JP4982652B2 - Optical logic circuit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical logic circuit including only an optical switch.

  Conventionally, several proposals have been made for logic circuits using light (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 6). Most of these logic circuits use an optical switch incorporating an electric mechanism, and the structure thereof is therefore complicated.

  Under these circumstances, optical logic circuits that are configured only with optical switches without incorporating an electrical mechanism are expected to become increasingly important in the future with the development of high-speed optical switching. .

  On the other hand, the inventors of the present invention have a thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a region exhibiting light absorptivity according to a wavelength band and a region exhibiting light transmittance in Patent Document 7, and exhibits light absorptivity. A control light having a wavelength selected from a region and a control light having a wavelength selected from a region exhibiting optical transparency are coaxially irradiated to the light absorption layer, and the opening angle of the control light varies depending on whether or not the control light is irradiated. We proposed an optical switch technology that changes the optical path by forming a mold output light and providing a perforated mirror.

  Recently, the present inventors have proposed a novel optical logic circuit using this optical switch technology (Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-202619).

Further, Patent Document 8 proposes an optical switch that changes the refractive index of the switch material by irradiation of a control beam and changes the optical path of the signal beam without using electrical or mechanical means.
JP-A-2005-33017 JP-A-3-16086 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-16087 JP-A-61-32316 JP 55-172769 A JP 50-109439 A JP 2002-275713 A U.S. Pat.No. 4,585,301

  According to the optical logic circuit proposed by the present inventor in Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-202619, although the optical logic circuit composed only of the optical logic switch is realized, the opening angle of the control light depends on the presence or absence of the control light irradiation. When using optical switch technology that changes the optical path by forming different donut-shaped outgoing light and providing a perforated mirror, it still requires a lot of optical components. There was room for improvement.

On the other hand, it is conceivable to apply the optical path switching method disclosed in Patent Document 2 to this optical logic circuit. In this case, however, the deflection angle cannot be increased so much and the laser beam for changing the refractive index has a large power. There was a problem that was necessary.
The present invention has been made in view of the actual state of the prior art as described above, and is composed of only an optical switch without incorporating an electrical mechanism. The number of optical components is small, and the cost can be reduced. An object is to provide an optical logic circuit expected to be put to practical use.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention firstly includes a first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ1 and a second input port for inputting control light having a wavelength λ2 different from the signal light. A first thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light; and signal light and control light in the light absorption layer, A condensing point that condenses the signal light and the control light so as to be in different positions in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and the control light are incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. The first thermal lens forming optical element having an optical part is a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof. By using this, the control lens is not irradiated and the thermal lens is shaped. When not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated to form a thermal lens, the signal light is emitted as deflected light whose traveling direction is changed. And a second output port for outputting the signal light emitted as the deflected light, and a second output port for outputting the signal light emitted as the deflected light. A signal light path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and outputs deflected light from the second output port out of the signal light emitted from the first thermal lens forming optical element. first optical switch comprising a control having a different wavelength λ2 from the first input port and a signal light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the second output port of said first optical switch as a signal light Second to input light A second thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light, and includes signal light and control light in the light absorption layer. Are focused so that the condensing points are at different positions in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and the control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. The second thermal lens forming optical element includes a condensing unit that emits light, and the second thermal lens forming optical element is based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof. When the control lens is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and the control lens is irradiated to form the thermal lens. If the signal light is deflected by changing the direction of travel The output state is realized in correspondence with the presence or absence of the control light irradiation, and the first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as the non-deflected light and the signal light emitted as the deflected light are output. Of the signal light emitted from the second output port and the second thermal lens forming optical element, the non-deflected light is output from the first output port, and the deflected light is output from the second output port. A second optical switch including a switching unit, a first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ2, and output light having a wavelength λ1 from a second output port of the second optical switch. A second input port for inputting control light; a third thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light; and a light absorption layer Signal light and control light, respectively A condensing unit for condensing the signal light and the control light so as to be in different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis in a case where the signal light and the control light are incident on the incident surface of the third thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. The third thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs the control light and a peripheral region thereof. When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is transmitted in the traveling direction. A state in which the light is emitted as the deflected light is realized corresponding to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation, and the first output port for outputting the signal light emitted as the non-deflected light and the signal output as the deflected light Output light Of the signal light emitted from the second output port and the third thermal lens forming optical element, the non-deflected light is output from the first output port, and the deflected light is output from the second output port. and characterized in that it comprises a third optical switch comprising an optical path switching unit, constitutes an aND circuit for logical operation result the light output of the on / off of the second output port of said third optical switch An optical logic circuit is provided.

Second, the first input port for inputting the signal light having the wavelength λ1 and the second input port for inputting the control light having a wavelength λ2 different from the signal light, and the control light are made absorbable. A first thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that is transmissive to the signal light, signal light and control light in the light absorption layer, and a condensing point at each signal light and control. A light collecting portion for condensing the light so as to be in different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the light is incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light; The lens-forming optical element irradiates the control light by using a thermal lens based on the refractive index distribution reversibly caused by the temperature rise occurring in the area where the light absorption layer absorbs the control light and the surrounding area. If no thermal lens is formed, the signal light travels Whether the control light is emitted as a non-deflected light that does not change the direction, and when the control light is irradiated to form a thermal lens, the signal light is emitted as a deflected light whose direction of travel is changed. And a first output port that outputs signal light emitted as non-deflected light, a second output port that outputs signal light emitted as deflected light, and first thermal lens forming light A first optical switch including a signal light path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and output deflected light from the second output port among the signal light emitted from the element ; a second input for inputting a control light having different wavelengths λ2 from the first input port and a signal light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the first output port of said first optical switch as a signal light Port and control light A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that exhibits absorptivity and transparency with respect to signal light, signal light and control light on the light absorption layer, A condensing part for condensing the light and the control light so as to be in different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the light and the control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light; The thermal lens forming optical element of 2 is controlled by using a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof. When light is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and a thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. Controls the state of exiting as polarized light A first output port that outputs signal light emitted as unpolarized light, a second output port that outputs signal light emitted as deflected light, and a second output port. Of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a second optical signal path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and outputs deflected light from the second output port. inputting an optical switch, a signal light having different wavelengths λ2 from the second input port and the control light input the output light as the control light having a wavelength λ1 from the first output port of said second optical switch A first thermal lens forming optical element having a first input port , a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light, and controls the signal light in the light absorption layer; Light, and each condensing point is signal light A condensing unit for condensing the light so that the light is incident on the incident surface of the third thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light in different directions in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis; The thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs the control light and its peripheral region. When the thermal lens is not formed without irradiation, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the thermal lens is formed by irradiation with the control light, the signal light is deflected with the traveling direction changed. The state of emitting light is realized in correspondence with the presence or absence of control light irradiation, and further, the first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light and the signal light output as deflected light are output. Second out A signal light path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and outputs deflected light from the second output port among the signal light emitted from the third thermal lens forming optical element. a third optical switch that includes an optical logic circuit characterized in that it constitutes an OR circuit for the logic operation result of the first output port of the optical output of the on / off of the third optical switch provide.

