JPH11174253A - Wavelength router and manufacture therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wavelength selection means for substituting the function of an array-like optical waveguide. SOLUTION: This wavelength router is provided with plural 2-input 2-output wavelength selection elements 100 arranged in the matrix shape of 4 rows by 4 columns, plural input ports 1I1 -4I1 and plural output ports 1E1 -4E1 and the respective wavelength selection elements (elements) 100 are provided with characteristics for selecting a specified wavelength λ4, reflecting the optical signals of λ4 and transmitting the other optical signals of non-selected wavelengths. The elements 12-42 of the same column are optically coupled and are provided with mutually different wavelength selection characteristics λ3, λ4, λ1 and λ2. The elements 11-41 of a first column are optically coupled with the corresponding input ports 1I1 -4I1 and the elements 41-44 of a final column are optically coupled to the corresponding output ports 1E1 -4E1 . The optical signals wavelength selected in one of the elements 100 are outputted from the output port 2E1 of the column to which the selected element 32 belongs.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wavelength router for setting a different route for a wavelength multiplexed optical signal used for optical wavelength multiplexing communication for each wavelength channel and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a wavelength router of this type, a wavelength using an arrayed waveguide described in Document 1 (Proceedings of the 1995 IEICE General Conference, B-1092, p. 538) has been proposed. Routers are generally known.

In the arrayed waveguide type multiplexer / demultiplexer disclosed in Document 1, the same wavelength f _k (k = 0, 1, ‥‥‥,
N-1) input light _ai (i = 0, 1,...)
‥‥, N−1) are different, the output port b _j to be output
(J = 0, 1, ‥‥‥, N−1) are different. for that reason,
The route of each wavelength channel can be set individually for various purposes. Also, various application methods of an arrayed waveguide using paths set according to various purposes have been considered.

[0004]

However, this wavelength router is composed of a plurality of high-precision arrayed waveguides that are regularly arranged. Fabrication of these arrayed waveguides requires precision and advanced technology. However, in this wavelength router, the dimensional accuracy of each arrayed waveguide is not as high as expected, and the phase error of the optical path length is up to 1% at the limit of the manufacturing accuracy, although it takes much time and effort to manufacture. is there. In order to put this wavelength router into practical use, the crosstalk characteristics of the arrayed waveguide must be reduced to a practical level of -40d.
B must be improved. To this end, it is necessary to increase the manufacturing accuracy of the arrayed waveguides of the wavelength router and reduce the phase error of the optical path length of each arrayed waveguide to 0.1%.

Therefore, at present, it is difficult for this wavelength router to obtain sufficient crosstalk characteristics.

[0006] In this wavelength router, once an arrayed waveguide is manufactured, the correlation between input ports and output ports for wavelength-division multiplexed light and wavelength-demultiplexed light is determined by only one type, so that it can be easily changed. Can not.

Therefore, there has been a demand for a wavelength router having good crosstalk characteristics, capable of setting various wavelength routing paths, and having a small loss of light, and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0008]

According to a first wavelength router of the present invention, a plurality of 2-input / 2-output wavelength selecting elements arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns are provided. Each of the wavelength selection elements includes a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports, and each of the wavelength selection elements selects a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength) to reflect a long optical signal, and selects other non-wavelengths. It has a property of transmitting a selected optical signal, each of the wavelength selection elements in the same row is optically coupled in the order of arrangement and has different wavelength selection properties from each other, and each of the wavelength selection elements in the same column is , Which are optically coupled in the order of arrangement and have mutually different wavelength selection characteristics,
Each of the wavelength selecting elements in the first column is optically coupled to a corresponding input port, respectively, and each of the wavelength selecting elements in the last row is optically coupled to a corresponding output port, respectively, and An optical signal whose wavelength has been selected by one of the wavelength selection elements is output from an output port of a column to which the wavelength selection element to which the wavelength has been selected belongs.

With this configuration, it is possible to arbitrarily arrange a plurality of two-input two-output wavelength selection elements each having a specific reflection wavelength. It is possible to set various wavelength routing paths, which was difficult with a device.

In implementing the first wavelength router, it is preferable that the wavelength selection element includes a multilayer filter that gives wavelength selection characteristics.

According to this structure, the conventional multilayer filter can be effectively used as the wavelength selecting means of the two-input / two-output wavelength selecting element.

In implementing the first wavelength router, the wavelength selection element is a wavelength selection block mainly made of a light-transmitting material for an optical signal input to the wavelength router. Each of which comprises first and second two incident surfaces, first and second two outgoing surfaces, and a multilayer filter for providing wavelength selection characteristics, and light incident from the first incident surface. It is preferable that the signal is wavelength-selected by a multilayer filter and emitted as an optical signal of the selected wavelength from the first emission surface.

According to this configuration, the optical axes of the incident light and the outgoing light of the wavelength selection block coincide between the plurality of wavelength blocks, so that the wavelength selection block can be easily and accurately applied to the wavelength router. it can. Therefore, light that is incident on a certain wavelength selection block and reflected or transmitted by the selected wavelength characteristic of the multilayer filter can be reliably propagated to an adjacent wavelength selection block.

In implementing the first wavelength router, each of the wavelength selection blocks preferably has first and second block pieces having a right-angle prism shape, and the bottom face of these block pieces is formed by a multilayer film. It is preferable that the filters are attached to each other with the filter interposed therebetween.

With this configuration, it is possible to use a high-precision wavelength selection block having a small dimensional error.
Crosstalk characteristics can be improved. Also, by using a triangular prism with a rhombic cross section instead of a right-angle prism, the incident light is not perpendicularly incident on the incident surface, and the return light generated because the incident light is reflected and returned is reflected on the incident surface. Thus, it can be prevented from entering the incident light.

In implementing the first wavelength router, wavelength selecting blocks are aligned and fixed on the same substrate, and adjacent wavelength selecting blocks in the same row are:
The first emission surface and the second incidence surface are opposed to each other, and adjacent wavelength selection blocks in the same row
It is preferable that the exit surface and the first entrance surface are opposed to each other.

