JP7027877B2 - Optical switch device, wavelength selection switch and lighting device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an optical switch device, and further relates to a wavelength selection switch and a lighting device using the optical switch device.

Information communication technology using an optical fiber network is currently widely used. By using an optical fiber for propagating an optical signal, it is possible to send light generated from a single light source to an arbitrary position with almost no attenuation. In addition, compared to the case where metal wiring is used for propagating optical signals, a huge amount of information can be transmitted and received at one time, and energy saving, light weight, and less susceptible to noise are also advantages.

In the field of optical communication, in order to obtain network redundancy and expandability, an optical switch device that switches the destination of a signal as light without converting it into an electric signal is used. However, since expensive electronic parts and optical parts are used in the optical switch device, it is difficult to reduce the cost. The appearance of inexpensive, highly reliable, and compact optical switch devices is long-awaited.

Japanese Patent No. 6027628

The present invention provides an optical switch device, a wavelength selection switch and a lighting device capable of improving reliability.

The optical switch device according to one aspect of the present invention has a liquid crystal layer, and is a first light deflecting element that receives a first laser beam from an input port, deflects the first laser beam, and emits a second laser beam. The second light deflection, which has a liquid crystal layer and is arranged in parallel with the first light deflection element, deflects the second laser light so as to be parallel to the first laser light, and emits the third laser light. It includes an element, a plurality of optical fibers that receive the third laser beam from the second light deflection element, a deflection angle of the first light deflection element, and a control circuit that controls the deflection angle of the second light deflection element. do. The first light deflection element deflects the first laser beam at one of the plurality of first deflection angles by selecting one of the plurality of optical fibers. The second light deflection element has a plurality of regions arranged so as to correspond to the plurality of optical fibers. Each of the plurality of regions deflects the second laser beam.

The optical switch device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an input region and an output region, each of which has a liquid crystal layer, receives first laser light from an input port in the input region, and deflects the first laser light. An optical deflection element that emits two laser beams, a reflecting member that reflects the second laser beam toward the output region, a plurality of optical fibers that receive the third laser beam emitted from the output region, and the input region. A control circuit for controlling the deflection angle of the output region and the deflection angle of the output region is provided. The input region deflects the first laser beam at one of the plurality of first deflection angles by selecting one of the plurality of optical fibers. The output region has a plurality of region portions arranged so as to correspond to the plurality of optical fibers. Each of the plurality of region portions deflects the second laser beam so as to be parallel to the first laser beam and emits the third laser beam.

The wavelength selection switch according to one aspect of the present invention receives an input signal and demultiplexes the input signal into first and second optical signals having different wavelengths, and receives the first optical signal and the first optical signal. It includes a first optical switch device that switches a plurality of output ports that output one optical signal, and a second optical switch device that switches a plurality of output ports that receive the second optical signal and output the second optical signal. .. Each of the first and second optical switch devices is composed of the optical switch device according to the one aspect.

The lighting device according to one aspect of the present invention is connected to a laser light source that emits laser light, an optical switch device that switches between a plurality of output ports that output laser light from the laser light source, and the plurality of output ports, respectively. A plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of lamps connected to the plurality of optical fibers are provided. The optical switch device is composed of the optical switch device according to the above aspect.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical switch device, a wavelength selection switch and a lighting device capable of improving reliability.

Sectional drawing of the optical switch apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The block diagram of the optical switch device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the 1st light deflection element. The plan view of one liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel along the AA'line of FIG. Sectional drawing of the 2nd light deflection element. The cross-sectional view explaining the specific example of the 1st and 2nd light deflection elements. Sectional drawing of the optical deflection element which concerns on other configuration examples. The plan view of one liquid crystal panel shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel along the AA'line of FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the wiring structure of the 1st and 2nd optical deflection elements. Sectional drawing of the optical switch apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the optical switch apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The block diagram of the optical switch device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the wiring structure of an optical deflection element. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical switch device according to the fourth embodiment. The block diagram of the optical switch device which concerns on 4th Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the optical switch device according to the fifth embodiment. The block diagram of the optical switch device which concerns on 5th Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical switch device according to the sixth embodiment. The block diagram of the optical switch device which concerns on 6th Embodiment. The cross-sectional view of the optical switch device which concerns on 7th Embodiment. The block diagram of the wavelength selection switch which concerns on 8th Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the lighting apparatus which concerns on 9th Embodiment. The block diagram of the lighting apparatus which concerns on 9th Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp shown in FIG. 24. Schematic diagram of a car equipped with a lighting device.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the dimensions and ratios of each drawing are not always the same as the actual ones. Further, even when the same part is represented between the drawings, the relationship and ratio of the dimensions of each other may be represented differently. In particular, some embodiments shown below exemplify devices and methods for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and depending on the shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components, the technical idea of the present invention. Is not specified. In the following description, elements having the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be given only when necessary.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment is a configuration example of an optical switch device. The optical switch device can branch an optical signal or switch a destination without converting it into an electric signal. In the case of an optical switch device (N × M switch) in which the number of input ports is N and the number of output ports is M, it is possible to switch the optical path between the N input ports and the M output ports.

[1] Configuration of Optical Switch Device 10 [1-1] Sectional Configuration of Optical Switch Device 10 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the optical switch device 10 according to the first embodiment. The optical switch device 10 includes a plurality of input side optical fibers (input side optical fiber array) 11, input side lens array 12, first optical deflection element (input side optical deflection element) 15, and second optical deflection element (output side optical deflection element). ) 17, an output-side lens array 19, and a plurality of output-side optical fibers (output-side optical fiber arrays) 22.

Each of the plurality of input-side optical fibers 11 receives a laser beam from the outside and propagates the laser beam. The optical fiber 11 functions as an input port for laser light. In FIG. 1, five optical fibers 11-1 to 11-5 are shown as an example. The input side optical fiber 11, that is, the input port may be one.

The input-side lens array 12 includes a base material 13 and a plurality of lenses (microlenses) 14. The base material 13 is made of a transparent material that transmits laser light. The plurality of lenses 14 are arranged on the base material 13. Each of the plurality of lenses 14 is provided corresponding to the plurality of optical fibers 11, and receives the laser light emitted from the plurality of optical fibers 11. FIG. 1 shows five lenses 14-1 to 14-5 corresponding to the five optical fibers 11-1 to 11-5, respectively. Each lens 14 shapes the laser light emitted from the corresponding optical fiber 11 into parallel light. The lens 14 is made of, for example, a plano-convex lens. The optical axis of the optical fiber 11 is set parallel to the perpendicular line of the base material 13.

The first light deflection element 15 is composed of a liquid crystal element including a liquid crystal layer. The first light deflection element 15 transmits the laser light transmitted through the lens array 12 and deflects the laser light. The first light deflection element 15 is configured by stacking a plurality of liquid crystal panels 16. The specific configuration of the first light deflection element 15 will be described later. The optical axis of the optical fiber 11 is set parallel to the perpendicular line of the first optical deflection element 15.

The second light deflection element 17 is composed of a liquid crystal element including a liquid crystal layer. The second light deflection element 17 transmits the laser light transmitted through the first light deflection element 15 and deflects the laser light. At this time, the second light deflection element 17 deflects the laser beam in the horizontal direction of FIG. 1, that is, in the direction parallel to the laser beam emitted from the input side optical fiber 11. The second light deflection element 17 is configured by stacking a plurality of liquid crystal panels 18. The specific configuration of the second light deflection element 17 will be described later. The first light deflection element 15 and the second light deflection element 17 are arranged in parallel with each other.

The output-side lens array 19 includes a base material 20 and a plurality of lenses (microlenses) 21. The base material 20 is made of a transparent material that transmits laser light. Each lens 21 receives the laser light transmitted through the second light deflection element 17, and collects the laser light. The lens 21 is made of, for example, a plano-convex lens. Each of the plurality of lenses 21 (21-1 to 21-5) is provided corresponding to the plurality of optical fibers 22, and emits laser light toward the plurality of optical fibers 22. The base material 20 and the second light deflection element 17 are arranged in parallel.

Each of the plurality of output-side optical fibers 22 receives a laser beam from the lens array 19 and propagates the laser beam. The optical fiber 22 functions as an output port for laser light. In FIG. 1, five optical fibers 22-1 to 22-5 are shown as an example. The optical axis of the optical fiber 22 is set parallel to the perpendicular line of the second optical deflection element 17.

The wavelength of light used for the optical fiber is, for example, 1.55 μm. The diameter of the parallel light shaped by the lens array 12 is, for example, 400 μm. The wavelength of light and the diameter of parallel light can be adjusted according to the required specifications such as the required equipment cost and size.

The laser light propagating in the optical fiber 11 is linearly polarized. The polarization direction (polarization axis) of the first light deflection element 15 and the second light deflection element 17 is set to be parallel to the polarization direction of the laser beam. The polarization axes of the first light deflection element 15 and the second light deflection element 17 are in a direction parallel to the plane on which the long axis (director) of the liquid crystal molecule moves in response to the electric field.

[1-2] Block Diagram of Optical Switch Device 10 FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the optical switch device 10 according to the first embodiment. The optical switch device 10 includes a first optical deflection element 15, a second optical deflection element 17, a drive circuit 30, a voltage generation circuit 31, a control circuit 32, and an operation unit 33.