Third, the first input port for inputting the signal light having the wavelength λ1, the second input port for inputting the control light having a wavelength λ2 different from the signal light, and the absorptivity to the control light. A first thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that is transmissive to the signal light, signal light and control light in the light absorption layer, and a condensing point at each signal light and control. A light collecting portion for condensing the light so as to be in different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the light is incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light; The lens-forming optical element irradiates the control light by using a thermal lens based on the refractive index distribution reversibly caused by the temperature rise occurring in the area where the light absorption layer absorbs the control light and the surrounding area. If no thermal lens is formed, the signal light travels Whether the control light is emitted as a non-deflected light that does not change the direction, and when the control light is irradiated to form a thermal lens, the signal light is emitted as a deflected light whose direction of travel is changed. And a first output port that outputs signal light emitted as non-deflected light, a second output port that outputs signal light emitted as deflected light, and first thermal lens forming light A first optical switch including a signal light path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and output deflected light from the second output port among the signal light emitted from the element ; a second input for inputting a control light having different wavelengths λ2 from the first input port and a signal light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the second output port of said first optical switch as a signal light Port and control light A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that exhibits absorptivity and transparency with respect to signal light, signal light and control light on the light absorption layer, A condensing part for condensing the light and the control light so as to be in different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the light and the control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light; The thermal lens forming optical element of 2 is controlled by using a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof. When light is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and a thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. Controls the state of exiting as polarized light A first output port that outputs signal light emitted as unpolarized light, a second output port that outputs signal light emitted as deflected light, and a second output port. Of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a second optical signal path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and outputs deflected light from the second output port. Optical switch , first input port for inputting signal light having wavelength λ2, and second input port for inputting output light having wavelength λ1 from the second output port of the second optical switch as control light A third thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light, and the signal absorption light and the control light in the light absorption layer, The condensing point is the signal light and the control light are the third heat The third thermal lens forming optical element includes a condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis when entering the incident surface of the optical element as parallel light. By using a thermal lens based on the refractive index distribution reversibly caused by the temperature rise in the area where the light absorption layer absorbs the control light and the surrounding area, the thermal lens is formed without being irradiated with the control light. If not, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and if the control lens is irradiated to form a thermal lens, the signal light is emitted as deflected light whose traveling direction is changed. A first output port that outputs signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs signal light output as deflected light; Third Of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming optical element, a third optical signal is provided that includes a signal light path switching unit that outputs unpolarized light from the first output port and outputs deflected light from the second output port. includes an optical switch, to provide an optical logic circuit, characterized in that it constitutes a NAND circuit for the logic operation result the light output of the on / off of the first output port said third optical switch.

Fourth, the first input port for inputting the signal light having the wavelength λ1, the second input port for inputting the control light having the wavelength λ2 different from the signal light, and the control light are made absorbable. A first thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that is transmissive to the signal light, signal light and control light in the light absorption layer, and a condensing point at each signal light and control. A light collecting portion for condensing the light so as to be in different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the light is incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light; The lens-forming optical element irradiates the control light by using a thermal lens based on the refractive index distribution reversibly caused by the temperature rise occurring in the area where the light absorption layer absorbs the control light and the surrounding area. If no thermal lens is formed, the signal light travels Whether the control light is emitted as a non-deflected light that does not change the direction, and when the control light is irradiated to form a thermal lens, the signal light is emitted as a deflected light whose direction of travel is changed. And a first output port that outputs signal light emitted as non-deflected light, a second output port that outputs signal light emitted as deflected light, and first thermal lens forming light A first optical switch including a signal light path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and output deflected light from the second output port among the signal light emitted from the element ; a second input for inputting a control light having different wavelengths λ2 from the first input port and a signal light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the first output port of said first optical switch as a signal light Port and control light A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that exhibits absorptivity and transparency with respect to signal light, signal light and control light on the light absorption layer, A condensing part for condensing the light and the control light so as to be in different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the light and the control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light; The thermal lens forming optical element of 2 is controlled by using a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof. When light is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and a thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. Controls the state of exiting as polarized light A first output port that outputs signal light emitted as unpolarized light, a second output port that outputs signal light emitted as deflected light, and a second output port. Of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a second optical signal path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and outputs deflected light from the second output port. inputting an optical switch, a signal light having different wavelengths λ2 from the second input port and the control light input the output light as the control light having a wavelength λ1 from the first output port of said second optical switch A first thermal lens forming optical element having a first input port , a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light, and controls the signal light in the light absorption layer; Light, and each condensing point is signal light A condensing unit for condensing the light so that the light is incident on the incident surface of the third thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light in different directions in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis; The thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs the control light and its peripheral region. When the thermal lens is not formed without irradiation, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the thermal lens is formed by irradiation with the control light, the signal light is deflected with the traveling direction changed. The state of emitting light is realized in correspondence with the presence or absence of control light irradiation, and further, the first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light and the signal light output as deflected light are output. Second out A signal light path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and outputs deflected light from the second output port among the signal light emitted from the third thermal lens forming optical element. a third optical switch that includes an optical logic circuit, characterized in that it constitutes a NOR circuit for a logic operation result the third of the second output port of the optical output of the on / off of the optical switch provide.

Fifth, the first input port for inputting the signal light having the wavelength λ1, the second input port for inputting the control light having the wavelength λ2 different from the signal light, and the control light are made absorbable. A first thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that is transmissive to the signal light, signal light and control light in the light absorption layer, and a condensing point at each signal light and control. A light collecting portion for condensing the light so as to be in different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the light is incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light; The lens-forming optical element irradiates the control light by using a thermal lens based on the refractive index distribution reversibly caused by the temperature rise occurring in the area where the light absorption layer absorbs the control light and the surrounding area. If no thermal lens is formed, the signal light travels Whether the control light is emitted as a non-deflected light that does not change the direction, and when the control light is irradiated to form a thermal lens, the signal light is emitted as a deflected light whose direction of travel is changed. And a first output port that outputs signal light emitted as non-deflected light, a second output port that outputs signal light emitted as deflected light, and first thermal lens forming light A first optical switch including a signal light path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and output deflected light from the second output port among the signal light emitted from the element ; a first input for inputting a signal light having a different wavelength λ2 from the second input port and the control light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the second output port of said first optical switch as the control light Port and control light A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that exhibits absorptivity and transparency with respect to signal light, signal light and control light on the light absorption layer, A condensing part for condensing the light and the control light so as to be in different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the light and the control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light; The thermal lens forming optical element of 2 is controlled by using a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof. When light is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and a thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. Controls the state of exiting as polarized light A first output port that outputs signal light emitted as unpolarized light, a second output port that outputs signal light emitted as deflected light, and a second output port. Of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a second optical signal path switching unit that outputs non-deflected light from the first output port and outputs deflected light from the second output port. includes an optical switch, to provide an optical logic circuit, characterized in that it constitutes a NOT circuit for the logic operation result the light output of the on / off of the first output port of said second optical switch.

