selected by any of the “variable light wavelength selecting means” may be emitted to the outside of the “optical waveguide means” through an “light transmitting port” for an output light beam.
[0032]
Further, when the wavelength tunable multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to the present invention is used as a multiplexer, it is possible to cope by reversing the directions of the incident light and the outgoing light at the time of demultiplexing. That is, the "variable light wavelength selecting means" is similarly controlled, and a plurality of incident light beams are set to be incident on each "variable light wavelength selecting means" and output as one emitted light beam. This is feasible.
[0033]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to the first aspect, the “light transmission port” propagates through the input light transmission port for inputting a light beam to the optical waveguide means. An output light transmission port for outputting light rays to the outside is provided, and the input light transmission port and the output light transmission port are provided on the same surface.
[0034]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to the first aspect, the input light transmitting port and the output light transmitting port which are “light transmitting ports” are provided on different surfaces. And
[0035]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to the first aspect, wherein the number of “light transmission ports” is one and provided on the first surface or the second surface of the optical waveguide means. It is characterized by.
[0036]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to the fourth aspect, the light absorbing film for preventing stray light rays propagating inside the optical waveguide means is provided on the third surface of the optical waveguide means. , "Light scattering film" or "light transmitting film". As a member for preventing stray of light inside the light guide means, a light absorbing film having a function of absorbing, scattering, transmitting light, or the like, a light stray preventing film such as a light scattering film or a light transmitting film can be applied. .
[0037]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a plurality of variable optical wavelength selecting means are integrated. To integrate a plurality of variable optical wavelength selecting means means to integrate the plurality of variable optical wavelength selecting means into one block. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the trouble of separately adjusting the positions of the variable light wavelength selecting means, and to complete the alignment of the “light guiding means” and all the “variable light wavelength selecting means” with one optical alignment.
[0038]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising an “optical transmission unit” optically coupled to the light transmission port or the variable optical wavelength selection unit. In addition to the above, there is provided a jig for adjusting the position of the "light transmission means" with respect to the light transmission port or the variable light wavelength selection means.
[0039]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the variable wavelength multiplexer / demultiplexer according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element is optically coupled to the variable optical wavelength selecting means. It is characterized by the following.
[0040]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing element according to the eighth aspect, when the light emitting element is optically coupled to the variable optical wavelength selecting means, the optical axis of the emitted light beam emitted from the light emitting element. When the variable optical wavelength selecting means is coupled so as to coincide with the optical axis of light other than the specific wavelength reflected by the variable optical wavelength selecting means, and the light receiving element is optically coupled to the variable optical wavelength selecting means, the variable optical wavelength selecting means is used. A light beam having a specific wavelength transmitted through the means is coupled so as to be most efficiently incident on the light receiving element.
[0041]
According to a tenth aspect, in the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the variable optical wavelength selecting means includes a Fabry-Perot resonator having a mirror driving unit using electrostatic force. It is characterized by being.
[0042]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the tunable optical wavelength selecting means has a mirror drive unit using a piezo element. It is characterized by being.
[0043]
As described above, by using the element according to the present invention as a “wavelength-selective multiplexer / demultiplexer”, the total optical path length can be reduced as compared with the case where a wavelength-tunable grating fiber and an optical circulator are used. Since the number of optical coupling parts such as an optical connector can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where an AWG filter and an optical switch are used, it is possible to reduce the loss.
[0044]
Further, in the case of the element according to the present invention, it is possible to integrate the "variable light wavelength selecting means" at intervals of about several mm, and even if the number of wavelengths to be selected is increased, the size increases by about several mm. Since the "variable light wavelength selecting means" can be added, the element size is not significantly increased. As a result, when a "tunable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing element" of about 16 ports is realized by using an AWG filter and an optical switch, a size of about 10 cm square is required, whereas in the present invention, 3 to 4 cm is required. Since it can be realized with a size of the order, there is an advantage that the size is reduced when the number of selected wavelengths is increased.
[0045]
Furthermore, when a plurality of "variable light wavelength selecting means" are integrated in an array separately, alignment of the "light guiding means" and all "variable light wavelength selecting means" can be performed by one optical alignment. Can be completed. As a result, in the case of the device of the present invention, the mounting cost hardly changes even if the number of “variable optical wavelength selecting means” is increased, and the advantage of reducing the manufacturing and mounting cost when the number of selected wavelengths is increased is obtained. Have.
[0046]
In addition, as the optical material of the "optical waveguide means", a material having a low loss with respect to the wavelength band of the propagating light, such as silicon, glass, or transparent resin, can be used. The technology from is available. Therefore, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom in processing technology and material selection is high.
[0047]
As described above, according to the present invention, a wavelength tunable coupling having advantages such as low loss, reduction in size when the number of selected wavelengths is increased, reduction in manufacturing and mounting costs, and improvement in the degree of freedom in processing technology and material selection. A demultiplexing element can be provided.