As will be described later, each of the first light deflection element 15 and the second light deflection element 17 includes a plurality of electrodes for controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal layer. The drive circuit 30 is electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes included in the first light deflection element 15. The drive circuit 30 drives the first light deflection element 15 by applying a plurality of voltages to the first light deflection element 15. Similarly, the drive circuit 30 is electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes included in the second light deflection element 17. The drive circuit 30 drives the second light deflection element 17 by applying a plurality of voltages to the second light deflection element 17.

The voltage generation circuit 31 uses an external power source to generate a plurality of voltages required for the operation of the optical switch device 10. The voltage generated by the voltage generation circuit 31 is supplied to each module in the optical switch device 10, particularly the drive circuit 30.

The operation unit 33 accepts a user's input operation. The user can switch the optical path of the laser beam via the operation unit 33.

The control circuit 32 comprehensively controls the operation of the optical switch device 10. The control circuit 32 receives the information input to the operation unit 33, and can control the drive circuit 30 and the voltage generation circuit 31 by using this information.

[1-3] Configuration of Optical Deflection Elements 15 and 17 Next, the configuration of the optical deflection elements 15 and 17 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light deflection element 15.

The light deflection element 15 is configured by stacking a plurality of liquid crystal panels 16. FIG. 3 shows 10 liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10 as an example. The liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10 are laminated using, for example, a transparent adhesive.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of one liquid crystal panel 16 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel 16 along the AA'line of FIG.

The liquid crystal panel 16 is a transmissive liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal panel 16 includes substrates 40 and 41 arranged to face each other and a liquid crystal layer 42 sandwiched between the substrates 40 and 41. Each of the substrates 40 and 41 is composed of a transparent substrate (for example, a glass substrate or a plastic substrate). For example, the substrate 40 is arranged on the optical fiber 11 side, and the laser light from the optical fiber 11 is incident on the liquid crystal layer 42 from the substrate 40 side.

The liquid crystal layer 42 is filled between the substrates 40 and 41. Specifically, the liquid crystal layer 42 is enclosed in a region surrounded by the substrates 40 and 41 and the sealing material 43. The sealing material 43 is made of, for example, an ultraviolet curable resin, a thermosetting resin, an ultraviolet / heat combined type curable resin, etc., is applied to the substrate 40 or the substrate 41 in the manufacturing process, and then is cured by ultraviolet irradiation, heating, or the like. Be done.

The liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer 42 changes its optical characteristics by manipulating the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules according to the voltage (electric field) applied between the substrates 40 and 41. The liquid crystal panel 16 of the present embodiment is, for example, a homogeneous mode. That is, a positive (P-type) nematic liquid crystal having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used as the liquid crystal layer 42, and the liquid crystal molecules are oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the substrate surface when no voltage (electric field) is applied. do. In the homogenous mode, the long axis (director) of the liquid crystal molecule is substantially oriented in the horizontal direction when no voltage is applied, and the long axis of the liquid crystal molecule is tilted in the vertical direction when the voltage is applied. The tilt angle of the liquid crystal molecule changes depending on the effective voltage applied. The initial orientation of the liquid crystal layer 42 is controlled by two alignment films provided on the substrates 40 and 41 so as to sandwich the liquid crystal layer 42.

As the liquid crystal mode, a vertical alignment (VA: Vertical Alignment) mode using a negative type (N type) nematic liquid crystal may be used. In the VA mode, the major axis of the liquid crystal molecule is oriented substantially vertically when no electric field is applied, and the major axis of the liquid crystal molecule is tilted in the horizontal direction when a voltage is applied.

On the liquid crystal layer 42 side of the substrate 40, a plurality of electrodes 44, each of which extends in the Y direction, and a plurality of electrodes 45 are provided. The plurality of electrodes 44 and the plurality of electrodes 45 are alternately arranged along the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction. The plurality of electrodes 44 have the same width. The plurality of electrodes 45 have the same width. In FIGS. 4 and 5, four electrodes 44 and four electrodes 45 are shown as an example. The distance between the plurality of electrodes 44 and the plurality of electrodes 45 is the same, and for example, this distance is the minimum processing dimension due to the manufacturing process when processing the electrodes.

A pair of one electrode 44 and one electrode 45 constitutes the repeating unit 46. The width of the repeating unit 46 is the periodic width W of the change in the refractive index. The liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10 have the same period width W.

An alignment film 47 that controls the initial orientation of the liquid crystal layer 42 is provided on the substrate 40 and the electrodes 44 and 45.

A common electrode 48 is provided on the liquid crystal layer 42 side of the substrate 41. The common electrode 48 is provided on the entire surface of the substrate 41 in a planar shape. An alignment film 49 for controlling the initial orientation of the liquid crystal layer 42 is provided on the substrate 41 and the common electrode 48. The common electrode 48 may be arranged on the substrate 40, and the electrodes 44 and 45 may be arranged on the substrate 41.

The electrodes 44 and 45 and the common electrode 48 are each composed of a transparent electrode, and for example, ITO (indium tin oxide) is used.

FIG. 2 shows six repeating units 46 as an example. In FIG. 2, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, the region occupied by the electrode 44 and the region occupied by the electrode 45 are represented by squares, but the actual cross-sectional structure is as shown in FIG. As described above, the liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10 have the same width (period width W) of the repeating unit 46.

In the liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10, the 10 electrodes 44 included in the 10 repeating units 46 in the same row become longer in the order of the liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10. In the liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10, the 10 electrodes 45 included in the 10 repeating units 46 in the same row are shortened in the order of the liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10.

In other words, the 10 electrodes 44 in the same row are formed in an inverted staircase pattern. The increase in the 10 electrodes 44 is constant. For example, the width of the minimum electrode 44 (electrode 44 of the liquid crystal panel 16-1) is a minimum value of 10 μm, and the width of the maximum electrode 44 (electrode 44 of the liquid crystal panel 16-10) is a maximum value of 100 μm. It increases by 10 μm.

The 10 electrodes 45 in the same row are formed in a staircase pattern. The amount of decrease in the 10 electrodes 45 is constant. For example, the width of the maximum electrode 45 (electrode 45 of the liquid crystal panel 16-1) has a maximum value of 100 μm, and the width of the minimum electrode 45 (electrode 45 of the liquid crystal panel 16-10) has a minimum value of 10 μm. It becomes smaller by 10 μm.

The stacking order of the liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10 does not have to be as shown in FIG. 3, and can be arbitrarily replaced. That is, it suffices that the optical deflection element 15 is provided with liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10 having 10 electrodes 44 having a gradually widening width and 10 electrodes 45 having a narrowing width in order. It is not necessary to arrange them on the electrodes in a shape.

As the liquid crystal panel 16, a transmissive liquid crystal element (transmissive LCOS) using an LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) method may be used. By using the transmissive LCOS, the electrodes can be finely processed, and a smaller liquid crystal panel 16 can be realized. In the transmissive LCOS, a silicon substrate (or a silicon layer formed on the transparent substrate) is used. Since the silicon substrate transmits light (including infrared rays) having a wavelength equal to or higher than a specific wavelength in relation to the band gap, LCOS can be used as a transmissive liquid crystal element. By using LCOS, it is possible to realize a liquid crystal element having a smaller cell electrode, so that the liquid crystal element can be miniaturized.

(Structure of light deflection element 17)
The light deflection element 17 has the same configuration as the light deflection element 15. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the light deflection element 17.

The light deflection element 17 is configured by stacking a plurality of liquid crystal panels 18. FIG. 6 shows 10 liquid crystal panels 18-1 to 18-10 as an example. The liquid crystal panels 18-1 to 18-10 are laminated using, for example, a transparent adhesive.

The configurations of the liquid crystal panels 18-1 to 18-10 are the same as the configurations of the liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10 in FIG. The plan view and the cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel 18 are the same as those of the liquid crystal panel 16 of FIGS. 4 and 5.

[1-4] Specific Examples of Optical Deflection Elements 15 and 17 Next, specific examples of the optical deflection elements 15 and 17 will be described. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a specific example of the optical deflection elements 15 and 17.

It is assumed that the number of input ports (that is, the number of optical fibers 11) is six and the number of output ports (that is, the number of optical fibers 22) is six. The optical deflection element 15 includes six deflection regions a to f corresponding to the six input ports. Each of the deflection regions a to f is composed of five repeating units 46 in the example of FIG. 7. The same voltage control is performed on the five repeating units 46 included in one deflection region.

The optical deflection element 17 includes six deflection regions A to F corresponding to the six output ports. Each of the deflection regions A to F is composed of five repeating units 46 in the example of FIG. 7. The same voltage control is performed on the five repeating units 46 included in one deflection region.

[1-5] Other Configuration Examples of Optical Deflection Elements 15 and 17 Next, other configuration examples of the optical deflection elements 15 and 17 will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the light deflection element 15 according to another configuration example. Since the configuration of the optical deflection element 17 is the same as the configuration of the optical deflection element 15, the description thereof will be omitted.

The light deflection element 15 is configured by stacking a plurality of liquid crystal panels 16. In FIG. 8, seven liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-7 are shown as an example. The liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-7 are laminated using, for example, a transparent adhesive.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of one liquid crystal panel 16 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal panel 16 along the AA'line of FIG.