Further, sixthly, the first input port for inputting the signal light having the wavelength λ1, the second input port for inputting the control light having the wavelength λ2 different from the signal light, and the control light are made absorbable. A first thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that is transmissive to the signal light, signal light and control light in the light absorption layer, and a condensing point at each signal light and control. A light collecting portion for condensing the light so as to be in different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the light is incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light; The lens-forming optical element irradiates the control light by using a thermal lens based on the refractive index distribution reversibly caused by the temperature rise occurring in the area where the light absorption layer absorbs the control light and the surrounding area. If no thermal lens is formed, the signal light is advanced. The control light irradiation includes a state in which the light is emitted as non-deflected light without changing the row direction and a state in which the control light is emitted as a deflected light in which the traveling direction is changed when the thermal lens is formed. A first output port that outputs signal light emitted as unpolarized light, a second output port that outputs signal light emitted as deflected light, and a first thermal lens formation. A first optical switch including a signal light path switching unit that outputs unpolarized light from the first output port and outputs deflected light from the second output port, out of the signal light emitted from the optical element ; A first input port for inputting signal light having wavelength λ2, a second input port for inputting output light having wavelength λ1 from the first output port of the first optical switch as control light, and control Signals that absorb light A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that is transparent to light; signal light and control light on the light absorption layer; A second thermal lens forming unit that includes a condensing unit that condenses light at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light; The optical element is not irradiated with control light by using a thermal lens based on the refractive index distribution reversibly caused by the temperature rise that occurs in the area where the light absorption layer absorbs the control light and the surrounding area. When the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the thermal lens is formed by irradiating the control light, the signal light is emitted as deflected light with the traveling direction changed. The state of And a second output port for outputting signal light emitted as unpolarized light, a second output port for outputting signal light emitted as deflected light, and a second thermal lens forming optical element. Of the signal light emitted from the second optical switch, a non-deflected light is output from the first output port, and the deflected light is output from the second output port . to provide an optical logic circuit, characterized in that it constitutes a NOT circuit for the logic operation result of said second second output port of the optical output of the on / off of the optical switch.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new optical logic circuit composed of only an optical switch without incorporating an electrical mechanism. Such an optical logic circuit is expected to be of great technical importance by realizing an ultrafast optical switching technology.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described.
The optical logic circuit of the present invention is as described above, and receives signal light and control light having a wavelength different from the signal light, and turns on / off the output of the signal light by turning on / off the control light. The logic circuit is configured by connecting at least two or more optical switches that control the above.

  In the combination of optical switches described above, an optical switch that receives control light having a wavelength different from that of the signal light, and a signal light having a wavelength different from the signal light of the optical switch and a control light of the optical switch having a different wavelength. A plurality of optical switches that input control light may be combined, an optical switch that receives control light having a wavelength different from that of the signal light, signal light having the same wavelength as the signal light of the optical switch, and control light of the optical switch, A plurality of optical switches that input control light of the same wavelength may be combined.

First, an optical switch used in the optical logic circuit of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration example of the optical switch SW. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, the optical switch SW has an input port 2 for taking in the signal light 1 and an input port 4 for taking in the control light 3 having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the signal light 1. Is provided. A first collimating lens 5 for converting the incident signal light 1 into parallel light is disposed downstream of the input port 2, and the input control light 3 for converting the incident control light 3 into parallel light downstream of the input port 4. A second collimating lens 6 is disposed. For convenience, FIG. 1 shows parallel light as a straight line having no width. A mixer 7 is disposed on the downstream side of the first collimating lens 5 and the second collimating lens 6, and the mixer 7 transmits the signal light 1, which is parallel light from the first collimating lens 5. The control light 3 reflected by the mirror 8 is reflected by the parallel light from the second collimating lens 6 and its optical path is changed. A first condenser lens 9, a thermal lens forming optical element 10, a third collimator lens 11, a wavelength selective transmission filter 12, a branching mirror 13, and a second condenser lens 14 are arranged on the downstream side of the mixer 7, respectively. Has been. The first condenser lens 9 condenses (converges) the signal light 1 and the control light 3 from the mixer 7 on the light absorption layer of the thermal lens forming optical element 10. Here, the signal light 1 and the control light 3 are incident on the first condenser lens 9 at positions shifted in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and the optical absorption layer of the thermal lens forming optical element 10 is also aligned with the optical axis. Incident light is incident at a position shifted in a perpendicular direction, and the condensing point is separated.

  The thermal lens forming optical element 10 emits unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction when only the signal light 1 is incident, and forms a thermal lens when the signal light 1 and the control light 3 are incident simultaneously, The signal light 1 is emitted as deflected light whose traveling direction is changed. The third collimating lens 11 makes the signal light 1 (unpolarized light and deflected light) and the control light 3 parallel light. The wavelength selective transmission filter 12 transmits the signal light 1 and cuts the control light 3. A branch mirror 13 provided downstream of the wavelength selective transmission filter 12 branches the non-deflected light and the deflected light, and the deflected light is reflected to change its optical path. Unpolarized light travels straight. Further, below the branch mirror 13 in the figure, a mirror 15 for further changing the optical path of the deflected light whose optical path has been changed, and a third condenser lens 16 for condensing the light from the mirror 15 are arranged. The switch SW has two output ports 17 and 18. The output port 17 outputs light of unpolarized light collected by the second condenser lens 14 when the control light 3 is turned off. The output port 18 changes the optical path by the branch mirror 13 and the mirror 15 when the control light 3 is turned on, and outputs light of the deflected light collected by the third condenser lens 16.

  In the switch SW, the wavelength of the signal light 1 is light having a wavelength that shows transparency to the light absorption layer of the thermal lens forming optical element 10. In addition, as the wavelength of the control light 3, light having a wavelength that exhibits absorption with respect to the light absorption layer of the thermal lens forming optical element 10 is used.

The material of the light absorption layer in the thermal lens forming optical element 10 used in the optical switch SW, the wavelength band of the signal light 1 and the wavelength band of the control light 3 are, for example, the wavelength or wavelength band of the signal light 1 first. The optimum combination of the light absorbing layer material and the wavelength of the control light 3 can be selected. Moreover, after determining the combination of the wavelengths of the signal light 1 and the control light 3, a material for the light absorption layer suitable for this combination may be selected. Alternatively, after determining the material of the light absorption layer, a combination of the wavelengths of the signal light 1 and the control light 3 may be selected.

  As the first collimating lens 5, the second collimating lens 6, and the third collimating lens 11, for example, an aspherical lens having a focal length of 8 mm can be used, but the focal length does not need to be 8 mm and is smaller. It goes without saying that an even shorter focal length may be used for the optical switch SW. Further, although it is not necessary to use an aspheric lens, an aspheric lens is preferable in order to reduce the size and weight.

  As the mixer 7, for example, a known optical member such as a dichroic mirror that transmits the signal light 1 and reflects the control light 3 can be used. Of course, it is needless to say that the positions of the input port 2 and the input port 4 may be switched so that the signal light 1 is reflected and the control light 3 is transmitted.

  As the first condenser lens 9, the second condenser lens 14, and the third condenser lens 16, for example, an aspherical lens having a focal length of 8 mm can be used, but the focal length is not necessarily 8 mm. Needless to say, a shorter focal length may be used to make the optical switch SW smaller. Further, although it is not necessary to use an aspheric lens, an aspheric lens is preferable in order to reduce the size and weight.

  In the optical switch SW used in the present embodiment, the signal light 1 and the control light 3 are transmitted by the first condenser lens 9 on the incident surface of the light absorption layer of the thermal lens forming optical element 10 in the light traveling direction or in the vicinity thereof. Collect light. When the signal light 1 and the control light 3 are condensed at the same location near the incident surface of the light absorption layer of the thermal lens forming optical element 10, the signal light 1 spreads in a donut shape. This situation is shown in FIG. When the control light 3 is not present, the signal light 1 is a round beam as shown in the photograph 1a of FIG. 2A. However, when the control light 3 is simultaneously irradiated on the same place, the photograph of FIG. It becomes donut shape like 1b. It is considered that the light-absorbing layer incident surface has a clear and large donut shape. In the optical switch SW used in the present embodiment, the incident surface of the light absorption layer corresponds to a position where the donut shape is clear and large when the signal light 1 and the control light 3 are condensed at the same place. The surface to be used. Of course, the signal light 1 and the control light 3 that are actually used in the present embodiment are separated from each other by about 25 to 50 μm in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis at the position of the condensing point. 1 and the control light 3 are incident on the same point to form a donut shape, and then the condensing points of the signal light 1 and the control light 3 are separated to adjust the position. In addition, when the distance between the condensing points of the signal light 1 and the control light 3 is less than 25 μm, the beam is not a round beam as shown in FIG. When the signal light 1 becomes a crescent-shaped beam, if it is condensed and then incident on the optical fiber, the incident efficiency is reduced, which may impair practicality. Further, when the distance exceeds 50 μm, the deflection angle tends to decrease.