According to this structure, since the input optical axis and the output optical axis of the wavelength selection element coincide with the input optical axis and the output optical axis of the adjacent wavelength selection element, the light enters the certain wavelength selection block and becomes a multilayer film. Light reflected or transmitted by the wavelength selection characteristics of the filter can be reliably transmitted to the adjacent wavelength selection block.

In implementing the first wavelength router, it is preferable that a positioning mark of the wavelength selection block is formed on an upper surface of the substrate on which the wavelength selection block is fixed.

With this configuration, since the positioning mark can be used as a guide, the wavelength selection blocks can be quickly and accurately arranged on the substrate.

In implementing the first wavelength router, preferably, each of the wavelength selecting elements is provided with a first three-port circulator having a first input port, a first output port, and a first input / output port. An optical fiber grating having one end optically coupled to the first input / output port and having wavelength selection characteristics, a second input port, a second output port, and a second input / output port, wherein the second input port is provided. Preferably, the optical fiber grating includes a second three-port circulator optically coupled to the other end of the grating portion.

With this configuration, the wavelength selection element can be easily configured by using the conventional three-port circulator and the optical fiber grating. In addition, since the optical fiber grating whose optical axis direction is variable because it is bendable is used as the wavelength selecting means, it is not necessary to adjust the positions of the input optical axis and the output optical axis of the plurality of wavelength selection blocks.

Further, in implementing the first wavelength router, each of the wavelength selecting elements is provided with two optical waveguides formed symmetrically on the surface of the substrate.
It has a first 3 dB coupler section, a grating section, and a second 3 dB coupler section which are sequentially and continuously formed, and the first and second 3 dB coupler sections are separated between the optical waveguides. The grating section has a wavelength selection property, and the first and second input ports of the demultiplexing / multiplexing element are respectively constituted by one end and the other end of the first optical waveguide. It is preferable that the first and second output ports of the demultiplexing / multiplexing device are respectively formed at one end and the other end of the second optical waveguide.

According to this structure, the wavelength selecting element can be formed by the optical waveguide formed on the substrate and the grating formed on the substrate, so that the wavelength selecting element can be integrated on the substrate. It is suitable for mass production.

According to the second wavelength router of the present invention, the area of each intersection of the matrix of M rows and N columns (hereinafter, referred to as the area).
It is called the intersection area. ), A wavelength selecting section having a characteristic of selecting a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength) to reflect an optical signal of the selected wavelength and transmitting other non-wavelength selected optical signals, and a plurality of input ports. , A plurality of output ports, and each of the intersection areas of the same row of the wavelength selecting unit is
It has a wavelength selection characteristic that is optically coupled in the arrangement order and reflects an optical signal, and each of the intersection regions in the same column of the wavelength selection unit is optically coupled in the arrangement order and has a different wavelength selection characteristic from each other. Wherein each of the first column intersection regions is optically coupled to a corresponding input port, respectively, and each of the last row intersection regions is optically coupled to a corresponding output port, respectively. In addition, it is preferable that the optical signal whose wavelength is selected in any one of the intersection regions is output from the output port of the column to which the wavelength-selected intersection belongs.

According to this structure, a wavelength selecting section can be formed by providing a multilayer filter on a substrate without using a wavelength selecting element such as a wavelength selecting block as described above.

In implementing the second wavelength router, a plurality of crossing area arrays are formed by a plurality of crossing areas which are arranged on a plurality of diagonal lines parallel to each other and which are connected between intersections shifted by one row and one column. Each intersection region of the same intersection region array has the same wavelength selection characteristic, each intersection region between different intersection region arrays has a different wavelength selection characteristic from each other, and It is preferable that each of the intersection region arrays is formed by a multilayer filter.

With this configuration, by using a multilayer filter, a highly accurate wavelength selector can be easily formed with a small number of members without using an optical element.

In the implementation of the second wavelength router, the wavelength selecting unit preferably sandwiches each of the multilayer filters at equal intervals by individual blocks of a translucent material to form a hexahedral overall shape. It is good to constitute as a block.

According to this structure, since the wavelength selection elements can be integrally manufactured, it is less time-consuming than when a large number of wavelength selection elements are individually manufactured, and when these elements are arranged. Necessary optical positioning adjustment is not required.

In the implementation of the second wavelength router, the wavelength selecting section includes individual light-transmitting material strips provided with multilayer filters having different wavelength selection characteristics, respectively. Is preferably fixed to the upper surface of the substrate.

According to this structure, the wavelength selecting section can be formed of a band having a conventional multilayer filter.

In the implementation of the second wavelength router, it is preferable that the substrate is provided with a positioning groove for fixing the band on the upper surface thereof.

According to this structure, the band can be arranged using the positioning groove as a guide, so that the band can be accurately and easily positioned on the substrate.

In the implementation of the second wavelength router, the wavelength selector preferably includes an optical waveguide for performing optical coupling.

According to this structure, by forming the wavelength selector with an optical waveguide, light is attracted to the optical waveguide. Therefore, even if there is an error in the reflection angle formed in the incident light path and the reflection light path with respect to the multilayer filter, regardless of the error in the reflection angle due to the attraction of light in the optical waveguide,
The reflected light can be correctly guided to the target point.

According to the third wavelength router, M
A plurality of two-input two-output wavelength selection elements arranged in a matrix of rows and N columns (M and N are integers of 2 or more), a plurality of input ports, and a plurality of output ports; Each of the wavelength selection elements has a characteristic of selecting a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength) and reflecting an optical signal of the selected wavelength, and transmitting other non-wavelength selected optical signals. Each of the wavelength selection elements in the last row is optically coupled in the arrangement order, and each of the wavelength selection elements in the first column has the same wavelength selection characteristic (this wavelength selection characteristic is referred to as a first wavelength selection characteristic). ), Each of the wavelength selection elements is optically coupled to a wavelength selection element shifted by one row and one column, and each of the wavelength selection elements in the first column is
Each of the wavelength selection elements in the second and subsequent rows is optically coupled to a corresponding input port and a corresponding output port, and each of the wavelength selection elements has a wavelength selection characteristic different from the first wavelength selection characteristic. Each of the wavelength selection elements in the second and subsequent columns uses a different wavelength selection characteristic when a wavelength multiplexed optical signal is input to the wavelength selection element in the first column from an input port in a certain row. The non-wavelength-selective optical signal from the selection element is arranged so as to output an optical signal having a different wavelength from each of the other wavelength selection elements in the first column.