On the liquid crystal layer 42 side of the substrate 40, a plurality of electrodes 44, each of which extends in the Y direction, and a plurality of electrodes 45 are provided. The plurality of electrodes 44 and the plurality of electrodes 45 are alternately arranged along the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction. The plurality of electrodes 44 and the plurality of electrodes 45 each have the same width. In FIGS. 9 and 10, four electrodes 44 and four electrodes 45 are shown as an example. The distance between the plurality of electrodes 44 and the plurality of electrodes 45 is the same.

In FIG. 8, the plurality of electrodes 44 and the plurality of electrodes 45 included in the liquid crystal panel 16-1 have an electrode pitch P1. The electrode pattern of the liquid crystal panel 16-1 is called a pattern "a". In FIG. 8, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, the region occupied by the electrode 44 and the region occupied by the electrode 45 are represented by squares, but the actual cross-sectional structure is as shown in FIG.

The two liquid crystal panels 16-2 and 16-3 have the same structure. The plurality of electrodes 44 and the plurality of electrodes 45 included in the liquid crystal panel 16-2 have an electrode pitch P2. The liquid crystal panel 16-3 also has an electrode pitch P2. The electrode patterns of the liquid crystal panels 16-2 and 16-3 are referred to as a pattern "b". The electrode pitch P2 of the pattern “b” is twice the electrode pitch P1 of the pattern “a”.

The four liquid crystal panels 16-4 to 16-7 have the same structure. The plurality of electrodes 44 and the plurality of electrodes 45 included in the liquid crystal panel 16-4 have an electrode pitch P3. The liquid crystal panels 16-5 to 16-7 also have an electrode pitch P3. The electrode pattern of the liquid crystal panels 16-4 to 16-7 is called a pattern "c". The electrode pitch P3 of the pattern “c” is twice the electrode pitch P2 of the pattern “b”.

In the liquid crystal panel 16-7 having the maximum electrode width, the pair of one electrode 44 and one electrode 45 is the repeating unit 46, and the width of the repeating unit is the periodic width W of the refractive index change. The gradient of the refractive index is repeated for each period width W.

When the optical deflection element 15 is a configuration example including seven liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-7, the optical deflection element is used by using three types of liquid crystal panels of patterns "a", "b", and "c". 15 can be configured.

Even when the number of the liquid crystal panels 16 to be stacked is further increased, the same relationship between the electrode pitch and the electrode pattern as described above is applied. For example, when the light deflection element 15 is a configuration example including 15 liquid crystal panels 16, the light deflection element 15 can be configured by using four types of liquid crystal panels having four types of electrode patterns, respectively.

Generally speaking, the number of liquid crystal panels having an electrode pitch of 2 ^(n-1) times the electrode pitch P1 of the pattern "a", which is the minimum pattern, is 2 ^(n-1) . "N" is a natural number continuous from 1. Further, "n" is incremented to a minimum of 2. By stacking the liquid crystal panels so as to satisfy the above relationship, a gradient of the refractive index can be formed in the light deflection element 15.

Specifically, since the electrode pitch P2 of the pattern "b" is twice the electrode pitch P1 of the pattern "a", the number of liquid crystal panels of the pattern "b" is two. Since the electrode pitch P3 of the pattern “c” is four times the electrode pitch P1 of the pattern “a”, the number of liquid crystal panels of the pattern “c” is four. The above relationship holds when the number of laminated liquid crystal panels 16 is 3 or more.

The number of liquid crystal panels for each of the patterns "a", "b", and "c" may be as specified, and the stacking order may not be the same as in FIG. That is, it is not necessary to continuously stack liquid crystal panels having the same pattern.

[1-6] Wiring Structure of Optical Deflection Elements 15 and 17 Next, the wiring structure of the optical deflection elements 15 and 17 will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the wiring structure of the optical deflection elements 15 and 17.

As described above, the light deflection element 15 is configured by laminating a plurality of liquid crystal panels 16 (for example, 10 liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10). Further, the optical deflection element 15 includes a plurality of repeating units 46 arranged in the X direction. FIG. 11 shows, as an example, a case where the optical deflection element 15 includes six repeating units 46-1 to 46-6. Each repeating unit 46 includes a plurality of electrodes 44 corresponding to the number of the plurality of liquid crystal panels 16 and a plurality of electrodes 45 corresponding to the number of the plurality of liquid crystal panels 16.

The 10 electrodes 44 included in the repeating unit 46-1 are commonly connected to the wiring 50-1. The 10 electrodes 45 included in the repeating unit 46-1 are commonly connected to the wiring 51-1. Wiring 50-1 and 51-1 are also connected to the drive circuit 30. That is, the same voltage is applied to the 10 electrodes 44 included in the repeating unit 46-1, and the same voltage is applied to the 10 electrodes 45 included in the repeating unit 46-1.

Wiring 50-2 to 50-6 and wirings 51-2 to 51-6 are connected to the repeating units 46-2 to 46-6, respectively.

Similarly, the light deflection element 17 includes a plurality of repeating units 46 arranged in the X direction. FIG. 11 shows, as an example, a case where the optical deflection element 17 includes six repeating units 46-1 to 46-6. Wiring 52-1 to 52-6 for the electrode 44 and wiring 53-1 to 53-6 for the electrode 45 are connected to the optical deflection element 17.

[2] Operation Next, the operation of the optical switch device 10 configured as described above will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11-4 is shaped into parallel light by the lens 14-4. The laser light transmitted through the lens 14-4 is vertically incident on the light deflection element 15 (at an incident angle = 0). The light deflection element 15 deflects the laser beam at the deflection angle θ. The deflection angle θ of the optical deflection element 15 is controlled by the control circuit 32.

The laser light transmitted through the light deflection element 15 is incident on the light deflection element 17 at an incident angle θ. The light deflection element 17 deflects the laser beam at the deflection angle θ. As a result, the laser light emitted from the light deflection element 17 becomes parallel to the perpendicular line of the light deflection element 17. That is, the laser light emitted from the light deflection element 17 is parallel to the laser light incident on the light deflection element 15. The laser light transmitted through the light deflection element 17 is focused by the lens 21-2 and then incident on the optical fiber 22-2. After that, the laser beam is propagated by the optical fiber 22-2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the drive circuit 30 applies a voltage V1 to a plurality of electrodes 44 included in a predetermined deflection region of the optical deflection element 15, and a voltage V2 (<V1, For example, V2 = 0V) is applied. The voltage V1 and the voltage V2 are polar-reversed at predetermined time intervals, that is, they are driven by alternating current.

As a result, an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer in the region occupied by the electrode 44, and the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer becomes low. On the other hand, in the region occupied by the electrode 45, no electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer, and the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer remains high. In each liquid crystal panel 16 of FIG. 3, the region without hatching represents a region where the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer is relatively high, and the region of dot hatching represents a region where the refractive index of the liquid crystal layer is relatively low. ing.

The deflection region has a gradient of index of refraction that increases in order to the right. In the deflection region, the leftmost region has the lowest refractive index, and the rightmost region has the highest refractive index. The region with the lowest refractive index has the fastest speed of light travel, and the region with the highest refractive index has the slowest speed of light travel. That is, the laser light transmitted through the region having the lowest refractive index and the laser light transmitted through the region having the highest refractive index have a predetermined phase difference. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3, the light deflection element 15 can deflect the laser beam to the right side. When the laser beam is deflected to the left side, the voltage relationship between the electrode 44 and the electrode 45 may be reversed from that in FIG.

Further, the refractive index gradient can be formed in the light deflection element 15 by using only one kind of voltage other than 0V. That is, the voltage control of the control circuit 32 can be facilitated. Further, by changing the level of the voltage V1 applied to the electrode 44, the magnitude of the gradient of the refractive index can be changed. Thereby, the deflection angle θ of the optical deflection element 15 can be controlled.

As shown in FIG. 6, the drive circuit 30 applies a voltage V1 to a plurality of electrodes 45 included in a predetermined deflection region of the optical deflection element 17, and applies a voltage V2 (0V) to the plurality of electrodes 44 and the common electrode 48. Apply. As a result, a gradient of the refractive index is formed in the deflection region. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6, the light deflection element 17 can deflect the laser beam to the left side.

A more specific operation of the optical deflection elements 15 and 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the laser beam is incident on the deflection region c of the light deflection element 15 and the laser light is emitted from the deflection region D of the light deflection element 17.

The drive circuit 30 applies a voltage V1 to a plurality of electrodes 44 included in the deflection region c, and applies a voltage V2 (0V) to the plurality of electrodes 45 and the common electrode 48. The drive circuit 30 applies 0V to the plurality of electrodes 44, 45 and the common electrode 48 included in the deflection region other than the deflection region c.

The drive circuit 30 applies a voltage V1 to a plurality of electrodes 45 included in the deflection region D, and applies a voltage V2 (0V) to the plurality of electrodes 44 and the common electrode 48. The drive circuit 30 applies 0V to the plurality of electrodes 44, 45 and the common electrode 48 included in the deflection region other than the deflection region D.