  The thermal lens forming optical element 10 has a schematic configuration as shown in FIG. 3, but only the light absorption layer is shown in FIG. 1 for ease of explanation. In FIG. 3, the light absorbing layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) is used by sealing a dye in a solvent in a glass container 23. As the dye soluble in the solvent, a dye exhibiting absorptivity in the wavelength region of the control light to be used and having no permeability in the wavelength region of the signal light to be used can be used. For example, the glass container 23 through which the laser beam 24 transmits can have a glass thickness of about 500 μm and the light absorption layer 22 can have a thickness of about 200 to 1000 μm.

  Specific examples of the dye include, for example, xanthene dyes such as rhodamine B, rhodamine 6G, eosin and phloxine B, acridine dyes such as acridine orange and acridine red, azo dyes such as ethyl red and methyl red, porphyrin dyes, Phthalocyanine dyes, cyanine dyes such as 3,3′-diethylthiacarbocyanine iodide, 3,3′-diethyloxadicarbocyanine iodide, triarylmethane dyes such as ethyl violet and Victoria Blue R, naphthoquinone A dye, an anthraquinone dye, a naphthalene tetracarboxylic acid diimide dye, a perylene tetracarboxylic acid diimide dye, or the like can be suitably used. Moreover, these pigment | dyes can be used individually or in mixture of 2 or more types.

  As the solvent, a solvent that dissolves at least the dye to be used can be used. However, the temperature (boiling point) of boiling without being thermally decomposed when the temperature rises during the formation of the thermal lens is 100 ° C. or higher, preferably 200. Those having a temperature of at least ° C, more preferably at least 300 ° C can be suitably used. Specifically, inorganic solvents such as sulfuric acid, halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons such as o-dichlorobenzene, aromatic substituted aliphatics such as 1-phenyl-1-xylylethane or 1-phenyl-1-ethylphenylethane Organic solvents such as hydrocarbons and nitrobenzene derivatives such as nitrobenzene can be suitably used.

  As the wavelength selective transmission filter 12, it is possible to use a dielectric filter or the like that blocks the control light 3 that is slightly transmitted through the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) and transmits the signal light 1. If the control light 3 is absorbed to such an extent that there is no practical problem with the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10), the wavelength selective transmission filter 12 is not necessarily used.

  The thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) basically has the absorption and transmission wavelength characteristics as described above, and has only to have a light absorption layer capable of forming a thermal lens, thereby promoting light absorption. It can be of various structures as described in JP-A-2005-265986 related to the application of the present inventors, such as a layer to be heated, a heat transfer layer, and a heat insulating layer.

  Here, the deflection of the signal light 1 by the thermal lens formation in the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) will be described.

  When the control light 3 is absorbed by the light absorption layer of the thermal lens forming optical element 10, the temperature of the light absorption layer rises and the refractive index changes. As the temperature increases, the refractive index generally changes in a decreasing direction. The intensity distribution of laser light emitted from a normal laser light source or laser light emitted from a normal laser light source and transmitted through an optical fiber is a Gaussian distribution. Further, the light obtained by condensing the laser light with a lens or the like has a Gaussian distribution. Therefore, the refractive index distribution in the light absorption layer irradiated with the control light 3 has the lowest refractive index on the optical axis of the control light 3 and the decrease in the refractive index around the control light 3 is reduced. Further, since there is heat conduction, the refractive index changes even in a portion where light is not irradiated.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which the signal light 25 (1) is deflected. In order to simplify the explanation, in FIG. 4, light refraction due to the difference in refractive index between the light absorbing layer and the medium around the light absorbing layer is ignored. In FIG. 4, when the light absorption layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) is irradiated with only the signal light 25 (1), the signal light 25 (1) and the control light 26 (3) are simultaneously transmitted. The case of irradiation is shown. In the figure, reference numeral 27 denotes signal light transmitted through the light absorption layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) when the control light 26 (3) is not irradiated. 28 is the signal light which permeate | transmitted the light absorption layer 22 of the thermal lens formation optical element 21 (10) when the control light 26 (3) is irradiated. Further, the light intensity distribution 29 of the control light in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorbing layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) and the vicinity of the emission surface of the light absorbing layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10). A light intensity distribution 30 is also shown.

  FIG. 4a schematically shows the optical path of the laser light when the laser light is not condensed, and FIG. 4b schematically shows the optical path of the laser light when the laser light is condensed like the optical switch SW used in the present embodiment. The intensity distribution regions 29 and 30 of the laser light when the laser light is not condensed do not change between the vicinity of the entrance surface and the exit surface of the light absorption layer 22. This means that the signal light 25 (1) passes through the region where the refractive index changes little as it travels through the light absorption layer 22. On the other hand, when the laser beam is condensed, the intensity distribution regions 29 and 30 of the laser beam are greatly changed near the entrance surface and the exit surface of the light absorption layer 22, and the region is expanded near the exit surface. This means that the refractive index also gradually increases, and the signal light 25 (1) is subjected to a larger deflection as it travels through the light absorption layer 22. Since the refractive index change changes substantially in proportion to the control light power, the refractive index change decreases as the light absorption layer 22 is advanced.

  In FIG. 4b, the signal light 25 (1) is also condensed on the incident surface of the light absorbing layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10), but it may be near the incident surface. In particular, the signal light 25 (1) may be condensed on the light exit surface side of the light absorption layer 22. In addition, the signal light 25 (1) and the control light 26 (3) are incident on the same surface in the light traveling direction. However, the signal light 25 (1) and the control light 26 (3) are not necessarily the same surface, and may be slightly shifted.

The deflection angle changes when the following conditions change.
1. 1. Position of the light absorption layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) with respect to the convergence (condensation) point of the signal light 25 (1) and the control light 26 (3) of the first condenser lens 9. 2. Control light power Control light position (distance perpendicular to the optical axis of the signal light 25 (1) and the control light 26 (3) at the condensing point of the first condenser lens 9)
4). 4. Thickness of the light absorption layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) 5. Control light wavelength and signal light wavelength In addition to this, the dye concentration of the light absorption layer 22 also varies depending on the material of the light absorption layer 22, the converging angle of the control light 26 (3) and the signal light 25 (1) to the light absorption layer 22, and the like.

  In an example of the optical switch SW used in the present embodiment, the signal light 1 with a wavelength of 1550 nm is incident on the input port 2 with a single-mode quartz optical fiber with a core diameter of 9.5 μm, and the control light 3 with a wavelength of 980 nm is input with a core diameter of 9.5 μm. A single mode quartz optical fiber is used to enter the input port 4, and the first collimating lens 5 and the second collimating lens 6 having a focal length of 8 mm make the signal light 1 and the control light 3 substantially parallel, and the light absorption layer has a thickness of 500 μm. The light absorption layer converges (condenses) on the thermal lens forming optical element 10 having a transmittance of 95% at a wavelength of 1550 nm and a transmittance of 0.2% at a wavelength of 980 nm by the first condenser lens 9 having a focal length of 8 mm. Was incident.