[0048]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, but the following embodiments do not limit the present invention.
[0049]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 conceptually shows light that is incident on the element and propagates inside the element. The members indicated by reference numerals 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 are input optical fibers, and the members indicated by reference numerals 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3 are output optical fibers. The members indicated by reference numerals 13-1, 13-2, and 13-3 are "optical waveguide means" that convert light emitted from the end faces of the input optical fibers 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 into collimated light. This is a convex lens for entering the optical waveguide layer 14. The members denoted by reference numerals 15-1, 15-2, and 15-3 collect the collimated light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 14 and couple the collimated light to the output optical fibers 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3. Is a convex lens. The optical fiber and the convex lens function as “optical transmission means”.
[0050]
Reference numeral 16 denotes an input light transmitting port, and reference numeral 17 denotes an output light transmitting port. The members indicated by reference numerals 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, and 18-4 are selected wavelength transmission type tunable filters which are "variable optical wavelength selection means", and the member indicated by reference numeral 19 is a total reflection mirror. . In the optical waveguide layer 14, the reflection surface 110 includes the input light transmission port 16, the output light transmission port 17, the total reflection mirror 19, and the wavelength tunable filters 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, and 18-4. It is formed on the surface (first surface) opposite to the surface on which it is installed (second surface). The first surface and the second surface are parallel.
[0051]
In the surface of the optical waveguide layer 14, the positions where the light transmission ports 16 and 17 are formed, the wavelength tunable filters 18-1, 18-2, 18-3 and 18-4, and the total reflection mirror 19 may be attached. The possible position is defined as "optical port". The wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has an input light transmission port 16, an output light transmission port 17, a total reflection mirror 19, and wavelength tunable filters 18-1, 18-2, and 18-3. , 18-4 having seven optical ports.
[0052]
The seven optical ports are, in order from the input light transmitting port 16 to the output light transmitting port 17, a "first optical port" corresponding to the input light transmitting port 16, and an output optical fiber 12-2. And a "second optical port" which is an optical port corresponding to the wavelength tunable filter 18-1, and a "third optical port" which is an optical port corresponding to the output optical fiber 12-3 and the wavelength tunable filter 18-2. "Fourth optical port" which is an optical port to which the total reflection mirror 19 is attached, and "fifth optical port" which is an optical port corresponding to the input optical fiber 11-2 and the wavelength tunable filter 18-3. "6th optical port" which is an optical port corresponding to the input optical fiber 11-3 and the wavelength tunable filter 18-4, and "7th optical port" which is an optical port corresponding to the output light transmission port 17. Port ".
[0053]
Hereinafter, the principle of the multiplexing / demultiplexing operation of the wavelength variable multiplexing / demultiplexing element according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0054]
Light beams of all wavelengths incident from the first optical port enter the inside of the optical waveguide layer 14 from the input light transmission port 16, are reflected by the reflection surface 110 of the optical waveguide layer 14, and then are adjacent to the first light port. Reach two optical ports.
[0055]
In the second optical port, among the light beams guided from the first optical port, the light beam of the wavelength selected by the wavelength tunable filter 18-1 is transmitted, and the output optical fiber 12- of the second optical port is transmitted. Injected into 2. Light having a wavelength that is not selected by the wavelength tunable filter 18-1 is reflected and reaches the third optical port further adjacent via the reflection surface 110 of the optical waveguide layer 14.
[0056]
In the third optical port, among the light beams guided from the second optical port, the light beam having the wavelength selected by the wavelength tunable filter 18-2 is transmitted, and the output optical fiber 12- of the third optical port is transmitted. Injected into 3. Further, the light having the wavelength not selected by the wavelength tunable filter 18-2 is reflected and reaches the fourth optical port which is further adjacent through the reflection surface 110 of the optical waveguide layer 14.
[0057]
At the fourth optical port, the light beam guided from the third optical port is reflected by the total reflection mirror 19 and reaches the further adjacent fifth optical port via the reflection surface 110 of the optical waveguide layer 14.
[0058]
At the fifth optical port, of the light beams guided from the fourth optical port, light beams having wavelengths not selected by the tunable filter 18-3 are reflected. Also, Fifth optical port Of the light rays incident on the optical waveguide layer 14 from the input optical fiber 11-2, the light rays having the wavelength selected by the wavelength tunable filter 18-3 are transmitted. The reflected light beam and the transmitted light beam are multiplexed and reach the further adjacent sixth optical port via the reflection surface 110 of the optical waveguide layer 14.