By the voltage control as described above, as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to form a refractive index distribution such as a blazed diffraction grating having a serrated refractive index distribution in each of the optical deflection elements 15 and 17, respectively. This makes it possible to switch the optical path of the laser beam.

The deflection angle θ, the periodic width (phase change pitch) of the refractive index change is W, the phase difference ( _retaration ) within the periodic width W is Re, the refractive index anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer is Δn, and the liquid crystal gap of all liquid crystal panels. Let d be the total of. The liquid crystal gap means the distance between two substrates of the liquid crystal panel or the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. In the present embodiment, the total of the liquid crystal gaps of the 10 liquid crystal panels 16-1 to 16-10 is "d". The deflection angle θ is expressed by the following equation (1), and the retardation _Re is expressed by the following equation (2).
θ = _asin (Re / W) ・ ・ ・ (1)
Re = Δn · _d・ ・ ・ (2)
asin means an arcsine.

For example, the refractive index anisotropy Δn = 0.2, the gap of each liquid crystal panel 16 is 7 μm, the retardation of each liquid crystal panel 16 is 1,400 nm, and the Re obtained by 10 liquid crystal panels 16 is _14,000 nm, 10 Assuming that the period width W = 100 μm composed of the liquid crystal panels 16, the maximum deflection angle on one side is calculated to be 8 degrees from the equations (1) and (2).

It is desirable that the width of each of the deflection regions a to f included in the light deflection element 15 is the same as or larger than the diameter of the laser beam used, and in this embodiment, it is 1,000 μm. The conditions of the deflection regions A to F included in the optical deflection element 17 are the same as those of the optical deflection element 15.

Since the deflection angle by the optical deflection elements 15 and 17 is ± 8 degrees, when the distance between the optical deflection element 15 and the optical deflection element 17 is 10 cm, the range is about ± 1.4 cm (2.8 cm in total). The deflection region of the optical deflection element 17 can be selected. Since the width of the deflection region of the optical deflection element 17 is 1,000 μm, the output destination of the laser beam input to one input port can be selected from a maximum of 27 output ports. ..

As another example, the refractive index anisotropy Δn = 0.25, the gap of each liquid crystal panel 16 is 7 μm, the retardation of each liquid crystal panel 16 is _1,750 nm, and the Re obtained by 10 liquid crystal panels 16 is 17, Assuming that the periodic width W = 100 μm composed of 500 nm and 10 liquid crystal panels 16, the maximum deflection angle on one side is calculated to be 10 degrees from the equations (1) and (2).

Since the deflection angle due to the optical deflection elements 15 and 17 is ± 10 degrees, when the distance between the optical deflection element 15 and the optical deflection element 17 is 10 cm, the range is about ± 1.76 cm (3.52 cm in total). The deflection region of the optical deflection element 17 can be selected. Since the width of the deflection region of the optical deflection element 17 is 1,000 μm, the output destination of the laser beam input to one input port can be selected from a maximum of 35 output ports. ..

By adjusting the liquid crystal gap, the liquid crystal material, the electrode pitch, and the like in the optical deflection element, the maximum deflection angle and the response speed can be adjusted to the required specifications.

[3] Effect of First Embodiment As described in detail above, in the first embodiment, the optical switch device 10 receives the first laser beam from the optical fiber (input port) 11 and deflects the first laser beam to obtain the first laser beam. 2 The first light deflection element 15 that emits laser light and the first light deflection element 15 are arranged in parallel, and the second laser light is deflected so as to be parallel to the first laser light, and the third laser light is emitted. The second light deflection element 17, the plurality of optical fibers (output ports) 22 that receive the third laser beam from the second light deflection element 17, the deflection angles of the first light deflection element 15, and the second light deflection element 17. A control circuit 32 for controlling the deflection angle is provided. The first light deflection element 15 selects one of the plurality of optical fibers 22 and deflects the first laser beam at one of the plurality of first deflection angles. The second light deflection element 17 has a plurality of deflection regions A to F arranged so as to correspond to the plurality of optical fibers 22, and each of the plurality of deflection regions A to F deflects the second laser beam.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, by controlling the deflection angle of the first optical deflection element 15 and the deflection angle of the second optical deflection element 17, a plurality of optical fibers 11 on the input side and a plurality of optical fibers on the output side are used. It is possible to switch the optical path to and from 22.

Further, the optical switch device 10 can be configured by using a liquid crystal element without using expensive electronic parts and optical parts. Thereby, the cost of the optical switch device 10 can be reduced. Further, the power consumption of the optical switch device 10 can be reduced.

Further, since the parts that operate the machine are not used, the reliability of the optical switch device 10 can be improved. Further, the optical switch device 10 can be miniaturized.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the optical switch device 10 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the laser light propagating in the optical fiber 11 does not have to be linearly polarized.

A polarizing plate (linear splitter) 23 is provided between the lens array 12 and the first light deflection element 15. The polarizing plate 23 has a transmission axis and an absorption axis that are orthogonal to each other in the plane. The polarizing plate 23 transmits light having a vibration surface in one direction parallel to the transmission axis from light having a vibration surface in a random direction, that is, transmits linearly polarized light (a linearly polarized light component). The transmission axis of the polarizing plate 23 is set parallel to the polarization axes of the first light deflection element 15 and the second light deflection element 17. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, the same operation as that of the first embodiment can be realized without limitation of the polarization condition of the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment is a configuration example of a reflection type optical switch device. In the third embodiment, a reflection member that reflects laser light and one light deflection element constitute an optical switch device.

[1] Configuration of Optical Switch Device 10 [1-1] Sectional Configuration of Optical Switch Device 10 FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the optical switch device 10 according to the third embodiment. The optical switch device 10 includes a plurality of input-side optical fibers (input-side optical fiber arrays) 11, a plurality of output-side optical fibers (output-side optical fiber arrays) 22, a lens array 12, a polarizing plate 23, an optical deflection element 15, and a reflecting member 24. Be prepared.

The plurality of input-side optical fibers 11 and the plurality of output-side optical fibers 22 are arranged on the same side with respect to the optical deflection element 15. In FIG. 13, as an example, three input-side optical fibers 11-1 to 11-3 and three output-side optical fibers 22-1 to 22-3 are shown. The input side optical fiber 11, that is, the input port may be one.

The lens array 12 includes a base material 13, a plurality of input-side lenses 14, and a plurality of output-side lenses 21. The plurality of lenses 14 are provided corresponding to the plurality of optical fibers 11, respectively, and in FIG. 13, the three lenses 14-1 to 14-3 correspond to the three optical fibers 11-1 to 11-3, respectively. Is shown. The plurality of lenses 21 are provided corresponding to the plurality of optical fibers 22, respectively, and in FIG. 13, the three lenses 21-1 to 21-3 correspond to the three optical fibers 22-1 to 22-3, respectively. Is shown.

The polarizing plate 23 transmits linearly polarized light parallel to the transmission axis. The transmission axis of the polarizing plate 23 is set parallel to the polarization axis of the light deflection element 15. When the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11 is linearly polarized, the polarizing plate 23 can be omitted.

The light deflection element 15 is composed of a liquid crystal element including a liquid crystal layer. The light deflection element 15 transmits the laser light transmitted through the lens array 12 and deflects the laser light. Further, the light deflection element 15 transmits the laser light reflected by the reflection member 24 and deflects the laser light. The light deflection element 15 includes an input region 15-1 that deflects incident light and an output region 15-2 that deflects emitted light.

The light deflection element 15 is configured by stacking a plurality of liquid crystal panels 16. The configuration of the input region 15-1 of the optical deflection element 15 is the same as that of the optical deflection element 15 of FIG. Further, the input region 15-1 includes a plurality of deflection regions a to f, similarly to the optical deflection element 15 of FIG. 7. The configuration of the output region 15-2 of the optical deflection element 15 is the same as that of the optical deflection element 17 of FIG. Further, the output region 15-2 includes a plurality of deflection regions A to F, similarly to the optical deflection element 17 of FIG. 7.

The reflective member 24 is composed of, for example, a prism composed of a triangular prism, and the planar shape of the prism is, for example, a right-angled isosceles triangle. In other words, the reflective member 24 may be composed of a right-angle prism mirror. The reflecting member 24 has a first reflecting surface 24A having an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the in-plane direction of the light deflection element 15, and a second reflecting surface 24B orthogonal to the first reflecting surface 24A. By forming a reflective film on the reflective surface of the prism, the reflectance of the reflective surface may be improved. As the reflective film, a metal such as aluminum (Al) can be used. By reflecting the incident light twice, the reflecting member 24 can emit the laser light from a position different from the incident position of the incident light. The laser light incident on the reflecting member 24 and the laser light emitted from the reflecting member 24 are parallel to each other.

[1-2] Block Diagram of Optical Switch Device 10 FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the optical switch device 10 according to the third embodiment. The optical switch device 10 includes an optical deflection element 15, a drive circuit 30, a voltage generation circuit 31, a control circuit 32, and an operation unit 33. The light deflection element 15 includes an input region 15-1 that deflects incident light and an output region 15-2 that deflects emitted light.