With this configuration, the number of wavelength selection elements through which light passes can be reduced when the wavelength selection elements are connected in a cross-shaped manner than when the wavelength selection elements are connected in a grid, so that light loss is reduced. Can be reduced.

In implementing the third wavelength router, when M rows and N columns are 4 rows and 4 columns, and multiplex wavelengths of input optical signals are λ1, λ2, λ3 and λ4,
The selection wavelength of each wavelength selection element in the first column is λ1, the selection wavelengths of the wavelength selection elements in the first to fourth rows of the second column are λ2, λ3, λ3, and λ4, respectively. And λ4, λ4, λ2, and λ2, respectively, and the selected wavelengths of the wavelength selection elements in the first to fourth rows of the fourth column are denoted by λ4, λ4, λ2, and λ2, respectively. λ2, λ3, λ3 and λ4 are preferred.

With this configuration, it is possible to easily configure a wavelength router with less light loss in the case of multi-wavelength light having four wavelengths.

In the implementation of the third wavelength router, each of the wavelength selecting elements has a first input port, a first output port, a second input port, and a second output port. A first three-port circulator having a first input terminal, a first output terminal, and a first input / output terminal, and one end optically coupled to the first input / output terminal to provide wavelength selection characteristics. A second input terminal, a second output terminal, and a second input / output terminal, the second input terminal being optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber grating unit. A first input port, a first output port, a second input port, and a second output port, the first input port, the first output port, the second input port, and the second output port. It is preferable to configure each A.

With this configuration, the wavelength selection element can be easily configured by using the conventional three-port circulator and the optical fiber grating. In addition, since the optical fiber grating whose optical axis direction is variable because it is bendable is used as the wavelength selecting means, it is not necessary to adjust the positions of the input optical axis and the output optical axis of the plurality of wavelength selection blocks.

In the implementation of the third wavelength router, the first input ports of the wavelength selecting elements in the first row are optically coupled to the corresponding input ports of the wavelength router, respectively. Preferably, the output ports are optically coupled to respective output ports of the wavelength router.

With this configuration, a plurality of wavelength selection elements arranged in a matrix can be incorporated as a wavelength router.

In implementing the third wavelength router, preferably, each wavelength selection element is included in one of the first and second wavelength selection element groups, and
Each of the wavelength selection elements in the wavelength selection element group has a first center wavelength selection element when a certain wavelength selection element belonging to a group other than the first column, the last column, the first row, and the last row is used as the first center wavelength selection element. The first input port of the element is optically coupled to the second output port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and the front row, and the second input port of the first center wavelength selection element is connected to the first input port of the wavelength selection element in the front and back row. Optically coupled to the output port, wherein the first output port of the first central wavelength selection element is optically coupled to the second input port of the wavelength selection element in the succeeding front column; An output port is optically coupled to a first input port of a wavelength selecting element in a following row and a rear row, and further, each wavelength selecting element in the second group of wavelength selecting elements is connected to a first wavelength selecting element.
When one wavelength selecting element other than the column, the last column, the first row, and the last row is set as the second center wavelength selecting element, the first output port of the second center wavelength selecting element is set to the wavelength selection in the previous row and the front row. An optically coupled second input port of the element, a second output port of the central wavelength selection element optically coupled to a first input port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and back column, and a first output port of the central wavelength selection element; The input port is optically coupled to the second output port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and the second input port of the center wavelength selection element is optically connected to the first output port of the wavelength selection element in the back row. And the wavelength selecting elements in the first wavelength selecting element group and the wavelength selecting elements in the second wavelength selecting element group are preferably arranged alternately in each of the same row and the same column. .

With this configuration, if the wavelength selection elements are connected in accordance with the above-described connection conditions, a wavelength router with low light loss can be easily configured, and the time and effort required for trial and error can be eliminated.

In implementing the third wavelength router, the second input port of the wavelength selection element in the first row included in the first wavelength selection element group is included in the second wavelength selection element group. The second output port of the first row of wavelength selection elements included in the second row of wavelength selection elements is optically coupled to the first output port of the second row of wavelength selection elements. Is optically coupled to the first input port of the wavelength selection element in the same row and rear column included in the first row, and the first output port of the last row of wavelength selection elements included in the first wavelength selection element group is connected to the second output port. A first input of the last row of wavelength selection elements included in the second row of wavelength selection elements is optically coupled to a second input port of the same row of front row wavelength selection elements included in the group of wavelength selection elements. The input port is connected to the wave in the front row included in the first wavelength selection element group. It is preferred that are optically coupled to the second output port of the selected element.

With this configuration, the connection conditions between the first and last rows become clear, which is convenient for actually configuring a wavelength router.

In the implementation of the third wavelength router, the wavelength selecting element includes first and first optical waveguides formed symmetrically on the surface of the substrate. , The first 3
a first coupler, a grating section, and a second 3 dB coupler section, and the first and second 3 dB coupler sections have characteristics of demultiplexing and combining between the first and second optical waveguides. The grating section has wavelength selection characteristics, the first and second input ports of the wavelength selection element are respectively constituted by one end and the other end of the first optical waveguide, and Preferably, the second output port and the second output port are respectively formed at one end and the other end of the optical waveguide.

With this configuration, the wavelength selection element using the optical waveguide can be applied to a wavelength router, which is suitable for mass production.

In implementing the third wavelength router, each first input port of the wavelength selecting element is optically coupled to a corresponding input port of the wavelength router, and each first output port is connected to the wavelength output element. Preferably, each is optically coupled to a corresponding output port of the router.

With this configuration, the wavelength selection device using the optical waveguide can be appropriately applied to the wavelength router.