[0059]
At the sixth optical port, of the light beams guided from the fifth optical port, light beams having wavelengths not selected by the wavelength tunable filter 18-4 are reflected. Also, 6th optical port Of the light rays incident on the optical waveguide layer 14 from the input optical fiber 11-3, the light rays of the wavelength selected by the tunable filter 18-4 are transmitted. The reflected light beam and the transmitted light beam are multiplexed, and reach the further adjacent seventh optical port via the reflection surface 110 of the optical waveguide layer 14.
[0060]
At the seventh optical port, of the light beams guided from the sixth optical port, light beams of all wavelengths are emitted to the outside of the optical waveguide layer 14 through the output light transmission port 17 and output from the output optical fiber 12. -1 is optically coupled.
[0061]
As described above, according to the configuration and operation principle of the wavelength tunable multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to the present embodiment, a wavelength-division multiplexed light that requires demultiplexing is input from the input light transmission port 16 and is arbitrarily output. An optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength can be extracted from an optical port of the wavelength-multiplexed light, an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength is inserted from an optical port for an arbitrary input, and multiplexed from an optical transmission port 17 for output. Can be injected.
[0062]
In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the total number of optical ports is seven, but the total number of optical ports is not limited to this. Of the optical ports, a tunable filter for multiplexing and a port for installing an input optical fiber, a tunable filter for demultiplexing and a port for installing an output optical fiber, and a total reflection mirror are installed. The number of ports to be used and the installation position are also free, and the tunable filter and the total reflection mirror can be replaced as needed. Further, the directions of the incident light beam and the outgoing light beam may be reversed (a light beam enters from the output light transmission port 17 and exits from the input light transmission port 16). In this case, the optical fiber 11-1 is used. , 11-2, and 11-3 are for output, and the optical fibers 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3 are for input.
[0063]
Several specific examples of the selective wavelength transmission type variable wavelength filter can be considered. One example is a configuration in which a Fabry-Perot resonator is formed using a liquid crystal or the like. In this case, since the cavity length of the resonator can be changed by an external electric signal, the wavelength selected at each optical port can be controlled automatically and at high speed. This makes it possible to realize a relatively low-cost tunable filter in which the control of wavelength selection is easy and the deviation of the optical axis of the propagating light beam is small. From the same principle, it is also possible to use a medium having a large thermo-optic effect, change the cavity length of the resonator by temperature control, and perform wavelength selection.
[0064]
The other is a configuration in which the mirror of the Fabry-Perot resonator is physically driven to change the cavity length. When a MEMS technique such as static electricity or a liquid piston is used as the mirror driving method, the wavelength to be selected can be controlled automatically and at high speed by an electric signal from the outside of each optical port. This is advantageous over a resonator using liquid crystal in terms of reducing optical loss and expanding the variable band. Further, as a mirror driving method, a method of changing the cavity length between mirrors by manually controlling the fine adjustment mechanism may be considered.
[0065]
[Second embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is an application example of the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 conceptually shows light that is incident on the element and propagates inside the element. A member indicated by reference numeral 21 is an optical fiber for output when multiplexing and an input fiber for demultiplexing, and a member indicated by reference numeral 22 is an optical fiber for input when multiplexing and output for demultiplexing. The members denoted by reference numerals 23 and 25 are convex surfaces for converting the light incident on the optical waveguide layer 24 from the optical fiber into collimated light or condensing the collimated light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 24 and coupling the collimated light to the optical fiber. Lens.
[0066]
The member indicated by reference numeral 26 is a common port having an input / output light transmission port. The member indicated by the reference numeral 28 is a selective wavelength transmission type variable wavelength filter. The reflection surface 210 is formed on the optical waveguide layer 24 on the surface opposite to the surface on which the common port 26 and the wavelength tunable filter 28 are installed.
[0067]
Here, in the present embodiment, the convex lens 25 and the optical fiber 22 are installed so that the light beams passing (incoming and outgoing) through the optical port having the tunable filter 28 are parallel to each other. Thereby, it can be used as a multiplexer / demultiplexer or a duplexer having one common port 26.
[0068]
When used as a demultiplexer, a light beam is incident on the common port 26, and a demultiplexed optical signal is output from a plurality of optical ports having a tunable filter 28. When used as a multiplexer, parallel optical signals are input to a plurality of optical ports having a wavelength tunable filter 28, and the multiplexed optical signal is output from the common port 26.
[0069]
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an application example in which the number of optical ports is expanded in the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 conceptually shows light that is incident on the element and propagates inside the element. As shown in the figure, two tunable multiplexing / demultiplexing devices 20 according to the present embodiment are prepared, and the output light transmission port 27-1 of the first tunable multiplexing / demultiplexing device 20-1 and the second The number of optical ports can be expanded by optically connecting the input transmission port 26-2 of the wavelength variable multiplexing / demultiplexing element 20-2. Furthermore, three or more variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing devices 20 according to the present embodiment can be coupled, and the number of optical ports required can be flexibly accommodated.