The drive circuit 30 drives the input region 15-1 by applying a plurality of voltages to the input region 15-1 of the optical deflection element 15. Further, the drive circuit 30 drives the output region 15-2 by applying a plurality of voltages to the output region 15-2 of the optical deflection element 15. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[1-3] Wiring Structure of Optical Deflection Element 15 FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a wiring structure of the optical deflection element 15. In FIG. 15, as an example, a case where the input area 15-1 has 6 repeating units 46-1 to 46-6 and the output area 15-2 has 6 repeating units 46-1 to 46-6 is provided. Shows. Each repeating unit 46 includes a plurality of electrodes 44 corresponding to the number of the plurality of liquid crystal panels 16 and a plurality of electrodes 45 corresponding to the number of the plurality of liquid crystal panels 16.

Wiring 50-1 to 50-6 and wirings 51-1 to 51-6 are connected to the input area 15-1. The wirings 50-1 to 50-6 are connected to a plurality of electrodes 44 included in the repeating units 46-1 to 46-6, respectively. The wirings 51-1 to 51-6 are connected to a plurality of electrodes 45 included in the repeating units 46-1 to 46-6, respectively.

Wiring 52-1 to 52-6 and wiring 53-1 to 53-6 are connected to the output area 15-2. The wirings 52-1 to 52-6 are connected to a plurality of electrodes 44 included in the repeating units 46-1 to 46-6, respectively. The wirings 53-1 to 53-6 are connected to a plurality of electrodes 45 included in the repeating units 46-1 to 46-6, respectively.

[2] Operation Next, the operation of the optical switch device 10 configured as described above will be described.

As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11-2 is shaped into parallel light by the lens 14-2. The laser light transmitted through the lens 14-2 is vertically incident on the input region 15-1 of the light deflection element 15 (at an incident angle = 0). The light deflection element 15 deflects the laser beam at the deflection angle θ. The deflection angle θ of the optical deflection element 15 is controlled by the control circuit 32.

The laser light transmitted through the input region 15-1 of the light deflection element 15 is reflected by the reflecting member 24. Specifically, the laser beam is reflected twice by the two reflecting surfaces 24A and 24B included in the reflecting member 24. The laser light incident on the reflecting surface 24A and the laser light reflected by the reflecting surface 24B are parallel to each other.

The laser light reflected by the reflecting member 24 is incident on the output region 15-2 of the light deflection element 15 at an incident angle θ. The light deflection element 15 deflects the laser beam at the deflection angle θ. As a result, the laser light emitted from the output region 15-2 of the light deflection element 15 becomes parallel to the perpendicular line of the light deflection element 15. That is, the laser light emitted from the output region 15-2 is parallel to the laser light incident on the input region 15-1. The laser light transmitted through the output region 15-2 of the light deflection element 15 is focused by the lens 21-3 and then incident on the optical fiber 22-3. After that, the laser beam is propagated by the optical fiber 22-3.

[3] Effect of Third Embodiment As described in detail above, in the third embodiment, the optical switch device 10 includes an input region 15-1 and an output region 15-2, and an optical fiber (input) in the input region 15-1. A light deflection element 15 that receives the first laser light from the port) 11 and deflects the first laser light to emit the second laser light, and a reflecting member 24 that reflects the second laser light toward the output region 15-2. A control circuit that controls a plurality of optical fibers (output ports) 22 that receive the third laser light emitted from the output region 15-2, a deflection angle of the input region 15-1, and a deflection angle of the output region 15-2. 32 and. The input region 15-1 deflects the first laser beam at one of the plurality of first deflection angles by selecting one of the plurality of optical fibers 22. The output region 15-2 has a plurality of deflection regions A to F arranged so as to correspond to the plurality of optical fibers 22, and each of the plurality of deflection regions A to F emits a second laser beam and a first laser beam. The third laser beam is emitted by deflecting it so as to be parallel to.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment, by controlling the deflection angle of the input region 15-1 and the deflection angle of the output region 15-2, the plurality of optical fibers 11 on the input side and the plurality of optical fibers 22 on the output side can be used. It is possible to switch the optical path between.

Further, the optical switch device 10 can be realized by using one optical deflection element 15. Other effects are the same as in the first embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, a laser diode is used as a laser light source on the input side.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the optical switch device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the optical switch device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The optical switch device 10 includes a laser diode array (LD array) 25.

The laser diode array 25 includes a substrate 26 and a plurality of laser diodes 27. In FIG. 16, five laser diodes 27-1 to 27-5 are shown as an example. A laser array other than the structure in which a plurality of laser diodes are arranged may be used. For example, a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) that can emit a multi-channel laser with a single element may be used.

The control circuit 32 controls the operation of the laser diode array (LD array) 25. Specifically, the control circuit 32 selects at least one of the plurality of laser diodes 27 and emits laser light from the selected laser diode 27.

(motion)
Next, the operation of the optical switch device 10 configured as described above will be described.

As shown in FIG. 16, the control circuit 32 emits laser light from, for example, a laser diode 27-3. The laser light emitted from the laser diode 27-3 is shaped into parallel light by the lens 14-3. The laser light transmitted through the lens 14-3 is vertically incident on the light deflection element 15 (at an incident angle = 0). The light deflection element 15 deflects the laser beam at the deflection angle θ. The deflection angle θ of the optical deflection element 15 is controlled by the control circuit 32.

The laser light transmitted through the light deflection element 15 is incident on the light deflection element 17 at an incident angle θ. The light deflection element 17 deflects the laser beam at the deflection angle θ. As a result, the laser light emitted from the light deflection element 17 becomes parallel to the perpendicular line of the light deflection element 17. That is, the laser light emitted from the light deflection element 17 is parallel to the laser light incident on the light deflection element 15. The laser light transmitted through the light deflection element 17 is focused by the lens 21-1 and then incident on the optical fiber 22-1. After that, the laser beam is propagated by the optical fiber 22-1.

According to the fourth embodiment, the optical path of the laser light generated by the plurality of laser diodes 27 can be switched and emitted from the optical fiber 22.

[Fifth Embodiment]
A fifth embodiment is a configuration example of an optical switch device capable of handling laser light including a plurality of lights having different vibration surfaces (vibration directions).

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the optical switch device 10 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the optical switch device 10 according to the fifth embodiment.

The optical switch device 10 includes a plurality of input side optical fibers (input side optical fiber array) 11, input side lens array 12, first optical deflection element (input side optical deflection element) 15-p, and second optical deflection element (input side light). Deflection element) 15-s, third light deflection element (output side light deflection element) 17-p, fourth light deflection element (output side light deflection element) 17-s, output side lens array 19, and a plurality of output sides. The optical fiber (output side optical fiber array) 22 is provided.

The laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11 includes p-polarization and s-polarization whose vibration planes are orthogonal to each other. The first light deflection element 15-p and the third light deflection element 17-p are light deflection elements for p-polarization. The second light deflection element 15-s and the fourth light deflection element 17-s are light deflection elements for s polarization.

The first light deflection element 15-p deflects the p-polarization contained in the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11. The second light deflection element 15-s deflects the s polarization contained in the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11. The polarization axis of the first light deflection element 15-p and the polarization axis of the second light deflection element 15-s are approximately orthogonal to each other.

The third light deflection element 17-p deflects the p-polarization transmitted through the first light deflection element 15-p. The fourth light deflection element 17-s deflects the s polarization transmitted through the second light deflection element 15-s. The polarization axis of the third light deflection element 17-p is parallel to the polarization axis of the first light deflection element 15-p. The polarization axis of the fourth light deflection element 17-s is parallel to the polarization axis of the second light deflection element 15-s.

The first light deflection element 15-p and the second light deflection element 15-s have the same configuration as the light deflection element 15 of the first embodiment except for the deflection axis. The third light deflection element 17-p and the fourth light deflection element 17-s have the same configuration as the light deflection element 17 of the first embodiment except for the deflection axis. The distance D1 between the first light deflection element 15-p and the third light deflection element 17-p is set to be the same as the distance D2 between the second light deflection element 15-s and the fourth light deflection element 17-s. ..

The same voltage control of the first light deflection element 15-p and the second light deflection element 15-s is performed by the control circuit 32. That is, in the first light deflection element 15-p and the second light deflection element 15-s, the same voltage is applied to the two deflection regions arranged in the same row.

Similarly, the third light deflection element 17-p and the fourth light deflection element 17-s are subjected to the same voltage control by the control circuit 32. That is, in the third light deflection element 17-p and the fourth light deflection element 17-s, the same voltage is applied to the two deflection regions arranged in the same row.

(motion)
Next, the operation of the optical switch device 10 configured as described above will be described.

As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11-4 is shaped into parallel light by the lens 14-4. The laser light transmitted through the lens 14-4 is incident on the light deflection elements 15-p and 15-s. The light deflection element 15-p deflects the p-polarization contained in the laser beam by the deflection angle θ. The light deflection element 15-s deflects the s polarization contained in the laser beam by the deflection angle θ. The deflection angles θ of the optical deflection elements 15-p and 15-s are controlled by the control circuit 32.

The p-polarized light transmitted through the light deflection element 15-p is incident on the light deflection element 17-p at an incident angle θ. The optical deflection element 17-p deflects the p-polarization at the deflection angle θ. As a result, the p-polarization emitted from the light deflection element 17-p becomes parallel to the perpendicular line of the light deflection element 17-p.