In implementing the third wavelength router, each wavelength selection element is included in one of the first and second wavelength selection element groups, and each wavelength selection element in the first wavelength selection element group is included. When one of the wavelength selecting elements belonging to the columns other than the first column, the last column, the first row, and the last row is set as the first central wavelength selecting element, the first input port of the first central wavelength selecting element is set to the front. Optically coupling the second output port of the first wavelength selection element to the second output port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and optically coupling the second input port of the first wavelength selection element to the first output port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and rear row. The first output port of the first center wavelength selection element is optically coupled to the second input port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and the second output port of the first center wavelength selection element is in the rear row. Optically connected to the first input port of the wavelength selection element Yes is engaged, further, the wavelength selecting element of the second wavelength selection element in group, first column, the last column, the first
When one wavelength selecting element other than the row and the last row is used as the second center wavelength selecting element, the first output port of the second center wavelength selecting element is connected to the second input port of the wavelength selecting element in the previous row and the front column. Optically coupled, the second output port of the center wavelength selection element being optically coupled to the first input port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and back row,
The input port is optically coupled to the second output port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and the second input port of the center wavelength selection element is optically connected to the first output port of the wavelength selection element in the back row. And the wavelength selection element in the first wavelength selection element group and the wavelength selection element in the second wavelength selection element group are respectively arranged in the same row and the same column,
Preferably, they are arranged alternately.

With such a configuration, the number of wavelength selection elements through which an optical signal passes can be reduced in the wavelength selection elements connected in a cross shape as compared with the wavelength selection elements connected in a lattice. Thus, a wavelength router with less light loss can be configured.

In implementing the third wavelength router, the second input port of the wavelength selection element in the first row included in the first wavelength selection element group is included in the second wavelength selection element group. The second output port of the first row of wavelength selection elements included in the second row of wavelength selection elements is optically coupled to the first output port of the second row of wavelength selection elements. Is optically coupled to the first input port of the wavelength selection element in the same row and rear column included in the first row, and the first output port of the last row of wavelength selection elements included in the first wavelength selection element group is connected to the second output port. A first input of the last row of wavelength selection elements included in the second row of wavelength selection elements is optically coupled to a second input port of the same row of front row wavelength selection elements included in the group of wavelength selection elements. The input port is connected to the wave in the front row included in the first wavelength selection element group. Is good are optically coupled to the second output port of the selected element.

With this configuration, the connection conditions between the first and last rows become clear, which is convenient for actually configuring a wavelength router.

According to the fourth wavelength router of the present invention, a plurality of 2-input 2-output wavelengths arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns (M and N are integers of 2 or more) are arranged. A selection element, comprising a plurality of input ports to which wavelength-multiplexed input optical signals are respectively input, and a plurality of output ports each to output an optical signal whose wavelength and power are selected, each of the wavelength selection elements, It has a wavelength selection characteristic of dividing the power of an optical signal of a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength) and reflecting and transmitting the optical signal of the selected wavelength. Each of the wavelength selecting elements in the same row are optically coupled in the arrangement order, and each of the wavelength selecting elements in the first row is optically coupled to the corresponding input port. Of the wavelength selection element on the last line Each is optically coupled to a corresponding output port, and at the selected wavelength and from the output port of the column to which the wavelength selection element that reflected the optical signal reflected by any of the wavelength selection elements belongs. It is characterized in that it is configured to output as a reflected light signal of the divided power.

According to this structure, the optical power of the wavelength-selected optical signal is divided by the wavelength selecting element, so that a part of the light is reflected by the wavelength selecting element.
The remaining light passes through the wavelength selection element. Therefore, optical signals of the same wavelength can be respectively distributed to a plurality of output ports.

In the implementation of the fourth wavelength router, the wavelength selecting elements in the same row have the same wavelength selecting characteristics, and the wavelength selecting elements in the same column are different from each other. It preferably has wavelength selection characteristics.

With this configuration, only the optical signal of a specific wavelength is distributed in the column direction by the same wavelength selection characteristics arranged in the same row, and further, by the different wavelength selection characteristics arranged in the same column. , And the distributed light is emitted from the output port without being reflected. Therefore, the optical signal can be multiplexed / demultiplexed in this manner.

In implementing the fourth wavelength router, it is preferable that each of the wavelength selecting elements is an element for dividing the power of the optical signal input to the wavelength selecting element into half.

With this configuration, if the optical power of the reflected or transmitted optical signal is １ ／ times the number of reflections, the optical power of the optical signal emitted from the target output port can be easily calculated. It is convenient in design.

In the implementation of the fourth wavelength router, M and N are the same integer, and the integer preferably matches the number of wavelengths multiplexed on the input optical signal.

With this configuration, a demultiplexer / demultiplexer capable of demultiplexing / multiplexing optical signals of all wavelengths of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal can be configured in the minimum unit. It is possible to design a multiplexer / demultiplexer without waste.

In the implementation of the fourth wavelength router, the power of the reflected light signal output from the first-stage wavelength selection element arranged in the last row in the order away from the input port is preferably equal to the input light signal. 1/2 of the power of
It is preferable that the power of the reflected light signal output from the wavelength selection element at the rear stage of the array be の of the power of the reflected light signal output from the wavelength selection element at the front stage.

With this configuration, if the optical power of the reflected or transmitted optical signal is １ ／ times the number of reflections, the optical power of the optical signal emitted from the target output port can be easily calculated. It is convenient in design.

In the implementation of the fourth wavelength router, the wavelength selection element is a wavelength selection block mainly formed of a material transparent to an optical signal, and each of the wavelength selection blocks is composed of a first and a second wavelength selection block. The second two entrance surfaces and the first
And a second filter for providing wavelength selection characteristics, and an optical signal incident from the first input surface is reflected by the multilayer filter as a reflected light signal of the selected wavelength. It is preferable to have a structure in which the light is emitted from the first emission surface and is emitted from the second emission surface as a transmitted light signal of a selected wavelength from the multilayer filter.