[0070]
[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which is an application example of the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 conceptually shows light that is incident on the element and propagates inside the element. The member indicated by reference numeral 41 is an optical fiber for output when multiplexing, and an input fiber when demultiplexing, and the member indicated by reference numeral 42 is an optical fiber for input when multiplexing and output for demultiplexing. The members denoted by reference numerals 43 and 45 are convex surfaces for converting the light incident on the optical waveguide layer 44 from the optical fiber into collimated light or collecting the collimated light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 44 and coupling the collimated light to the optical fiber. Lens.
[0071]
Members indicated by reference numerals 46 and 47 are input / output light transmission ports. When the light transmission ports 46 and 47 are combined, the light transmission port 46 is an output light transmission port and the light transmission port 47 is an input light transmission port. On the other hand, at the time of demultiplexing, the light transmission port 46 is an input light transmission port, and the light transmission port 47 is an output light transmission port. The member indicated by the reference numeral 48 is a selective wavelength transmission type wavelength tunable filter. The reflection surface 410 is formed on a surface (first surface) of the optical waveguide layer 44 opposite to the surface (second surface) where the wavelength tunable filter 48 and the light transmission port 47 are provided.
[0072]
Here, the light transmission port 46 is formed on the surface (first surface) of the optical waveguide layer 44 on which the reflection surface 410 is formed, and the light transmission port 47 is provided with the wavelength tunable filter 48 of the optical waveguide layer 44. (Second surface). Thus, the input optical port and the output optical port can be opposed to each other, so that the flexibility in mounting the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer can be ensured.
[0073]
Further, by forming two light transmission ports on the surface of the optical waveguide layer 44 on which the reflection surface 410 is formed, an optical port having a light transmission port and a wavelength tunable filter as a variable optical wavelength selecting means are attached. It is also possible to face the surface that is present.
[0074]
[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is an application example of the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 conceptually shows light that is incident on the element and propagates inside the element. The member denoted by reference numeral 51 is an optical fiber used for output during multiplexing and used for input during demultiplexing, and the member denoted by reference numeral 52 is an optical fiber used for input during multiplexing and used for output during demultiplexing. The members denoted by reference numerals 53 and 55 are convex surfaces for converting light incident on the optical waveguide layer 54 from the optical fiber into collimated light or condensing collimated light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 54 and coupling the collimated light to the optical fiber. Lens.
[0075]
The member denoted by reference numeral 56 is an input / output light transmission port. The light transmission port 56 is an output light transmission port during multiplexing and an input light transmission port during demultiplexing. The member denoted by reference numeral 58 is a selective wavelength transmission type wavelength tunable filter. The reflection surface 510 is formed on the surface of the optical waveguide layer 54 opposite to the surface on which the wavelength tunable filter 58 is provided. The member denoted by reference numeral 59 is a light absorbing film.
[0076]
In this embodiment, the optical port having the light transmission port 47 shown in FIG. 4 is eliminated, and an optical port to which a wavelength tunable filter 58 is attached is used instead. That is, in the present embodiment, one light port having the light transmission port (the light transmission port 56) is provided. This is the case in two cases:
1. When an optical signal of a wavelength not selected by any of the wavelength tunable filters 58 is unnecessary when used as a demultiplexer
2. When an input optical port having a light transmission port (FIG. 4, corresponding to the light transmission port 47) is unnecessary when used as a multiplexer.
This is because the light port having the light transmission port may be one of the light transmission ports 56.
[0077]
However, when used as a demultiplexer, the third surface of the optical waveguide layer 54 is provided on the third surface of the optical waveguide layer 54 so that light rays of wavelengths not selected by any of the wavelength tunable filters 58 do not stray in the optical waveguide layer 54. It is necessary to devise a method of forming the light absorbing film 59 and the like and letting it escape from the inside of the optical waveguide layer 54. The “third surface” is a surface that allows a light beam having a wavelength not selected by any of the wavelength tunable filters 58 to escape to the outside of the optical waveguide layer 54, and includes the “first surface” and the “third surface”. 2 plane ". The member for preventing the light rays from straying in the optical waveguide layer 54 is not limited to the light absorbing film 59, and may be any member having a function of absorbing, scattering, transmitting light, and the like. For example, instead of the light absorption film 59, a light stray prevention film such as a light scattering film or a light transmission film can be applied.
[0078]
[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is an application example of the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 conceptually shows light that is incident on the element and propagates inside the element. The member denoted by reference numeral 61 is an optical fiber that is used for output when multiplexing and is used for input when demultiplexing. The member denoted by reference numeral 62 is an optical fiber that is used for input when multiplexing and output when demultiplexing. The members indicated by reference numerals 63 and 65 are convex surfaces for converting light incident on the optical waveguide layer 64 from the optical fiber into collimated light, or for collecting collimated light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 64 and coupling the collimated light to the optical fiber. Lens.