The s-polarized light transmitted through the light deflection element 15-s is incident on the light deflection element 17-s at an incident angle θ. The optical deflection element 17-s deflects the s polarization at the deflection angle θ. As a result, the s-polarized light emitted from the light deflection element 17-s becomes parallel to the perpendicular line of the light deflection element 17-s.

The laser light transmitted through the light deflection elements 17-p and 17-s is focused by the lens 21-2 and then incident on the optical fiber 22-2. After that, the laser beam is propagated by the optical fiber 22-2.

According to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to switch the optical path of the laser light including p-polarization and s-polarization, in other words, the laser light including a plurality of lights having a plurality of vibration planes. Further, in the fifth embodiment, a polarizing plate for generating linear polarization is not required.

[Sixth Embodiment]
The sixth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment, and is a configuration example of a reflection type optical switch device. Further, the sixth embodiment is a configuration example of an optical switch device capable of handling laser light including a plurality of lights having different vibration surfaces (vibration directions).

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the optical switch device 10 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the optical switch device 10 according to the sixth embodiment.

The optical switch device 10 includes a plurality of input-side optical fibers (input-side optical fiber arrays) 11, a plurality of output-side optical fibers (output-side optical fiber arrays) 22, a lens array 12, a polarizing plate 23, a first optical deflection element 15-p, and a first. The two optical fiber deflection elements 15-s, the retardation plate 28, and the reflection member 24 are provided.

The plurality of input-side optical fibers 11 and the plurality of output-side optical fibers 22 are arranged on the same side with respect to the optical deflection elements 15-p and 15-s. In FIG. 20, as an example, four input-side optical fibers 11-1 to 11-4 and three output-side optical fibers 22-1 to 22-3 are shown.

The lens array 12 includes four lenses 14-1 to 14-4 corresponding to the four optical fibers 11-1 to 11-4, respectively, and the three optical fibers 22-1 to 22-3, respectively. Correspondingly, it is provided with three lenses 21-1 to 21-3.

The laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11 includes p-polarization and s-polarization whose vibration planes are orthogonal to each other. The first light deflection element 15-p is a light deflection element for p-polarization. The second light deflection element 15-s is a light deflection element for s polarization. The polarization axis of the first light deflection element 15-p and the polarization axis of the second light deflection element 15-s are approximately orthogonal to each other. The first light deflection element 15-p and the second light deflection element 15-s have the same configuration as the light deflection element 15 of the third embodiment except for the deflection axis.

The first light deflection element 15-p deflects the p-polarization contained in the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11. Further, the first light deflection element 15-p deflects the p-polarization contained in the laser beam reflected by the reflection member 24.

The second light deflection element 15-s deflects the s polarization contained in the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11. Further, the second light deflection element 15-s deflects the s polarization contained in the laser beam reflected by the reflection member 24.

The retardation plate 28 has refractive index anisotropy, and has a slow axis and a phase advance axis orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to the traveling direction of light. The phase difference plate 28 has a function of providing a predetermined retardation (a phase difference of λ / 2 when the wavelength of light transmitted through λ is used) between light having a predetermined wavelength transmitted through the slow axis and the phase advance axis. Has. That is, the retardation plate 28 is composed of a 1/2 wavelength plate (λ / 2 plate). The slow axis of the retardation plate 28 is set so as to form an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the polarization axis of the first optical deflection element 15-p.

The configuration of the reflective member 24 is the same as that of FIG. 3 of the third embodiment.

The same voltage control is performed by the control circuit 32 in the input region 15-1 of the first optical deflection element 15-p and the input region 15-1 of the second optical deflection element 15-s. That is, in the input region 15-1 of the first optical deflection element 15-p and the input region 15-1 of the second optical deflection element 15-s, the same voltage is applied to the two deflection regions arranged in the same row. To.

Similarly, the output region 15-2 of the first optical deflection element 15-p and the output region 15-2 of the second optical deflection element 15-s are subjected to the same voltage control by the control circuit 32. That is, in the output region 15-2 of the first optical deflection element 15-p and the output region 15-2 of the second optical deflection element 15-s, the same voltage is applied to the two deflection regions arranged in the same row. To.

(motion)
Next, the operation of the optical switch device 10 configured as described above will be described.

As shown in FIG. 20, for example, the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 11-3 is shaped into parallel light by the lens 14-3. The laser light transmitted through the lens 14-3 is incident on the input region 15-1 of the light deflection element 15-p and the input region 15-1 of the light deflection element 15-s. The light deflection element 15-p deflects the p-polarization contained in the laser beam by the deflection angle θ. The light deflection element 15-s deflects the s polarization contained in the laser beam by the deflection angle θ. The deflection angles θ of the optical deflection elements 15-p and 15-s are controlled by the control circuit 32.

The p-polarization deflected by the optical deflection element 15-p is converted into s-polarization by the 1/2 wave plate 28. Subsequently, the s-polarized light reflected by the reflecting member 24 is incident on the output region 15-2 of the light deflecting element 15-s, and the light deflecting element 15-s deflects the s-polarized light by the deflection angle θ. As a result, the s-polarized light emitted from the light deflection element 15-s becomes parallel to the perpendicular line of the light deflection element 15-s.

The s-polarization deflected by the optical deflection element 15-s is converted into p-polarization by the 1/2 wave plate 28. Subsequently, the p-polarized light reflected by the reflecting member 24 is incident on the output region 15-2 of the light deflecting element 15-p, and the light deflecting element 15-p deflects the p-polarized light by the deflection angle θ. As a result, the p-polarization emitted from the light deflection element 15-p becomes parallel to the perpendicular line of the light deflection element 15-p.

The laser light transmitted through the light deflection elements 15-p and 15-s is focused by the lens 21-3 and then incident on the optical fiber 22-3. After that, the laser beam is propagated by the optical fiber 22-3.

According to the sixth embodiment, the optical path of the laser beam including p-polarization and s-polarization can be switched. Further, in the sixth embodiment, a polarizing plate for generating linear polarization is not required. Further, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to switch the optical path of the laser beam by using the two optical deflection elements 15-p and 15-s.

[7th Embodiment]
The seventh embodiment is a modification of the sixth embodiment, and is a configuration example of a reflection type optical switch device. Further, the seventh embodiment is a configuration example of an optical switch device capable of handling laser light including a plurality of lights having different vibration surfaces (vibration directions).

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the optical switch device 10 according to the seventh embodiment. The block diagram of the optical switch device 10 is the same as that in FIG.

The phase difference plate 29 has a function of giving a phase difference of λ / 4 between light having a predetermined wavelength transmitted through the slow phase axis and the phase advance axis, respectively. That is, the retardation plate 29 is composed of a 1/4 wave plate (λ / 4 plate). The slow axis of the retardation plate 29 is set so as to form an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the polarization axis of the first optical deflection element 15-p.

In the optical switch device 10 configured in this way, the p-polarization deflected by the first optical deflection element 15-p is converted into circular polarization by the 1/4 wave plate 29. Subsequently, the circularly polarized light reflected by the reflecting member 24 is converted into s-polarized light by the 1/4 wave plate 29. The s-polarized light transmitted through the 1/4 wave plate 29 is deflected by the second light deflection element 15-s.

The s polarization deflected by the second light deflection element 15-s is converted into circular polarization by the 1/4 wave plate 29. Subsequently, the circularly polarized light reflected by the reflecting member 24 is converted into p-polarized light by the 1/4 wave plate 29. The p-polarized light transmitted through the 1/4 wave plate 29 is deflected by the first light deflection element 15-p.

According to the seventh embodiment, the optical path of the laser beam including p-polarization and s-polarization can be switched.

[Eighth Embodiment]
The eighth embodiment is an application example of the optical switch device shown in the first to seventh embodiments. Eighth embodiment is a configuration example of a wavelength selective switch (WSS) used for constructing an optical communication network. Specifically, the wavelength selection switch can be used for wavelength division multiplexing optical communication for communicating a wavelength division multiplexing optical signal in which a plurality of optical signals having different wavelengths are multiplexed.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram of the wavelength selection switch (WSS) 60 according to the eighth embodiment. The WSS 60 includes a duplexer 61, a switch module 62, a plurality of duplexers 63, and a control module 64. The switch module 62 includes a plurality of optical switch devices 10. Each of the plurality of optical switch devices 10 corresponds to any of the optical switch devices 10 shown in the first to seventh embodiments. In FIG. 23, as an example, the switch module 62 includes four optical switch devices 10-1 to 10-4. The combiners 63-1 to 63-4 are provided corresponding to the optical switch devices 10-1 to 10-4, respectively.

The demultiplexer 61 receives an input signal from the outside via the input port 65. The input signal input to the input port 65 is a wavelength division multiplexing optical signal in which a plurality of optical signals having different wavelengths are multiplexed. The demultiplexer 61 demultiplexes the input signal into a plurality of optical signals (laser light) having different wavelengths. In the example of FIG. 23, the demultiplexer 61 outputs four optical signals having different wavelengths from the output port.

Each of the optical switch devices 10-1 to 10-4 receives four optical signals having different wavelengths from the demultiplexer 61. Each optical switch device 10 includes, for example, one input port (input side optical fiber) 11 and four output ports (output side optical fiber) 22. The optical switch device 10 switches the optical path between the input port 11 and the output port 22.