With this configuration, the optical axis of the incident light and the optical axis of the output light of the wavelength selection block are made to coincide with each other between the plurality of wavelength selection blocks, and the conventional multilayer filter is divided into the wavelength selection light power splitter. Since it can be used as a means, a demultiplexer / multiplexer can be obtained with a simple configuration.

In implementing the fourth wavelength router, each of the wavelength selection blocks has first and second block pieces in the shape of a right-angle prism, and the bottom surfaces of these block pieces are sandwiched by a multilayer filter. Therefore, it is preferable that they are bonded to each other.

According to this structure, the optical axis of the incident light and the optical axis of the output light of the wavelength selection block are made to coincide with each other among the plurality of wavelength selection blocks, and the conventional multilayer filter is divided into the wavelength selection light power splitter. Since it can be used as a means, a demultiplexer / multiplexer can be obtained with a simple configuration.

In the implementation of the fourth wavelength router, preferably, the wavelength selection blocks are fixed on the same substrate in close contact with each other, and adjacent wavelength selection blocks in the same row are mutually connected to the first emission surface. It is preferable that the second incident surface and the second incident surface are in close contact with each other, and adjacent wavelength selection blocks in the same row have the second exit surface and the first incident surface in close contact with each other.

According to this structure, by using a high-precision wavelength selection block having a small individual error, only the plurality of wavelength selection blocks are brought into close contact with each other, and the respective incident optical axes of the plurality of wavelength selection blocks are output. This eliminates the need to adjust the positions of the emission axes.

In implementing the fourth wavelength router, it is preferable that a positioning mark of the wavelength selection block is formed on a surface of the substrate on which the wavelength selection block is fixed.

With this configuration, the wavelength selection block can be positioned using the positioning mark as a guide, so that the wavelength selection block can be easily positioned on the substrate.

Further, according to the fifth wavelength router of the present invention, in a wavelength router for selecting and outputting an input optical signal in which the wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3 and λ4 are multiplexed,
, Input ports, four output ports, and a property of selecting a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength) λ1 to reflect an optical signal of a selected wavelength and transmit an optical signal of a non-selected wavelength. Four first stages from the first stage to the fourth stage
The wavelength selecting element and each of the wavelengths λ2, λ3, and λ4 that are optically coupled to each of the first wavelength selecting elements and are multiplexed with the optical signal transmitted through the first wavelength selecting element, correspond to a different first signal. A wavelength circulating unit for distributing and returning to the wavelength selecting element, each of the first wavelength selecting elements being a first circulator and a first circulator optically coupled to a corresponding input port and output port, respectively; A first grating section optically coupled with the first section to perform wavelength selection.
The first to third stages each include a second circulator optically coupled to the corresponding first grating section and a second grating section optically coupled to the second circulator for wavelength selection. The second circulator of the first stage includes a first grating portion of the first stage, a second grating portion having a selection wavelength of λ3, and a second second circulator of the first stage. The first grating portion of the stage, the second grating portion having the selected wavelength of λ4, the first grating portion of the third stage, another second grating portion having the selected wavelength of λ3, and the first portion of the fourth stage
It is optically coupled to the grating section and the second grating having the selected wavelength of λ2 in this order, and the second circulator of the second stage has the second stage of the second stage having the selected wavelength of λ3.
A grating portion, a second grating having a selection wavelength of λ2, a second grating portion having a selection wavelength of λ4 in a preceding stage, another second grating having a selection wavelength of λ2, another second grating portion having a selection wavelength of λ3 in a preceding stage, selecting Wavelength is λ4
Of the second grating portion, and the second selected wavelength of the previous stage is λ2.
It is optically coupled in this order with another grating having a grating and a selected wavelength of λ4, and the second circulator in the third stage has a second grating portion having a wavelength of λ4 in the preceding stage and a selected wavelength of λ4. The second grating of which the other end is open at λ3, the second grating portion of the previous stage whose selection wavelength is λ4, the second grating of which the selected wavelength is λ4 and the other end is open, the second grating portion of the previous stage whose selection wavelength is λ2, the selection Another second grating portion having a wavelength of λ4 and the other end being open, another second grating of the preceding stage having a selected wavelength of λ2, and a second grating portion having a selected wavelength of λ2 and open at the other end are optically arranged in this order. It is characterized by being connected.

With this configuration, the number of wirings using optical fibers is reduced, and the structure is simplified. In addition, since two input / output ports of a commercially available 10-port circulator can be connected to each other to form an 8-port circulator, a ready-to-use circulator can be used to easily manufacture a wavelength router.

According to the wavelength router manufacturing method of the present invention, when manufacturing a wavelength router, a hexahedron-shaped block is prepared by preparing a plurality of parallel-plane light-transmitting substrates of the same thickness and one. A first step of forming a multilayer film having different wavelength selection characteristics on the upper surface of the remaining substrate except for the first step, and sequentially forming the substrate on which the multilayer film is formed, so that the multilayer film is interposed between the substrates one by one. A second step of laminating to form a laminated block; two sides of a quadrilateral on a line perpendicular to the diagonal, while the diagonal of the quadrilateral having the same length and the end face of one of the multilayer films coincide with each other. A third step of cutting the laminated block along four sides to form a hexahedral block, with the vertices being aligned with the upper surface and the lower surface of the laminated block, respectively.

With this configuration, the above-described hexahedral block can be easily and precisely manufactured.

Further, in carrying out this manufacturing method, a plurality of parallel plane light-transmitting strips having the same thickness are prepared, and a multilayer film having different wavelength selection characteristics is formed on the upper face of the strip. A second step of fixing a plurality of optical waveguides on the upper surface of the substrate in the directions of rows and columns of the matrix, respectively; and a plurality of parallel diagonal lines diagonally connecting intersections of the rows and columns in one direction. A third step of forming grooves each having a width capable of fitting and fixing the band-shaped body on which the multilayer film is formed in the substrate, along the optical waveguide, and forming a band-shaped body on which the multilayer film is formed. And fixing to a corresponding groove.

According to this structure, since the optical waveguide is formed on the substrate by forming the optical waveguide on the substrate before the groove is formed on the substrate, the substrate is cut together with the optical waveguide to form the groove. Can be provided. This facilitates the formation of the groove.