[0079]
Members denoted by reference numerals 66 and 67 are input / output light transmission ports. When the light transmission ports 66 and 67 are combined, the light transmission port 66 is an output light transmission port and the light transmission port 67 is an input light transmission port. On the other hand, at the time of demultiplexing, the light transmission port 66 is an input light transmission port, and the light transmission port 67 is an output light transmission port. The member indicated by reference numeral 68 is a selective wavelength transmission type variable wavelength filter. The reflection surface 610 is formed in the optical waveguide layer 64 on the surface opposite to the surface on which the wavelength tunable filter 68 and the light transmission port 67 are installed.
[0080]
In the present embodiment, the wavelength tunable filter array 611 in which a plurality of wavelength tunable filters 68 are integrated in an array and the optical waveguide layer 64 are attached to each other, so that all of the wavelength tunable filters 68 and the optical waveguide layer 64 are bonded together. Optical alignment can be performed at once. With this configuration, even if the number of optical ports increases, the number of optical alignment steps can be reduced, the mounting accuracy can be made substantially constant, and the mounting cost can be reduced.
[0081]
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the tunable filter array 611. Note that the optical fiber 62 and the convex lens 65 are omitted in FIG. A mirror layer 612 is formed on the surface of the optical waveguide layer 64, and mirror portions 614 are formed in an array on an elastic thin film 613 made of silicon, polyimide, or the like. The size of the mirror section 614 is desirably larger than the beam diameter of the light beam emitted from the optical waveguide layer 64, and small enough to maintain the smoothness of the mirror section 614 itself. Further, it is desirable that the elastic thin film 613 is transparent to light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 64 and has structural flexibility.
[0082]
Further, the mirror section 614 formed on the elastic thin film 613 and the mirror layer 612 formed on the optical waveguide layer 64 face each other, the parallelism and the distance between them are kept constant, and the Fabry-Perot resonator structure is supported. Are arranged in an array. As the column-shaped support structure 615, a parallel plate that is periodically perforated may be used.
[0083]
Further, a silicon substrate or the like is processed to produce a filter control layer 617 in which concave structures 616 corresponding to the intervals of the support structures 615 are periodically formed, and a mirror driving unit 618 is produced in each of the concave structures 616. I do.
[0084]
FIG. 7 shows an example in which electrodes 618-1 and 618-2 for utilizing electrostatic force are attached as an example of the mirror driving unit 618. The electrodes 618-1 are formed in the concave structure 616, and the electrodes 618-2 are formed in an array on the surface of the elastic thin film 613 opposite to the surface on which the mirror 614 is formed.
[0085]
By applying a voltage to the electrodes 618-1 and 618-2 from the outside, the elastic thin film 613 is distorted by the electrostatic force generated between the electrodes, and the resonator length of the Fabry-Perot resonator is changed. Can be controlled. In this case, since the electrostatic force is used for controlling the Fabry-Perot resonator length, there is an advantage that the selection wavelength can be controlled with high accuracy and power consumption for control can be suppressed.
[0086]
As another example of the mirror driving unit 618, a method using a magnetic force by combining a micro magnet and a micro coil or a method using a variable volume structure such as a piezo element or a micro piston may be used.
[0087]
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example in which a piezo element is installed as a mirror driving unit. As shown in the figure, a piezo element 619 is installed as a mirror driving unit 618 in the hollow structure 616. By applying a voltage to the piezo element 619 from the outside and deforming the piezo element 619, distortion can be given to the elastic thin film 613. As a result, it is possible to change the resonator length of the Fabry-Perot resonator and control the selected wavelength of the tunable filter 68. Also in the case of using the piezo element 619, there is an advantage that the selection wavelength can be controlled with high accuracy, and the power consumption for the control can be relatively reduced.
[0088]
In the filter control layer 617, a wiring or a drive circuit for transmitting a control signal from the outside to the mirror drive unit 618 can be formed. In this case, since it is not necessary to separately prepare a wiring board, the cost can be reduced. Further, it is desirable that the filter control layer 617 be formed using a material that is transparent to the light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 64. Further, a light condensing means for optically coupling a light beam passing through the filter control layer 617 with an external optical path may be formed in an array.
[0089]
[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is an application example of the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 conceptually shows light that is incident on the element and propagates inside the element. The member indicated by reference numeral 91 is an optical fiber used for output during multiplexing and used for input during demultiplexing, and the member indicated by reference numeral 92 is an optical fiber used for input during multiplexing and used for output during demultiplexing. The members denoted by reference numerals 93 and 95 are light for converting light incident on the optical waveguide layer 94 from the optical fiber into collimated light or collecting collimated light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 94 and coupling the collimated light to the optical fiber. It is a coupling lens. The optical fiber and the optical coupling lens function as “optical transmission means”.