Each of the combiners 63-1 to 63-4 receives an optical signal from the optical switch devices 10-1 to 10-4. Each combiner 63 combines a plurality of input optical signals. The combiners 63-1 to 63-4 output output signals via the output ports 66-1 to 66-4, respectively.

The propagation of the optical signal between the duplexer 61 and the optical switch device 10 and the propagation of the optical signal between the optical switch device 10 and the combiner 63 are performed using, for example, an optical fiber.

The control module 64 controls the operation of the switch module 62. Specifically, the control module 64 includes the drive circuit 30, the voltage generation circuit 31, the control circuit 32, the operation unit 33, and the like described above. The optical switch devices 10-1 to 10-4 switch the optical path of the optical signal based on the control of the control module 64.

In the operation example shown in FIG. 23, the optical switch device 10-1 outputs an optical signal (solid line in FIG. 23) of the first wavelength (first wavelength region) to the combiner 63-1 via an optical fiber. .. The optical switch device 10-2 outputs an optical signal (broken line in FIG. 23) of the second wavelength (second wavelength region) to the combiner 63-4 via an optical fiber. The optical switch device 10-3 outputs an optical signal (one-dot chain line in FIG. 23) of the third wavelength (third wavelength region) to the combiner 63-1 via an optical fiber. The optical switch device 10-4 outputs an optical signal (two-point chain line) of the fourth wavelength (third wavelength region) to the combiner 63-3 via an optical fiber.

As a result, an output signal obtained by combining the optical signal of the first wavelength and the optical signal of the third wavelength is output from the output port 66-1. Further, the output signal of the fourth wavelength is output from the output port 66-3. Further, the output signal of the second wavelength is output from the output port 66-4.

According to the eighth embodiment, the wavelength selection switch (WSS) can be configured by using the optical switch device 10 shown in the first to seventh embodiments.

[9th Embodiment]
The ninth embodiment is an application example of the optical switch device shown in the first to seventh embodiments. The ninth embodiment is a configuration example of a lighting device using a laser beam.

[1] Configuration of Illumination Device The plurality of laser light sources 71 emit laser light of different colors from each other. FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the lighting device 70 according to the ninth embodiment. The lighting device 70 includes a plurality of laser light sources 71, a plurality of optical switch devices 10, and a plurality of lamps 75. The plurality of optical switch devices 10 correspond to any of the optical switch devices 10 shown in the first to seventh embodiments.
In No. 24, three laser light sources 71-1 to 71-3 are shown as an example. Optical fibers 72-1 to 72-3 are connected to the outputs of the laser light sources 71-1 to 71-3. The number of laser light sources 71 may be one.

Each of the plurality of optical switch devices 10 corresponds to any of the optical switch devices 10 shown in the first to seventh embodiments. In FIG. 24, five optical switch devices 10-1 to 10-5 are shown as an example.

The optical switch device 10-1 includes three input ports and four output ports. Optical fibers 72-1 to 72-3 are connected to the three input ports of the optical switch device 10-1, respectively. Optical fibers 73-1 to 73-4 are connected to the four output ports of the optical switch device 10-1, respectively. The optical switch device 10-1 can output the laser light received from the laser light sources 71-1 to 71-3 from the optical fibers 73-1 to 73-4.

The optical switch device 10-2 includes one input port and a plurality of output ports. One input port of the optical switch device 10-2 is connected to the optical fiber 73-1. The plurality of output ports of the optical switch device 10-2 are connected to the plurality of lamps 75 via the plurality of optical fibers 74.

The optical switch device 10-3 includes one input port and a plurality of output ports. One input port of the optical switch device 10-3 is connected to the optical fiber 73-2. The plurality of output ports of the optical switch device 10-3 are connected to the plurality of lamps 75 via the plurality of optical fibers 74.

The optical switch device 10-4 includes one input port and a plurality of output ports. One input port of the optical switch device 10-4 is connected to the optical fiber 73-3. The plurality of output ports of the optical switch device 10-4 are connected to the plurality of lamps 75 via the plurality of optical fibers 74.

The optical switch device 10-5 includes one input port and a plurality of output ports. One input port of the optical switch device 10-5 is connected to the optical fiber 73-4. The plurality of output ports of the optical switch device 10-5 are connected to the plurality of lamps 75 via the plurality of optical fibers 74.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the lighting device 70 according to the ninth embodiment. The lighting device 70 includes a plurality of laser light sources 71-1 to 71-m, a plurality of optical switch devices 10-1 to 10-n, a drive circuit 30, a voltage generation circuit 31, and a control circuit 32. “M” and “n” are integers of 1 or more, respectively. In the example of FIG. 24, m = 3 and n = 5.

The drive circuit 30 drives a plurality of optical switch devices 10-1 to 10-n.

The voltage generation circuit 31 uses an external power source to generate a plurality of voltages required for the operation of the lighting device 70.

The control circuit 32 comprehensively controls the operation of the lighting device 70. The control circuit 32 receives an input signal from the outside, and can control the laser light source 71, the drive circuit 30, and the voltage generation circuit 31 by using the input signal.

(Structure of lamp 75)
Next, an example of the configuration of the lamp 75 will be described. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the lamp 75 shown in FIG. 24. The lamp 75 includes a light emitting unit (fluorescent material) 80, a reflecting member 81, and a transmission filter 82.

The light emitting unit 80 is connected to the above-mentioned optical fiber 74. The light emitting unit 80 receives the laser light emitted from the optical fiber 74. The light emitting unit 80 converts the wavelength of this laser light and emits illumination light of a desired color.

The reflective member 81 has a function of reflecting the illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit 80 and absorbing or reflecting the laser beam. Further, the reflective member 81 has a function of suppressing leakage of laser light and projecting illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit 80 in a fixed direction. The reflective member 81 is composed of, for example, a base material having a desired shape and a reflective film provided on the inner surface of the base material. In the example of FIG. 26, the reflective member 81 has a bowl-shaped shape. The reflective member 81 has an opening through which the optical fiber 74 passes.

The transmission filter 82 has a property of transmitting light wavelength-converted by the light emitting unit 80 and not transmitting laser light (ultraviolet light or the like) that is not wavelength-converted. The transmission filter 82 plays a role of preventing ultraviolet light and high-energy purple light, which cause adverse effects on the human body and deterioration of members, from leaking to the outside of the lamp.

The operation of the lamp 75 configured in this way will be described. It is assumed that the optical fiber 74 emits purple visible light (for example, wavelength λ = 405 nm) as excitation light. The purple light emitted from the optical fiber 74 is incident on the light emitting unit 80. The light emitting unit 80 converts the wavelength of purple light by the phosphor contained therein and emits incoherent illumination light.

The illumination light emitted from the light emitting unit 80 passes through the transmission filter 82 and is projected in a certain direction by the reflection member 81. The transmission filter 82 absorbs excess excitation light.

When the laser light generated by the laser light source is used as it is for the illumination light, the phosphor and the transmission filter are unnecessary.

[2] Example of Lighting Device 70 Next, an embodiment of the lighting device 70 will be described. An example of applying the lighting device 70 to a turn signal of an automobile (vehicle) will be described.

In recent years, sequential turn lamps (direction indicators capable of sequential lighting), which have improved design by lighting a plurality of lamps in order, have begun to be adopted in the direction indicators of automobiles. When a light source such as an LED or a light bulb is used, a light emitting element is required for each light emitting unit. On the other hand, by using the optical switch device, sequential lighting is possible with a single light source or a small number of light sources, which can contribute to improvement of reliability, cost reduction, low power consumption, suppression of heat generation, and space saving.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of an automobile 90 equipped with a lighting device 70. The lighting device 70 constitutes the headlight of the automobile 90.

The lighting device 70 includes direction indicators 75_A to 75_G in addition to the general lamps 81-1 to 81-3. Each of the turn signals 75_A to 75_G is composed of the lamp of FIG. 26.

The control circuit 32 controls the operation of the direction indicators 75_A to 75_G. For example, the control circuit 32 sequentially lights the turn signals 75_A to 75_G.

Although one output can be selected from one laser light source at the same time, it is possible to make it appear that a plurality of lamps are lit at the same time by switching the optical switch device at high speed. It is also possible to provide a plurality of laser light sources in the optical network. In this embodiment, the use for a turn signal is shown, but it may be used for a main lamp, a brake lamp, a fog lamp, a hazard lamp, a tail lamp, an interior lamp, and the like.

Since the liquid crystal has a characteristic that the refractive index changes depending on the wavelength of light, it is desirable that the laser light used as a light source has a single wavelength. Laser light is emitted from any output port after passing through an optical fiber and an optical switch device. By incident the emitted laser light on a phosphor provided in the lamp, it can be made to emit light in any color. The wavelength of the laser light used as the light source is preferably ultraviolet light or blue light when a plurality of colors of illumination light are used for wavelength conversion by fluorescence. When the illumination light is determined to be monochromatic, a laser beam having a monochromatic wavelength may be used as a light source, and this laser beam may be used as it is for the illumination light of the lamp.