  In FIG. 5, a light detector having a slit opening is provided in front of the branching mirror 13 in FIG. 1 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis in the plane of the drawing, and the light of the signal light 1 measured by moving the light detector. The intensity distribution is shown. In FIG. 5, a line 101 (solid line connecting round points) is unpolarized light when the control light is not irradiated, and a line 102 (solid line connecting square points) is the deflection when the control light power is 7.8 mW. The light line 103 (solid line connecting the dots) indicates the light intensity distribution of the deflected light when the control light power of 12.9 mW is applied. In the case of the deflected light 101 when the control light power is 7.8 mW, the light 101 overlaps with the non-deflected light 102 at the bottom of the intensity distribution and is insufficiently separated from each other. The case 103 of the deflected light when 9 mW is irradiated is sufficiently separated from the case 102 of the non-deflected light. Therefore, it can be seen that the non-deflected light and the deflected light when the control light power of 12.9 mW is irradiated by the branch mirror 102 can be separated. In FIG. 5, the control light position (distance perpendicular to the optical axis of the signal light 1 and the control light 3 at the condensing point of the first condenser lens 9) is 35 μm, and the control light 3 and the signal light No. 1 was condensed at a position advanced by about 30 μm from the light incident surface of the light absorption layer, and the thickness of the light absorption layer was 500 μm.

  FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the control light power and the deflection angle. It can be seen that the deflection angle increases as the control light power increases. In FIG. 6, the control light position (distance in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the signal light 1 and the control light 3 at the condensing point of the first condenser lens 9) is 35 μm, and the control light 3 and the signal light 1 are The light was collected at a position advanced about 60 μm from the light incident surface of the light absorption layer.

  In the optical switch SW used in the present embodiment, the third collimating lens 11, the second condenser lens 14, and the third condenser lens 16 shown in FIG. The angle is an angle formed by the optical axis of the deflected light and the optical axis of the non-deflected light when the light is not branched by the branch mirror 13. In the case of this example, when the control light power is 7.8 mW, it is about 6.7 degrees, when the control light power is 12.9 mW, it is about 10.1 degrees, and when the control light power is 18 mW, it is about 13.2 degrees. .

  FIG. 7 shows the incident positions of the condensing points of the signal light 1 and the control light 3 on the light absorption layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) shown in FIG. 3 (denoted as “light absorption layer position”). The relationship with a deflection angle is shown. In FIG. 7, the position of the light absorption layer on the horizontal axis is the position of the light incident surface on the light absorption layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) (position relative to the condensing point of the control light 3 and the signal light 1). is there. Point 0 is the position of the condensing point of the control light 3 and the signal light 1, which is the state shown in FIG. 4b. The minus direction is the light traveling direction, and at the plus position, the signal light 1 and the control light 3 are collected in the light absorption layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10). The vertical axis represents the deflection angle. In FIG. 7, the control light power is about 12.9 mW, and the control light position (with respect to the optical axes of the signal light 1 and the control light 3 at the condensing point of the first condenser lens 9 in FIG. The distance in the perpendicular direction) is 35 μm, and the thickness of the light absorption layer 22 is 500 μm.

  Further, FIG. 8 shows an incident position (that is, a position of the light absorption layer) of the convergence (condensation) point of the signal light 1 and the control light 3 to the light absorption layer 22 of the thermal lens forming optical element 21 (10) shown in FIG. ) And an example of measurement data of the separation distance between the non-polarized light and the deflected light. When the incident position on the light absorption layer 22 is about 60 μm, the separation distance is close to 0, but when the position is shifted from this, the separation distance increases. In FIG. 8, the sign of the separation distance is that the incident point of the signal light 1 is the origin (that is, 0 point), and the deflection direction is positive. In FIG. 8, the control light power is 15.4 mW, the thickness of the light absorption layer 22 is 1000 μm, and the control light position (the optical axes of the signal light 1 and the control light 3 at the condensing point of the first condenser lens 9) The distance in the direction perpendicular to the angle is 25 μm.

  The deflection angle varies depending on the control light wavelength and the signal light wavelength. The shorter the wavelength, the greater the deflection angle.

  The example of the optical switch SW used in the present embodiment has been described above, but the optical switch used in the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications and changes can be made.

For example, according to the present invention, instead of the input ports 2 and 4, the first collimating lens 5, the second collimating lens 6, the mirror 8, and the mixer 7 of FIG. A switch using the two-core optical fiber ferrule 110 may be used. The two-core optical fiber ferrule 110 includes a signal light emitting fiber 111 and a control light emitting fiber 112 arranged in parallel. As these optical fibers 111 and 112, for example, a clad layer of a single-mode quartz optical fiber having a core of 9.5 μm is etched to a desired thickness with hydrofluoric acid. The portion to be etched is only a few mm of the tip of the optical fiber. The thickness “ω” of the optical fiber after etching can be determined by the following relationship with the distance “χ” perpendicular to the optical axis of the converging point of the signal light and control light collected on the light absorption layer.
(Formula 1)
ω = χ / m
Here, m is the imaging magnification of the first condenser lens 9.

  Even with such a configuration, there can be obtained an effect similar to that when the optical switch SW is used, and there is an advantage that the configuration of the light incident portion can be further simplified.

  Next, an optical logic circuit of the present invention using the optical switch SW will be described.

  Here, CIR-960 manufactured by Nippon Carlit Co., Ltd., which is a pigment having the wavelength band shown in FIG. 10, was used for the light absorbing layer of the thermal lens forming optical element of the optical switch SW. This dye has a wavelength band that shows transparency to signal light having a wavelength of 650 nm and absorbs control light having a wavelength of 1550 nm.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an optical AND circuit according to the present invention. The first, second, and third optical switches 31, 32, and 33 include first input ports 31a, 32a, and 33a; second input ports 31b, 32b, and 33b; first output ports 31c, 32c, and 33c; second output ports 31d, 32d and 33d are provided. However, while the first optical switch 31 and the second optical switch 32 use light having a wavelength of 650 nm as signal light, the third optical switch 33 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as signal light. The second optical switch 32 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as control light, while the third optical switch 33 uses light having a wavelength of 650 nm as control light.

  In this optical AND circuit, the second output port 31 d of the first optical switch 31 is connected to the first input port 32 a of the second optical switch 32, and the second output port 32 d of the second optical switch 32. Are connected to the second input port 33 b of the third optical switch 33.

  FIG. 11A shows a case where both the control lights input to the second input ports 31b and 32b of the first and second optical switches 31 and 32 are off.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is not formed in the first optical switch 31, the signal light S is output as it is from the first output port 31c. No signal light is output from the second output port 31d.

  The second optical switch 32 has no signal light input at the first input port 32a and does not input control light at the second input port 32b. Therefore, the second optical switch 32 does not receive the control light from the first and second output ports 32c and 32d. There is no signal output.

  The third optical switch 33 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 33a, but there is no input at the second input port 33b. The output signal from the port 33c and the output signal from the second output port 33d are turned off. The output signal from the second output port 33d becomes the calculation result of the optical AND circuit.

  FIG. 11B shows a case where the control light input to the input port 31b of the first optical switch 31 is off and the control light input to the second input port 32b of the second optical switch 32 is on. .

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is not formed in the first optical switch 31, the signal light S is output as it is from the first output port 31c. No signal is output from the second output port 31d.

  The second optical switch 32 receives control light from the second input port 32b, but has no signal light input from the first input port 32a. Therefore, the second optical switch 32 receives signals from the first and second output ports 32c and 32d. There is no output.

  The third optical switch 33 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 33a, but there is no input at the second input port 33b. The output signal from the port 33c and the output signal from the second output port 33d are turned off. The output signal from the second output port 33d becomes the calculation result of the optical AND circuit.