[0080]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the size, shape, and arrangement of each component are only schematically shown to an extent that the present invention can be understood, and numerical conditions described below are merely examples. Please understand that.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram showing a first embodiment of a first wavelength router according to the present invention. (B) is a diagram showing the wavelength demultiplexing and multiplexing characteristics of the wavelength router used in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the wavelength router according to the present invention will be conceptually described.

In FIG. 1A, the first wavelength router 100 according to the present invention has a matrix of M rows and N columns (M and N are integers of 2 or more), for example, a matrix of 4 rows and 4 columns. A plurality of, for example, 16 two-input, two-output wavelength selection elements 11 to 44 and a plurality of, for example, four input ports 1
It comprises I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I ₁ , 4I ₁ and a plurality of, for example, four, output ports 1E ₁ , 2E ₁ , 3E ₁ , 4E ₁ .

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the wavelength selecting elements arranged in m rows and n columns are mn. Here, m and n are integers of 1 or more, and have a relationship of 1 ≦ m ≦ M and 0 ≦ n ≦ N. The first and second input ports of the wavelength selection element mn are mnI ₁ and mnI ₂ , respectively, and the first and second output ports are mnE ₁ and mnE ₂ , respectively.

As an example, the wavelength router has a matrix configuration of 4 rows × 4 columns, and wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3, λ4
Wavelength multiplexed optical signals are input ports 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I
₁ and 4I ₁ will be described.

Each of the wavelength selecting elements mn in the m-th row and the n-th column is
A specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength), for example, four wavelengths λ
1, λ2, λ3, λ4, and has the property of selecting one of the wavelengths to reflect an optical signal of this selected wavelength and transmitting other wavelengths, ie, non-wavelength selected optical signals. doing. In the first wavelength router 100, the wavelength selecting elements on the same row, for example, the second row, the first column, the second row 2
Wavelength selecting elements 21 and 2 in the second, third and second rows and columns;
Each of 2, 23, and 24 is optically coupled in the arrangement order and has mutually different wavelength selection characteristics, for example, wavelength selection characteristics of wavelengths λ1, λ4, λ3, and λ2 in order from the first column. In addition, wavelength selection elements in the same row, for example,
Each of the wavelength selection elements 12, 22, 32, and 42 in the first row, second column, second row, second column, third row, second column, and fourth row, second column are optically coupled to each other in the arrangement order and are different from each other. It has wavelength selection characteristics. Further, the wavelength selection elements in the first column, for example, the wavelength selection elements 11, 21, 31, and 41 in the first row, first column, second row, first column, third row, first column, and fourth row, first column, respectively, correspond to each other. Input ports 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I ₁ , and 4I ₁ respectively. Each of the wavelength selection elements in the last row, for example, the wavelength selection elements 41, 42, 43, and 44 in the fourth row and the first column, the fourth row and the second column, the fourth row and the third column, and the fourth row and the fourth column has a corresponding output port. Optically coupled to 1E ₁ , 2E ₁ , 3E ₁ , and 4E ₁ respectively. Further, in the first wavelength router 100, the wavelength of the optical signal λ3 whose wavelength has been selected by one of the wavelength selection elements mn in the m-th row and the n-th column, for example, by the wavelength selection element 12 in the first row and the second column. column of the output ports 1 row and second column wavelength selection element 12 belongs, is configured to output, for example, from 2E _1.

The wavelength selecting elements 14, 24, 3 in the last row
4, 44 second output ports 14E ₂ , 24E ₂ , 34E ₂
, 44E ₂ and the wavelength selection elements 11, 12,.
The second input ports 13 and 14 are dummy ports and may or may not have an optical connection with components outside the first wavelength router 100.

In the configuration example shown in FIG.
The wavelength demultiplexing and multiplexing characteristics of the wavelength router are as shown in the table of FIG. That is, in FIG. 1B, the input ports 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I ₁ , and 4I ₁ have λ ₁ to λ
When the optical signal wavelength-multiplexed in 4 is inputted is shown a selection wavelength to be output from the output port _{1E 1, 2E 1, 3E 1} , 4E 1.

With this configuration, it is possible to arbitrarily arrange two-input and two-output wavelength selection elements having various reflection wavelengths, which is difficult with a conventional arrayed waveguide diffraction grating multiplexer / demultiplexer. In addition, various settings of the wavelength routing path are possible.

Next, a specific example of the wavelength selection element used in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a wavelength selection block in which a wavelength selection element is more specifically configured. FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing a case where the wavelength selection block is actually arranged on a substrate.

FIG. 3A is an explanatory view of the arrangement of the wavelength selection blocks, and FIG. 3B is a schematic view of the wavelength selection blocks arranged on the substrate and the periphery thereof viewed from above. is there.

In FIG. 2A, the wavelength selection element 102
Has a multilayer filter f that provides wavelength selection characteristics.

With this configuration, a conventional multilayer filter can be used as a wavelength selecting means.
A two-input, two-output wavelength selection element can be easily manufactured.

Wavelength selection element (wavelength selection block) 102
Is a wavelength selection block mainly formed of a transparent material, for example, a transparent glass material for an optical signal input to the wavelength router 100. In this case, each of the wavelength selection blocks 102 provides first and second two incident surfaces 102I ₁ and 102I _2, and first and second two exit surfaces 102E ₁ and 102E ₂ and wavelength selection characteristics. And a multilayer filter f. The first optical signal incident from the incident surface 102I _1, for example, four wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3, λ4 of the optical signal the multilayer filter f, multilayer filters having a wavelength selection characteristic of reflecting a wavelength .lambda.2 ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as f (λ2).) The first emission surface 102E ₁ is selected as an optical signal of the selected wavelength λ2.
It is configured to emit light from

With this configuration, since the optical axes of the incident light and the outgoing light of the wavelength selection block coincide between the plurality of wavelength blocks, the wavelength selection block can be easily and accurately applied to the wavelength router. it can. Therefore, light that is incident on a certain wavelength selection block and reflected or transmitted by the selected wavelength characteristic of the multilayer filter can be reliably propagated to an adjacent wavelength selection block.