[0090]
Reference numerals 96 and 97 denote input / output light transmission ports. When the light transmission ports 96 and 97 are combined, the light transmission port 96 is an output light transmission port and the light transmission port 97 is an input light transmission port. On the other hand, at the time of demultiplexing, the light transmission port 96 is an input light transmission port, and the light transmission port 97 is an output light transmission port. The member denoted by reference numeral 98 is a selective wavelength transmission type wavelength variable filter. The reflection surface 910 is formed on the optical waveguide layer 94 on the surface opposite to the surface on which the wavelength tunable filter 98 and the light transmission port 97 are provided.
[0091]
In this embodiment, it is easy to position the input / output optical fibers 91 and 92 and the optical coupling lenses 93 and 95 (convex lenses, ball lenses, etc.) outside the optical waveguide layer 94. Jigs 99-1 and 99-2 are installed. More specifically, in order to fix the optical fibers 91 and 92 and the optical coupling lenses 93 and 95, V-shaped grooves and the like are formed in the jigs 99-1 and 99-2, and the jigs 99-1 and 99-2 are fixed relative to the optical waveguide layer 94. In order to perform a proper alignment, position adjusting means (projections, etc.) are formed on the jigs 99-1 and 99-2. With such a configuration, the mounting cost of the optical fibers 91 and 92 and the optical coupling lenses 93 and 95 can be reduced, and the optical coupling efficiency between the optical waveguide layer 94 and the optical fibers 91 and 92 can be improved. .
[0092]
[Seventh embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is an application example of the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 conceptually shows light that is incident on the element and propagates inside the element. The member denoted by reference numeral 101 is an input optical fiber, and the member denoted by reference numeral 102 is an output optical fiber. The member denoted by reference numeral 103 is a convex lens for converting light incident on the optical waveguide layer 104 from the input optical fiber 101 into collimated light. A member denoted by a reference numeral 105 is a convex lens for collecting collimated light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 104 and coupling the collimated light to the output optical fiber 102.
[0093]
The member denoted by reference numeral 106 is an input light transmission port, and the member denoted by reference numeral 107 is an output light transmission port. The member denoted by reference numeral 108 is a selective wavelength transmission type wavelength tunable filter. The reflection surface 1010 is formed in the optical waveguide layer 104 on the surface opposite to the surface on which the wavelength tunable filter 108 and the output light transmission port 107 are installed. In the present embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, a tunable filter array 1011 in which a plurality of tunable filters 108 are integrated in an array is provided to simplify the optical alignment process and the like.
[0094]
Further, in the present embodiment, the light receiving elements 1012 are mounted in an array on the wavelength tunable filter array 1011 so as to correspond to the positions of the respective optical ports. Thereby, a wavelength-selective multiport optical-electrical conversion module can be realized at a small size and at low cost.
[0095]
Since the light receiving element 1012 only receives light rays, the wavelength variable multiplexing / demultiplexing element according to the present embodiment has a function only as a demultiplexer. In the case of a multiplexer, a light emitting element may be provided instead of the light receiving element 1012, and the traveling direction of the propagating light beam may be reversed.
[0096]
In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a plurality of variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing elements are prepared, and one output light transmission port and the other input light transmission port are optically connected to each other. Optical ports can be expanded. Further, similarly to the fourth embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which only one port including the light transmission port is provided, and all the other optical ports include a wavelength variable filter.
[0097]
[Eighth Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, which is an application example of the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 conceptually shows light that is incident on the element and propagates inside the element. The member denoted by reference numeral 111 is an output optical fiber, and the member denoted by reference numeral 112 is an input optical fiber. A member denoted by reference numeral 115 is a convex lens for converting light incident on the optical waveguide layer 114 from the input optical fiber 112 into collimated light. The member denoted by reference numeral 113 is a convex lens for collecting collimated light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 114 and coupling the collimated light to the output optical fiber 111.
[0098]
The member denoted by reference numeral 116 is an output light transmission port, and the member denoted by reference numeral 117 is an input light transmission port. The member indicated by reference numeral 118 is a wavelength tunable filter of a selective wavelength transmission type. The reflection surface 1110 is formed on the optical waveguide layer 114 on the surface opposite to the surface on which the wavelength tunable filter 118 and the input light transmission port 117 are installed.
[0099]
The tunable filter array 1111 is obtained by integrating a plurality of tunable filters 118 in an array. In the present embodiment, the tunable filter array 1111 propagates inside the optical waveguide layer 114 on the upper surface of the tunable filter array 1111. A saw-tooth-shaped cut is formed corresponding to the incident angle of the reflected light beam and corresponding to the formation interval of each optical port. Further, the light emitting element 1113 is provided on the saw-shaped notch.