  In FIG. 11C, the control light input to the first input port 31b of the first optical switch 31 is on, and the control light input to the second input port 32b of the second optical switch 32 is off. Is the case.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed in the first optical switch 31, the signal light S is output from the second output port 31d while changing the optical path. No signal light is output from the first output port 31c.

  Since the second optical switch 32 does not input control light at the second input port 32b, the signal light S ′ from the second output port 31d of the first optical switch 31 is signaled at the first input port 32a. The light S is received and a signal is output from the first output port 32c, but no signal light is output from the second output port 32d.

  The third optical switch 33 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 33a, but there is no input at the second input port 33b. The output signal from the port 33c and the output signal from the second output port 33d are turned off. The output signal from the second output port 33d becomes the calculation result of the optical AND circuit.

  FIG. 11D shows a case where the control light input to the input port 31b of the first optical switch 31 is on and the control light input to the input port 32b of the second optical switch 32 is also on.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed in the first optical switch 31, the signal light S is output from the second output port 31d while changing the optical path. No signal light is output from the second output port 31c.

  The second optical switch 32 receives the control light at the second input port 32b, receives the signal light S from the second output port 31d of the first optical switch 31 at the first input port 32a, and generates heat. Since the lens forming optical element is formed, the signal light is not output from the first output port 32c, but the signal light is output from the second output port 32d.

  The third optical switch 33 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 33a, and inputs the signal S ′ as S at the second input port 33b to form a thermal lens forming optical element. Therefore, the signal light S is not output from the first output port 33c, and the signal light S is output from the second output port 33d. The output signal from the second output port 33d becomes the calculation result of the optical AND circuit.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an optical OR circuit according to the present invention. The first, second and third optical switches 41, 42, 43 are respectively connected to a first input port 41a, 42a, 43a; a second input port 41b, 42b, 43b; a first output port 41c, 42c, 43c; second output ports 41d, 42d, 43d. However, the first optical switch 41 and the second optical switch 42 use light having a wavelength of 650 nm as signal light, while the third optical switch 43 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as signal light, and the first optical switch 41 and The second optical switch 42 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as control light, while the third optical switch 3 uses light having a wavelength of 650 nm as control light.

  FIG. 12A shows a case where both the control lights input to the second input ports 41b and 42b of the first and second optical switches 41 and 42 are off.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is not formed in the first optical switch 41, the signal light S is output as it is from the first output port 41c. No signal light is output from the second output port 41d.

The second optical switch 42 receives the signal light S from the second output port 41c of the first optical switch 41 as it is as the signal light S at the first input port 42a, but is controlled by the second input port 42b. Since no light is input, the signal light S is output as it is from the first output port 42c, and no signal light is output from the second output port 42d.

Since the third optical switch 43 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 43a and the control light is input from the second input port 43b, the signal light S is the first output. The signal light S is output from the second output port 43d without being output from the port 43c. The output signal from the first output port 43c is the calculation result of this optical OR circuit.

FIG. 12 (b) control light control light input to the second input port 41b of the first optical switch 41 is turned off, is input to the second of the second input port 4 1 b of the optical switch 4 1 Is on.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is not formed in the first optical switch 42, the signal light S is output as it is from the first output port 42c. No signal light is output from the second output port 41d.

  The second optical switch 42 receives the signal light S from the first output port 41c of the first optical switch 41 as it is as the signal light S at the first input port 42a, and the control light at the second input port 42b. Therefore, since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed, the signal light is not output from the first output port 42c and the signal light S is output from the second output port 42d.

  Since the third optical switch 43 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 43a and no control light is input from the second input port 43b, the signal light S remains as it is. Output from the output port 43c. No signal light is output from the second output port. The output signal from the first output port 43c is the calculation result of this optical OR circuit.

  In FIG. 12C, the control light input to the first input port 41b of the first optical switch 41 is on, and the control light input to the second input port 42b of the second optical switch 42 is off. Is the case.

In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed in the first optical switch 41, the signal light S is output from the second output port 41d while changing the optical path. No signal light is output from the first output port 41c.

  The second optical switch 42 does not receive a control signal at the second input port 42b, and does not receive signal light from the first output port 41c of the first optical switch 41 at the first input port 42a. No signal light is output from the first and second output ports 42c and 42d.

  The third optical switch 43 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 43a, but there is no input at the second input port 43b. The output signal from the port 43c and the output signal from the second output port 43d are turned off. The output signal from the first output port 43c is the calculation result of this optical OR circuit.

  In FIG. 12D, the control light input to the second input port 41b of the first optical switch 41 is on, and the control light input to the second input port 42b of the second optical switch 42 is also on. Is the case.

  In this case, since a thermal lens forming optical element is formed in the first optical switch 41, the signal light S is output from the second output port 41d while changing the optical path. No signal light is output from the first output port 41c.

  Since the second optical switch 42 receives the control light at the second input port 42b, but does not receive the signal light from the first output port 41c of the first optical switch 41 at the first input port 42a, No signal light is output from the first and second output ports 42c and 42d.

  Since the third optical switch 43 receives the 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 43a and does not receive the control light at the second input port 43b, the signal light S is the first output port. 43c, and no signal light is output from the second output port 43d. The output signal from the first output port 43c is the calculation result of this optical OR circuit.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an optical NAND circuit according to the present invention. The first, second, and third optical switches 51, 52, and 53 include a first input port 51a, 52a, and 53a; a second input port 51b, 52b, and 53b; and a first output port 51c, 52c, and 53c; second output ports 51d, 52d, 53d. However, the first optical switch 51 and the second optical switch 52 use light having a wavelength of 650 nm as signal light, while the third optical switch 53 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as signal light. The second optical switch 52 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as control light, while the third optical switch 53 uses light having a wavelength of 650 nm as control light.

In this optical NAND circuit, the second output port 51 d of the first optical switch 51 is connected to the first input port 52 a of the second optical switch 52, and the second output port 52 d of the second optical switch 52. Are connected to the second input port 53 b of the third optical switch 53.

  FIG. 13A shows a case where both the control lights input to the second input ports 51b and 52b of the first and second optical switches 51 and 52 are off.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is not formed in the first optical switch 51, the signal light S is output as it is from the first output port 51c. No signal light is output from the second output port 51d.

  Since the second optical switch 52 has no signal light input at the first input port 52a and does not input control light at the second input port 52b, the second optical switch 52 receives the light from the first and second output ports 52c and 52d. There is no signal output.

  The third optical switch 53 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 53a and no input at the second input port 53b. Therefore, the signal light S remains as it is at the first output port. 53c, and no signal light is output from the second output port 53d. The output signal from the first output port 53c is the calculation result of this optical NAND circuit.

  FIG. 13B shows a case where the control light input to the first input port 51b of the first optical switch 51 is off and the control light input to the input port 52b of the second optical switch 52 is on. .

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is not formed in the first optical switch 51, the signal light S is output as it is from the first output port 51c. No signal light is output from the second output port 51d.

  The second optical switch 52 receives the control light at the second input port 52b, but does not receive the signal light at the first input port 52a. Therefore, the second optical switch 52 is connected to the first and second output ports 52c and 52d. There is no signal output.

  The third optical switch 53 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 53a and no input at the second input port 53b. Therefore, the signal light S remains as it is at the first output port. 53c, and no signal light is output from the second output port 53d. The output signal from the first output port 53c is the calculation result of this optical NAND circuit.

  In FIG. 13C, the control light input to the second input port 51b of the first optical switch 51 is on, and the control light input to the second input port 52b of the second optical switch 52 is off. Is the case.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed in the first optical switch 51, the signal light S is output from the second output port 51d while changing the optical path. No signal light is output from the second output port 51c.