[3] Effect of Ninth Embodiment In recent years, automobile lamps are shifting from the former filament spheres to light sources using LEDs having high brightness, long life, and low power consumption. In particular, in electric vehicles that use electric power for power consumption, the power consumption of various lamps directly affects the cruising range, so the replacement of filament spheres with LEDs having high light conversion efficiency and low power consumption is progressing. Since an LED is a point light source, it is necessary to prepare a large number of elements in order to design the light emitting region as a line or a surface. Further, it is known that the LED has a droop phenomenon in which the luminous efficiency decreases as the current density increases. Therefore, it is necessary to use a plurality of LEDs in order to secure the amount of light. This increases the number of parts and the cost.

On the other hand, according to the ninth embodiment, it is possible to realize a lighting device using laser light. Further, the lighting device can be configured by using the optical switch device 10 shown in the first to seventh embodiments.

Further, the lighting device can be configured by using the liquid crystal element without using expensive electronic parts and optical parts. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the lighting device.

Further, when using a mechanical operation or a MEMS mirror type switch, it is difficult to secure reliability in an environment where vibration is a concern such as an automobile. However, in the present embodiment, since the parts that operate the machine are not used, the reliability of the lighting device can be improved. In addition, the lighting device can be miniaturized.

In addition, the laser diode does not cause a droop phenomenon and can maintain high efficiency even at high output. In addition, laser light can be sent to any point with almost no loss by using an optical fiber. By utilizing this characteristic, it is possible to light a large number of light emitting points by using a small number of laser diodes. In addition, the transmission of light by optical fiber has the advantages of being lighter, more resistant to noise, and less likely to cause ignition than electric wires.

Such a lighting device using an optical switch can be applied to a wide range of applications such as indoor lighting, signboards, illumination of buildings, aircraft, ships, and pachinko machines, in addition to automobiles. According to this embodiment, since it is not necessary to provide a light source for each light emitting portion, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and costs, save space for the lamp, reduce the weight, and suppress heat generation. Further, by having a plurality of light sources on the optical network, it is possible to secure redundancy when some of the light sources fail.

[Modification example]
Each of the above embodiments shows a configuration in which the optical path of the laser beam is switched in one dimension. For example, by arranging a plurality of sets of one-dimensional configurations in the depth direction of the drawing, it is possible to switch the optical path of the laser beam incident in two dimensions.

The angles defining the above-mentioned polarizing plate and the retardation plate include an error that can realize a desired operation and an error caused by a manufacturing process. For example, the above-mentioned approximately 45 degrees shall include a range of 45 ° ± 5 °. For example, the above-mentioned orthogonality shall include a range of 90 ° ± 5 °.

In the present specification, "parallel" is preferably completely parallel, but does not necessarily have to be exactly parallel, and includes those that can be regarded as substantially parallel in view of the effect of the present invention. , May include errors that may occur in the manufacturing process. Further, "vertical" does not necessarily have to be strictly vertical, and includes those that can be regarded as substantially vertical in view of the effect of the present invention, and even if it includes an error that may occur in the manufacturing process. good.

In the present specification, the plate and the film are expressions exemplifying the members thereof, and are not limited to the configuration thereof. For example, the polarizing plate and the retardation plate are not limited to the plate-shaped member, but may be a film or other member having the functions described in the specification.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the constituent elements can be modified and embodied within a range that does not deviate from the gist thereof. Further, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and by an appropriate combination of a plurality of components disclosed in one embodiment or by an appropriate combination of components disclosed in different embodiments. Various inventions can be constructed. For example, even if some components are deleted from all the components disclosed in the embodiment, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effect of the invention is obtained, these components are deleted. The embodiment described above can be extracted as an invention.

10 ... Optical switch device, 11 ... Optical fiber, 12 ... Lens array, 13 ... Base material, 14 ... Lens, 15 ... Optical deflection element, 16 ... Liquid crystal panel, 17 ... Optical deflection element, 18 ... Liquid crystal panel, 19 ... Lens array , 20 ... base material, 21 ... lens, 22 ... optical fiber, 23 ... polarizing plate, 24 ... reflective member, 25 ... laser diode array, 26 ... substrate, 27 ... laser diode, 28, 29 ... retardation plate, 30 ... drive Circuit, 31 ... Voltage generation circuit, 32 ... Control circuit, 33 ... Operation unit, 40, 41 ... Substrate, 42 ... Liquid crystal layer, 43 ... Sealing material, 44, 45 ... Electrode, 45 ... Electrode, 47, 49 ... Alignment film , 48 ... common electrode, 50-53 ... wiring, 60 ... wavelength selection switch, 61 ... demultiplexer, 62 ... switch module, 63 ... combiner, 64 ... control module, 65 ... input port, 66 ... output port, 70 ... lighting device, 71 ... laser light source, 72-74 ... optical fiber, 75 ... lamp, 80 ... light emitting part, 81 ... reflective member, 82 ... transmission filter, 90 ... automobile, 91 ... lamp

Claims (11)

A first light deflecting element having a liquid crystal layer, receiving a first laser beam from an input port, deflecting the first laser beam, and emitting a second laser beam.
A second light deflection element having a liquid crystal layer, arranged in parallel with the first light deflection element, deflecting the second laser light so as to be parallel to the first laser light, and emitting a third laser light. When,
A plurality of optical fibers that receive the third laser beam from the second light deflection element, and
It is provided with a control circuit for controlling the deflection angle of the first light deflection element and the deflection angle of the second light deflection element.
The first light deflection element deflects the first laser beam at one of the plurality of first deflection angles so as to select one of the plurality of optical fibers.
The second light deflection element has a plurality of regions arranged so as to correspond to the plurality of optical fibers.
Each of the plurality of regions deflects the second laser beam ,
Each of the first and second light deflecting elements includes a laminated first and second liquid crystal panel.
The first liquid crystal panel includes a first and second substrates, a first liquid crystal layer filled between the first and second substrates, a first electrode provided on the first substrate, and the first substrate. The second electrode, which is longer than the first electrode, and the first common electrode provided on the second substrate are included.
The second liquid crystal panel is provided on the third and fourth substrates, the second liquid crystal layer filled between the third and fourth substrates, and the third substrate, and is a third electrode longer than the first electrode. A fourth electrode provided on the third substrate and shorter than the second electrode, and a second common electrode provided on the fourth substrate are included.
Optical switch device. The optical switch device according to claim 1, further comprising a polarizing plate provided between the input port and the first optical deflection element and transmitting light parallel to a transmission axis. The first light deflection element has a gradient of refractive index and has a gradient of refractive index.
The optical switch device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of regions has a gradient of refractive index. The control circuit applies a first voltage to the first electrode, the third electrode, the first common electrode, and the second common electrode, and applies a second voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode. The optical switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 to be applied. An optical deflection element that includes an input region and an output region, each of which has a liquid crystal layer, receives a first laser beam from an input port in the input region, deflects the first laser beam, and emits a second laser beam.
A reflective member that reflects the second laser beam toward the output region,
A plurality of optical fibers that receive the third laser beam emitted from the output region, and
A control circuit for controlling the deflection angle of the input region and the deflection angle of the output region is provided.
The input region deflects the first laser beam at one of the plurality of first deflection angles by selecting one of the plurality of optical fibers.
The output region has a plurality of region portions arranged so as to correspond to the plurality of optical fibers.
Each of the plurality of region portions deflects the second laser beam so as to be parallel to the first laser beam and emits the third laser beam .
Each of the input region and the plurality of region portions includes a laminated first and second liquid crystal panel.
The first liquid crystal panel includes a first and second substrates, a first liquid crystal layer filled between the first and second substrates, a first electrode provided on the first substrate, and the first substrate. The second electrode, which is longer than the first electrode, and the first common electrode provided on the second substrate are included.
The second liquid crystal panel is provided on the third and fourth substrates, the second liquid crystal layer filled between the third and fourth substrates, and the third substrate, and is a third electrode longer than the first electrode. A fourth electrode provided on the third substrate and shorter than the second electrode, and a second common electrode provided on the fourth substrate are included.
Optical switch device. The optical switch device according to claim 5 , wherein the reflective member is composed of a prism mirror. 5. or 6 further comprising a polarizing plate provided between the input port and the optical deflection element, and between the optical deflection element and the plurality of optical fibers, and transmitting light parallel to the transmission axis. The optical switch device described in. The input region has a gradient of refractive index.
The optical switch device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 , wherein each of the plurality of region portions has a gradient of refractive index. The control circuit applies a first voltage to the first electrode, the third electrode, the first common electrode, and the second common electrode, and applies a second voltage to the second electrode and the fourth electrode. The optical switch device according to any one of claims 5 to 8 to be applied. A demultiplexer that receives an input signal and demultiplexes the input signal into first and second optical signals having different wavelengths.
A first optical switch device that switches between a plurality of output ports that receive the first optical signal and output the first optical signal.
A second optical switch device that switches between a plurality of output ports that receive the second optical signal and output the second optical signal is provided.
Each of the first and second optical switch devices is a wavelength selection switch composed of the optical switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . A laser light source that emits laser light and
An optical switch device that switches between multiple output ports that output laser light from the laser light source, and
A plurality of optical fibers connected to the plurality of output ports, respectively,
It is equipped with a plurality of lamps connected to each of the plurality of optical fibers.
The optical switch device is a lighting device composed of the optical switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 .

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