Each of the wavelength selection blocks 102 is a right-angle prism, for example, a first and second block pieces 102a, 1 of a right-angle prism having a high-precision right angle.
02b. And these block pieces 102
As shown in FIG. 2A, the bottom surfaces of a and 102b are bonded to each other with a multilayer filter f (f (λ2) in this example) interposed therebetween.

This bonding may be performed by a well-known appropriate method. As described above, in the conventional arrayed waveguide diffraction grating multiplexer / demultiplexer, it is difficult to increase the accuracy of array formation, and the phase error is 0.1%, which is the manufacturing limit, and the crosstalk characteristic is a practical level of -40 dB. It was difficult to achieve.

However, with such a configuration, it is possible to use a high-precision wavelength selection block having a small dimensional error, so that it is possible to improve crosstalk characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the wavelength selection blocks 102 are fixed on the same substrate 104 in alignment with each other, for example, in a matrix of 4 rows and 4 columns. The arrangement in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 3A, taking four wavelength blocks as an example. Adjacent wavelength selection blocks in the same column, for example, the second row and second column and the third row and second column wavelength selection blocks 22 and 32 are mutually connected to the first emission surface 22E ₁ of the wavelength selection element 22 and the wavelength selection element 3.
2, the second incidence surface 32I ₂ is opposed to the second wavelength selection block 23 in the second row and the third column adjacent to the same row.
It is made to face a first entrance surface 23I ₁ of the second output surface 22E ₂ and the wavelength selection element 23 of the wavelength selection element 22 to each other.

Reference numeral 106a shown in FIG. 2B denotes an input port for inserting four input ports 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I ₁ , and 4I ₁ into a V-shaped groove, arranging them in an array, and arranging them on a substrate. Reference block. Also, 106b is 106
a, four output ports 1E ₁ , 2E ₁ , 3E
_1, the 4E ₁ by insert arranged in an array in the V-shaped groove is a reference block output port for placement on the substrate.
FIG. 2B shows a state in the middle of fixing the block 106b. In this configuration example, the input port and the output port are configured by optically connecting an optical fiber to a collimator lens 108 that converts an optical signal into parallel light.

It is preferable to provide a positioning mark on the upper surface of the substrate to help arrange the wavelength selection blocks on the substrate 104. An example of the positioning mark is shown by a broken line 112 in FIG. In this configuration example, it is only necessary to be able to position the two orthogonal sides of the cubic block 102 and the intersecting vertices, so that the positioning marks are formed by orthogonal straight lines. The vertices of the block may be matched to the intersection of the two straight lines, and the two orthogonal sides may be matched with these straight lines. This positioning mark may be provided in another form.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3B, by sequentially arranging the wavelength selection elements as described above, each of the elements sequentially from the first column to the fourth column in the first row has the wavelength λ.
The optical signals of 4, λ3, λ2 and λ1 are selectively reflected, respectively. The sequential elements in the second row have wavelengths λ1, λ
The optical signals of 4, λ3 and λ2 are selectively reflected. Further, the sequential elements in the third row have wavelengths λ2, λ1,
The optical signals of λ4 and λ3 are selectively reflected, respectively. Further, the sequential elements in the fourth row (final row) have wavelengths λ3 and λ
2, λ1 and λ4 are selectively reflected.

With this configuration, since the optical axes of the incident light and the outgoing light of the wavelength selection block coincide between the plurality of wavelength blocks, the wavelength selection block can be easily and accurately applied to the wavelength router. it can. Therefore, light that is incident on a certain wavelength selection block and reflected or transmitted by the selected wavelength characteristic of the multilayer filter can be reliably propagated to an adjacent wavelength selection block.

Next, a modification of the wavelength selection block 102 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a top view schematically showing a modification of the wavelength selection block used in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 4, a right-angle prism-shaped first
Alternatively, a triangular prism 110 having a rhombic cross section may be used as the second block pieces 110a and 110b instead of the right-angle prism.

According to this structure, by using a triangular prism having a rhombic cross section instead of the right-angle prism,
Since the incident light is not perpendicularly incident on the incident surface, it is possible to prevent the return light generated due to the reflected and returned incident light from being reflected by the incident surface and entering the incident light.

The wavelength selection block 1 of the substrate 104
The positioning marks 112 of the wavelength selection block 102 may be formed in a grid pattern on the upper surface on which the reference numeral 02 is fixed (FIG. 4).

With this configuration, the positioning mark 1
Since the position can be determined with reference to 12, the wavelength selection blocks 102 can be arranged on the substrate 104 quickly and accurately.

Next, another specific example of the wavelength selection element will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams showing another specific example of the wavelength selection element according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 5A, the wavelength selection element 120
Each have a first three-port circulator 120a,
An optical fiber grating section 120b and a second three-port circulator 120c are provided. First three
The port circulator 120a is connected to the first input port I
₁ , the first output port E ₁ and the first input / output port IE ₁
It has. Second three-port circulator 120c
Has a second input port I ₂ , a second output port E ₂ and a second input / output port IE ₂ . One end of the optical fiber grating unit 120b is connected to the first input / output port IE.
It has been optically coupled with a wavelength selective property of reflecting wavelengths λ2 to _1, the other end is optically coupled to the second output port IE ₂ of the second three-port circulator 120c.

That is, the feature of the configuration of the wavelength selection element 120 is that an optical fiber grating section 120b is used instead of the multilayer filter f, which is different from the configuration of the wavelength selection block 102.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5D, the operation of the light selection element 120 when the light signal of the wavelength λ1 or λ2 of the light selection element 120 is input will be described.

FIG. 5A shows that an optical signal having a wavelength λ1 is input to the input port I1 of the _first three-port circulator 120a, and is input to an optical fiber grating section 120b having a wavelength selection characteristic for reflecting a specific wavelength λ2. FIG.

FIG. 5B shows that an optical signal having a wavelength λ2 is input to the input port I1 of the _first three-port circulator 120a, and is input to an optical fiber grating section 120b having a wavelength selection characteristic for reflecting a specific wavelength λ2. FIG.