  Since the second optical switch 52 does not input the control light at the second input port 52b, the second optical switch 52 receives the signal light at the first input port 52a, and the signal light is output from the first output port 52c. No signal light is output from the output port 52d.

  The third optical switch 53 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 53a, but since there is no input at the second input port 53b, the signal light S remains as the first output. The signal light is output from the port 53c, and no signal light is output from the second output port 53d. The output signal from the first output port 53c is the calculation result of this optical NAND circuit.

  FIG. 13D shows a case where the control light input to the input port 51 a of the first optical switch 51 is on and the control light input to the input port 52 a of the second optical switch 52 is also on.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed in the first optical switch 51, the signal light S is output from the second output port 51d while changing the optical path. No signal is output from the second output port 51c.

  The second optical switch 52 receives a control signal from the second input port 52b, receives the signal light from the first input port 52a, forms a thermal lens forming optical element, and receives a signal from the first output port 52c. The light is not output, and the signal light S is output from the second output port 52d.

  Since the third optical switch 53 receives 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 53a and the control light at the second input port 53b, a thermal lens forming optical element is formed. The signal light is not output from the first output port 53c, and the signal light S is output from the second output port 53d. The output signal from the first output port 53c is the calculation result of this optical NAND circuit.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an optical NOR circuit according to the present invention. The first, second, and third optical switches 61, 62, and 63 have first input ports 61a, 62a, and 63a; second input ports 61b, 62b, and 63b; first output ports 61c, 62c, and 63c; second output ports 61d, 62d, 63d. However, while the first optical switch 61 and the second optical switch 62 use light having a wavelength of 650 nm as signal light, the third optical switch 63 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as signal light, and the first optical switch 61 and The second optical switch 62 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as control light, while the third optical switch 63 uses light having a wavelength of 650 nm as control light.

  In this optical NOR circuit, the first output port 61 c of the first optical switch 61 is connected to the first input port 62 a of the second optical switch 62, and the first output port 62 c of the second optical switch 62. Are connected to the second input port 63 b of the third optical switch 63.

  FIG. 14A shows a case where both the control lights input to the second input ports 61b and 62b of the first and second optical switches 61 and 62 are off.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is not formed in the first optical switch 61, the signal light S is output as it is from the first output port 61c. No signal light is output from the second output port 61d.

  The second optical switch 62 receives the signal light from the second output port 61c of the first optical switch 61 at the first input port 62a and does not input the control light at the second input port 62b. The signal S is output as it is from the first output port 62c, and the signal light is not output from the second output port 62d.

  The third optical switch 63 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 63a, and receives the signal light from the first output 62c of the second optical switch 62 from the second input port 63b. Since it is received as control light and a thermal lens forming optical element is formed, the signal light S is output from the second output port 63d, and no signal light is output from the first output port 63c. The output signal from the second output port 63d is the calculation result of the optical NOR circuit.

  In FIG. 14B, the control light input to the second input port 61b of the first optical switch 61 is off, and the control light input to the second input port 62b of the second optical switch 62 is on. Is the case.

In this case, the first optical switch 61 in the thermal lens forming optical element the signal light S because it is not formed is directly outputted from the first output port 6 1 c. No signal light is output from the second output port 61d.

Second optical switch 62, the Ru receive the signal light from the first output port 61c of the first optical switch 61 in the first input port 62a, for inputting the control light at a second input port 62b, Since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed, the signal light S is output from the second output port 62d, and the signal light is not output from the first output port 62c.

  Since the third optical switch 63 receives 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 63a and does not receive control light from the second input port 63b, the signal light S is output as the first output. The signal light is output from the port 63c and no signal light is output from the second output port 63d. The output signal from the second output port 63d is the calculation result of the optical NOR circuit.

In FIG. 14C, the control light input to the second input port 61 b of the first optical switch 61 is on, and the control light input to the second input port 62 b of the second optical switch 62 is off. Is the case.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed in the first optical switch 61, the signal light S is output from the second output port 61d while changing the optical path. No signal light is output from the first output port 61c.

  The second optical switch 62 does not receive a control signal at the second input port 62b, and does not receive signal light from the second output port 61c of the first optical switch 61 at the first input port 62a. No signal light is output from the first and second output ports 62c and 62d.

  The third optical switch 63 inputs 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 63a, but since there is no input at the second input port 63b, the signal light S remains as it is as the first output. The light is output from the port 63c and the output light is not output from the second output port 63d. The output signal from the second output port 43d is the calculation result of the optical NOR circuit.

  In FIG. 14D, the control light input to the second input port 61b of the first optical switch 61 is on, and the control light input to the second input port 62b of the second optical switch 62 is also on. Is the case.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed in the first optical switch 61, the signal light S is output from the second output port 61d while changing the optical path. No signal light is output from the first output port 61c.

  Since the second optical switch 62 receives the control light at the second input port 62b, but does not receive the signal light from the first output port 61c of the first optical switch 61 at the first input port 62a, No signal light is output from the first and second output ports 62c and 62d.

  Since the third optical switch 63 receives 1550 nm continuous light as the signal light S at the first input port 63a and does not receive the control light at the second input port 63b, the signal light S is not output from the first output port 63a. The signal light is output from 63c and the signal light is not output from the second output port 63d. The output signal from the second output port 63d is the calculation result of the optical NOR circuit.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an optical NOT circuit according to the present invention. The first and second optical switches 71 and 72 include a first input port 71a and 72a; a second input port 71b and 72b; a first output port 71c and 72c; and a second output port 71d and 72d, respectively. Have. However, while the first optical switch 71 uses light having a wavelength of 650 nm as signal light, the second optical switch 73 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as signal light, and the first optical switch 71 controls light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as control light. However, the second optical switch 73 uses light having a wavelength of 650 nm as control light.

  In this optical NOT circuit, the second output port 71 d of the first optical switch 71 is connected to the second input port 72 b of the second optical switch 72.

  FIG. 15A shows a case where the control light input to the second input port 71b of the first optical switch 71 is off.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is not formed in the first optical switch 71, the signal light S is output as it is from the first output port 71c. No signal is output from the second output port 71d.

  Since the second optical switch 72 receives the signal light S at the first input port 72a and does not input the control light at the second input port 72b, a thermal lens forming optical element is not formed, and the first optical switch 72 Signal light is output from the output port 72c, and no signal light is output from the second output port 72d.

  The output signal from the first output port 72c becomes the calculation result of the optical NOT circuit.

  FIG. 15B shows a case where the control light input to the second input port 71 b of the first optical switch 71 is on.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed in the first optical switch 71, the signal light S is output from the second output port 71d. No signal light is output from the first output port 71c.

  Since the second optical switch 72 receives the signal light S at the first input port 72a and also receives the control light at the second input port 72b, a thermal lens forming optical element is formed and the first output is formed. No signal light is output from the port 72c, and signal light is output from the second output port 72d.

  The output signal from the first output port 72c becomes the calculation result of the optical NOT circuit.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing another configuration of the optical NOT circuit according to the present invention. The first and second optical switches 81 and 82 have first input ports 81a and 82a; second input ports 81b and 82b; first output ports 81c and 82c; second output ports 81d and 82d, respectively. Have. However, while the first optical switch 81 uses light having a wavelength of 650 nm as signal light, the second optical switch 83 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as signal light, and the first optical switch 81 uses light having a wavelength of 1550 nm as control light. However, the second optical switch 83 uses light having a wavelength of 650 nm as control light.

  In this optical NOT circuit, the first output port 81 c of the first optical switch 81 is connected to the second input port 82 b of the second optical switch 82.