[0100]
Regarding this notch, when the light emitting elements 1113 are mounted in an array on the notch of the tunable filter array 1111, the optical axis of the light emitted from the light emitting element 1113 propagates inside the optical waveguide layer 114. It is formed so as to coincide with the axis. As a result, a wavelength-selective multiport optical-electrical conversion module can be realized at a small size and at low cost, and the optical coupling efficiency can be further improved as compared with the case of the seventh embodiment.
[0101]
Since the light emitting element 1113 emits only light, the wavelength variable multiplexing / demultiplexing element according to the present embodiment has a function only as a multiplexer. In the case of a duplexer, a light receiving element may be provided instead of the light emitting element 1113, and the traveling direction of the propagating light beam may be reversed. When a light receiving element is provided, light beams having a specific wavelength transmitted through the wavelength tunable filter 118 are coupled so as to be most efficiently incident on the light receiving element. This is because the light receiving efficiency varies depending on the angle of the incident light incident on the light receiving element.
[0102]
For the light emitting element 1113, it is preferable to mainly use a surface emitting type variable wavelength light beam. In this case, a multiplexer with a lower loss than the optical coupler can be realized in principle.
[0103]
Also in the present embodiment, a plurality of variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing elements are prepared as in the second embodiment, and one output light transmission port and the other input light transmission port are optically connected to each other. Optical ports can be expanded. Further, similarly to the fourth embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which only one port including the light transmission port is provided, and all the other optical ports include a wavelength variable filter.
[0104]
[Ninth embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, which is an application example of the wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 conceptually shows light that is incident on the element and propagates inside the element. The member denoted by reference numeral 121 is an input optical fiber, and the member denoted by reference numeral 122 is an output optical fiber. The member denoted by reference numeral 123 is a convex lens for converting light incident on the optical waveguide layer 124 from the input optical fiber 121 into collimated light. A member denoted by reference numeral 125 is a convex lens for collecting collimated light emitted from the optical waveguide layer 124 and coupling the collimated light to the output optical fiber 122.
[0105]
The member indicated by reference numeral 126 is an input light transmission port, and the member indicated by reference numeral 127 is an output light transmission port. The member indicated by the reference numeral 128 is a selective wavelength transmission type tunable filter. The reflection surface 1210 is formed in the optical waveguide layer 124 on the surface opposite to the surface on which the wavelength tunable filter 128, the input light transmission port 126, and the output light transmission port 127 are installed.
[0106]
The tunable filter array 1211 is obtained by integrating a plurality of tunable filters 128 in an array. In this embodiment, the tunable filter array 1211 propagates inside the optical waveguide layer 124 on the upper surface of the tunable filter array 1211. Corrugated cuts are formed so as to correspond to incident angles of reflected light rays and correspond to the formation intervals of each optical port. Further, a light receiving element 1212 and a light emitting element 1213 are provided on the wavy cut.
[0107]
Regarding this notch, when light receiving elements 1212 and light emitting elements 1213 are alternately mounted in an array on the notch of the wavelength tunable filter array 1211, the light emitted from the light emitting element 1213 or the light incident on the light receiving element 1212 is The optical axis is formed so as to coincide with the optical axis of a light beam propagating inside the optical waveguide layer 124.
[0108]
This allows wavelength-multiplexed light beams input from the outside to be subjected to light-to-electricity exchange in arbitrary wavelength units without demultiplexing all wavelengths and dividing them into optical path units, and to perform wavelength-selectable electric signal processing. Type multi-port optical-electrical conversion module can be realized at a small size and at low cost.
[0109]
In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a plurality of variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing elements are prepared, and one output light transmission port and the other input light transmission port are optically connected to each other. Optical ports can be expanded. Further, similarly to the fourth embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which only one port including the light transmission port is provided, and all the other optical ports include a wavelength variable filter.
[0110]
Further, an optical fiber and a lens for optical coupling are provided on the cut, so that the split outgoing light can be used as it is, or light to be combined can be incident.
[0111]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the wavelength variable multiplexing / demultiplexing device of the present invention, the input wavelength-division multiplexed optical signal is demultiplexed, and an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength can be extracted from an optional output optical port, An optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength inserted from an arbitrary input optical port can be multiplexed and output as a wavelength multiplexed optical signal. Furthermore, while satisfying the above performance, it has specific effects such as reduction in loss, reduction in size when the number of selected wavelengths is increased, reduction in manufacturing and mounting costs, and improvement in the degree of freedom in processing technology and material selection. It can be a wavelength variable multiplexing / demultiplexing element. As a result, it is possible to solve the problems associated with increasing the number of wavelengths and the number of ports of the variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing element.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an application example in which the number of optical ports is expanded in the variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a tunable filter array in a tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example in which a piezo element is installed as a mirror driving unit in the variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing element according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to a seventh embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to an eighth embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength variable multiplexing / demultiplexing element according to a ninth embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the relationship between an all-optical add / drop device and a network.