  FIG. 16A shows a case where the control light input to the second input port 81b of the first optical switch 81 is off.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is not formed in the first optical switch 81, the signal light S is output as it is from the first output port 81c. No signal light is output from the second output port 81d.

  Since the second optical switch 82 receives the signal light S through the first input port 82a and the control light through the second input port 82b, a thermal lens forming optical element is formed and the first output is formed. No signal light is output from the port 82c, and signal light is output from the second output port 82d. The output signal from the first output port 82d becomes the calculation result of the optical NOT circuit.

  FIG. 16B shows a case where the control light input to the second input port 81 b of the first optical switch 81 is on.

  In this case, since the thermal lens forming optical element is formed in the first optical switch 81, the signal light S is output from the second output port 81d. No signal light is output from the first output port 81c.

  Since the second optical switch 82 receives the signal light S at the first input port 82a and does not input control light at the second input port 82b, a thermal lens forming optical element is not formed, and the first optical switch 82 Signal light is output from the output port 82c, and no signal light is output from the second output port 82d. The output signal from the first output port 82d becomes the calculation result of the optical NOT circuit.

It is explanatory drawing of a structure of the optical switch used with the optical logic circuit of this invention. It is a figure which shows the emission condition of the signal light when there is no control light and when there is control light when condensing the signal light and the control light on the same place to the light absorption layer of the thermal lens forming optical element . It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of a thermal lens formation optical element. It is explanatory drawing of the condition where the signal light in the case of not condensing deflects. It is explanatory drawing of the condition where the signal light at the time of condensing deflects. It is a figure which shows light intensity distribution when not irradiating control light, and when irradiating by changing the power of control light. It is a graph which shows the relationship between control light power and a deflection angle. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the position of a light absorption layer, and a deflection angle. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the separation distance of non-deflected light and deflected light. It is a conceptual diagram of the 2 core optical fiber ferrule of the optical switch of another example used by this invention. It is a figure which shows the absorption and permeation | transmission characteristic of the pigment | dye used for the light absorption layer of the thermal lens formation optical element of the logic circuit of FIGS. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the optical AND circuit by this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the optical OR circuit by this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the optical NAND circuit by this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the optical NOR circuit by this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the optical NOT circuit by this invention. It is a figure which shows typically another structure of the optical NOT circuit by this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Signal light 2, 4 Input port 3 Control light 5, 6, 11 Collimating lens 7 Separator 8, 15 Mirror 9, 14, 16 Condensing lens 10 Thermal lens formation optical element 12 Wavelength selective transmission filter 13 Branch mirror 17, 18 Output port 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81 First optical switch 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82 Second optical switch 33, 43, 53, 63 Third optical switch

Claims (6)

A first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ1 and a second input port for inputting control light having a wavelength λ2 different from the signal light;
A first thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light condensing points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The first thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the first thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A first optical switch ;
A second input for inputting a control light having different wavelengths λ2 from the first input port and a signal light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the second output port of said first optical switch as a signal light Port,
A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light collecting points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The second thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that reversibly occurs due to a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the second thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A second optical switch ;
A first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ2, and a second input port for inputting output light having a wavelength λ1 from the second output port of the second optical switch as control light;
A third thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light condensing points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the third thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The third thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs signal light output as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the third thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A third optical switch ,
Optical logic circuit characterized in that it constitutes an AND circuit for logical operation result the third of the second output port of the optical output of the on / off of the optical switch. A first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ1 and a second input port for inputting control light having a wavelength λ2 different from the signal light;
A first thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light condensing points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The first thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the first thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A first optical switch ;
A second input for inputting a control light having different wavelengths λ2 from the first input port and a signal light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the first output port of said first optical switch as a signal light Port,
A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light collecting points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The second thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that reversibly occurs due to a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the second thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A second optical switch ;
A first input for inputting a signal light having a different wavelength λ2 from the second input port and the control light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the first output port of said second optical switch as the control light Port ,
A third thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light condensing points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the third thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The third thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs signal light output as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the third thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A third optical switch ,
Optical logic circuit characterized in that it constitutes an OR circuit for the logic operation result the third first output port of the optical output of the on / off of the optical switch. A first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ1 and a second input port for inputting control light having a wavelength λ2 different from the signal light;
A first thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light condensing points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The first thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the first thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A first optical switch ;
A second input for inputting a control light having different wavelengths λ2 from the first input port and a signal light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the second output port of said first optical switch as a signal light Port,
A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light collecting points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The second thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that reversibly occurs due to a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the second thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A second optical switch ;
A first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ2, and a second input port for inputting output light having a wavelength λ1 from the second output port of the second optical switch as control light;
A third thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light condensing points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the third thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The third thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs signal light output as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the third thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A third optical switch ,
Optical logic circuit, characterized in that it constitutes a NAND circuit for the logic operation result the light output of the on / off of the first output port of said third optical switch. A first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ1 and a second input port for inputting control light having a wavelength λ2 different from the signal light;
A first thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light condensing points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The first thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the first thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A first optical switch ;
A second input for inputting a control light having different wavelengths λ2 from the first input port and a signal light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the first output port of said first optical switch as a signal light Port,
A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light collecting points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The second thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that reversibly occurs due to a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the second thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A second optical switch;
A first input for inputting a signal light having a different wavelength λ2 from the second input port and the control light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the first output port of said second optical switch as the control light Port ,
A third thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light condensing points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the third thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The third thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs signal light output as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the third thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A third optical switch ,
Optical logic circuit, characterized in that it constitutes a NOR circuit for a logic operation result the third of the second output port of the optical output of the on / off of the optical switch. A first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ1 and a second input port for inputting control light having a wavelength λ2 different from the signal light;
A first thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light condensing points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The first thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the first thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. a first optical switch,
A first input for inputting a signal light having a different wavelength λ2 from the second input port and the control light input the output light having a wavelength λ1 from the second output port of said first optical switch as the control light Port ,
A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light collecting points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The second thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that reversibly occurs due to a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the second thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A second optical switch ;
Optical logic circuit, characterized in that it constitutes a NOT circuit for the logic operation result of said second first output port of the optical output of the on / off of the optical switch. A first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ1 and a second input port for inputting control light having a wavelength λ2 different from the signal light;
A first thermal lens forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light condensing points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the first thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The first thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the first thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. A first optical switch ;
A first input port for inputting signal light having a wavelength λ2, and a second input port for inputting output light having a wavelength λ1 from the first output port of the first optical switch as control light;
A second thermal lens-forming optical element having a light absorption layer having a wavelength band that absorbs control light and transmits signal light;
Signal light and control light are incident on the light-absorbing layer, and the light collecting points are perpendicular to the optical axis when the signal light and control light are incident on the incident surface of the second thermal lens forming optical element as parallel light. A condensing part that condenses light so as to be in different positions in different directions,
The second thermal lens forming optical element uses a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that reversibly occurs due to a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the light absorption layer absorbs control light and a peripheral region thereof, When the control light is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light is emitted as unpolarized light that does not change the traveling direction, and when the control lens is irradiated and the thermal lens is formed, the signal light is changed in the traveling direction. The state of emitting the changed deflected light is realized according to the presence or absence of the control light irradiation,
A first output port that outputs the signal light emitted as non-deflected light, and a second output port that outputs the signal light emitted as deflected light;
Of the signal light emitted from the second thermal lens forming optical element, there is provided a signal light path switching unit for outputting unpolarized light from the first output port and outputting deflected light from the second output port. a second optical switch,
Optical logic circuit, characterized in that it constitutes a NOT circuit for the logic operation result of said second second output port of the optical output of the on / off of the optical switch.

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