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an all-optical add / drop device corresponding to the development of a network.
FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength selection type multiplexer / demultiplexer including a multiplexer / demultiplexer and an optical switch.
FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a wavelength-selective multiplexing / demultiplexing device including a wavelength-tunable grating fiber and an optical circulator.
[Explanation of symbols]
11-1-3 Input optical fiber
12-1-3 Output optical fiber
13-1-3 convex lens
14 Optical waveguide
15-1 to 3 convex lenses
16 Light transmission port for input
17 Light transmission port for output
18-1-4 Tunable Filter
19 Total reflection mirror
110 Reflective surface
59 Light absorbing film
611 Tunable filter array
612 mirror layer
613 elastic thin film
614 Mirror section
615 Support structure
616 hollow structure
617 Filter control layer
618 mirror drive unit
618-1,2 electrodes
619 Piezo element
95 Optical Coupling Lens
99-1 and jig
1012 light receiving element
1113 Light emitting element
1213 Light emitting element
1212 Light receiving element
131 All-optical add-drop device
132 Ring Optical Network
133 Optical Network
143 I / O port
151 AWG filter
152 I / O port
153 matrix switch
154 common port
155 I / O port
161 grating
162 grating fiber
163 Optical circulator
164 shared port
165 I / O port

Claims (11)

Light guiding means for propagating light rays inside,
A reflecting surface provided on a first surface of the optical waveguide unit and reflecting the light beam;
A plurality of variable light guides provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the optical waveguide means, for transmitting light of a specific wavelength selected by external control and reflecting light other than the specific wavelength among the light. Type light wavelength selecting means,
A light transmission port provided on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, and optically transparent to a wavelength band of the light beam;
When the light beam propagates inside the optical waveguide means by being alternately reflected by the reflection surface and the variable light wavelength selection means,
Extracting and demultiplexing a light beam of a specific wavelength from the tunable light wavelength selecting unit, or performing at least one of multiplexing by inputting a light beam of a specific wavelength to the tunable light wavelength selecting unit. Variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing element. The tunable wavelength division multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to claim 1,
The light transmission port includes an input light transmission port for inputting the light beam to the optical waveguide unit, and an output light transmission port for outputting a light beam transmitted through the optical waveguide unit to the outside,
The variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device, wherein the input light transmission port and the output light transmission port are provided on the same surface. The tunable wavelength division multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to claim 1,
The light transmission port includes an input light transmission port for inputting the light beam to the optical waveguide unit, and an output light transmission port for outputting a light beam transmitted through the optical waveguide unit to the outside,
The variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device is provided on a different surface from the input light transmitting port and the output light transmitting port. The tunable wavelength division multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to claim 1,
The light transmission port is one,
The wavelength variable multiplexing / demultiplexing device, wherein the light transmission port is provided on the first surface or the second surface. The tunable wavelength division multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to claim 4,
A wavelength variable multiplexing / demultiplexing device, wherein a light absorbing film, a light scattering film or a light transmitting film for preventing stray light rays propagating inside the optical waveguide means is provided on a third surface of the optical waveguide means. element. The tunable wavelength division multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device, wherein the plurality of tunable optical wavelength selecting means are integrated. The wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Further having an optical transmission means optically coupled to the light transmission port or the variable light wavelength selection means,
A variable wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing device, comprising: a jig for adjusting a position of the optical transmission unit with respect to the light transmission port or the variable optical wavelength selection unit. The wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A tunable wavelength division multiplexing / demultiplexing device, wherein at least one of a light emitting element and a light receiving element is optically coupled to the variable optical wavelength selection means. The wavelength tunable multiplexer / demultiplexer according to claim 8,
In the case where the light emitting element is optically coupled to the variable light wavelength selecting means, the light axis of the emitted light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the variable light wavelength selecting means. Combined to match the axis,
In the case where the light receiving element is optically coupled to the variable light wavelength selecting means, light of a specific wavelength transmitted through the variable light wavelength selecting means is coupled so as to most efficiently enter the light receiving element. A tunable wavelength division multiplexing / demultiplexing device. The tunable wavelength division multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The tunable optical wavelength selecting means is a Fabry-Perot resonator having a mirror driving unit utilizing electrostatic force. The tunable wavelength division multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The tunable wavelength division multiplexing / demultiplexing device according to claim 1, wherein the tunable optical wavelength selection means is a Fabry-Perot resonator having a mirror driving unit using a piezo element.

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