FIG. 5C shows that an optical signal having a wavelength λ1 is input to the input port I2 of the _second three-port circulator 120c, and is input to an optical fiber grating 120b having a wavelength selection characteristic for reflecting a specific wavelength λ2. FIG.

FIG. 5D shows that an optical signal having a wavelength λ2 is input to the input port I2 of the _second three-port circulator 120c, and is input to an optical fiber grating unit 120b having a wavelength selection characteristic for reflecting a specific wavelength λ2. FIG.

[0120] When Fig. 5 (A), (in the figure, a solid line) the optical signal of the wavelength λ1 inputted from the first input port I ₁ of the first 3-port circulator 120a is first input-output port I
Optical fiber grating portion and emitted from E ₁ 120
Input to b. This optical fiber grating section 12
0b has a wavelength selection characteristic that reflects only the specific wavelength λ2. Therefore, the optical signal of wavelength λ1 input to the optical fiber grating unit 120b passes through the optical fiber grating unit 120b and the second input / output port IE ₂ of the second three-port circulator 120c.
Is input to Second three-port circulator 120c
The second optical signal having the wavelength λ1 inputted to the input-output ports IE ₂ of is emitted from the second output port E _2.

In the case of FIG. 5B, an optical signal of wavelength λ2 (indicated by a chain line in the figure) inputted from the first input port I ₁ of the first three-port circulator 120a is supplied to the first input / output port I
Optical fiber grating portion and emitted from E ₁ 120
b. This optical fiber grating section 1
20b reflects the input light because it has a wavelength selection characteristic of reflecting the wavelength λ2. This reflected light is transmitted to the first input / output port I of the first three-port circulator 120a.
Is incident on E _1, is emitted from the first output port E _1.

[0122] In FIG. 5 (C), (in the figure, a solid line) the optical signal of the wavelength λ1 inputted from the second input port I ₂ of the second three-port circulator 120c, since the configuration is symmetrical, FIG. 5 (a) to be emitted from the first output port E ₁ of the first 3-port circulator 120a and the same operation (operation symmetric).

[0123] In FIG. 5 (D), (in the figure, dashed line) the optical signal of the wavelength λ2 input from the second input port I ₂ of the second three-port circulator 120c, since the configuration is symmetrical, FIG. 5 (B) to be emitted from the second output port E ₂ of the second three-port circulator 120c by the same operation (operation symmetric).

With this configuration, the wavelength selection element can be easily configured by using the conventional three-port circulator and optical fiber grating. In addition, since the optical fiber grating whose optical axis direction is variable is used as the wavelength selecting means because it is bendable, the input optical axis and the output light of a plurality of wavelength selecting blocks like the wavelength selecting block shown in FIG. There is no need to adjust the position of the shaft.

Next, another configuration example of the wavelength selection element will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 6A to 6D are explanatory views showing still another specific example of the wavelength selection element according to the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the wavelength selection element 130 will be described.

FIG. 6A shows the first 3 dB coupler section 13.
The optical signal at the first input port I ₁ in a wavelength λ1 is input 0a, illustrates a case where input to the grating portion 130b having a wavelength selective property of reflecting a specific wavelength .lambda.2.

FIG. 6B shows the first 3 dB coupler section 13.
The optical signal at the first input port I ₁ in a wavelength .lambda.2 input of 0a, illustrates a case where input to the grating portion 130b having a wavelength selective property of reflecting a specific wavelength .lambda.2.

FIG. 6C shows the second 3 dB coupler section 13.
Optical signal at the second input port I ₂ in the wavelength λ1 of 0c is input, a diagram illustrating a case where it is inputted to the grating portion 130b having a wavelength selective property of reflecting a specific wavelength .lambda.2.

FIG. 6D shows the second 3 dB coupler section 13.
Optical signal at the second input port I ₂ in the wavelength .lambda.2 of 0c is input, a diagram illustrating a case where it is inputted to the grating portion 130b having a wavelength selective property of reflecting a specific wavelength .lambda.2.

In FIG. 6A, the wavelength selection element 130
Are mirror-symmetrically formed on the substrate 104.
There are two optical waveguides 130-a, 130-b. Each of the waveguides 130-a and 130-b includes a first 3 dB coupler unit 130a, a grating unit 130b, and a second 3dB coupler unit 130c which are sequentially and continuously formed. The first and second 3 dB coupler units 1
30a and 130c have a characteristic of demultiplexing and multiplexing between the optical waveguides 130-a and 130-b. The grating section 130b has a wavelength selection characteristic, for example, a characteristic of reflecting the wavelength λ2. The first and second output ports E ₁ and E ₂ of the demultiplexing / multiplexing device are respectively constituted by one end and the other end of the second optical waveguide 130-b. The first and second output ports E ₁ and E ₂ of the demultiplexing / multiplexing element 130 are connected to the second
One end and the other end of the optical waveguide 130-b are respectively formed.

The configuration of the wavelength selection element is different from the configuration of the wavelength selection block 102 and the wavelength selection element 120 in that the two optical waveguides 130-a and 130-b and the grating formed on the optical waveguide are provided. The point is that it is configured using the unit 130b.

Next, the operation of the wavelength selection element 130 when an optical signal having the wavelength λ1 or λ2 is input to the wavelength selection element 130 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 6A, the wavelength λ1 input from the first input port I ₁ of the first 3 dB coupler unit 130a is used.
The optical signal (solid line in the figure) of the first 3 dB coupler unit 13
0a, the optical power is divided equally and the two optical waveguides 130-
a, 130-b. Then, the distributed light is input to a grating section 130b formed to cross the two optical waveguides 130-a and 130-b. The grating section 130b has a wavelength selection characteristic that reflects only the specific wavelength λ2. Therefore, the optical signal of wavelength λ1 input to the grating unit 130b passes through the grating unit 130b and is input to the second 3dB coupler unit 130c. Optical signal having the wavelength λ1 inputted to the second 3dB coupler portion 130c is emitted from the second output port E ₂ is the optical directional coupler.

In FIG. 6B, an optical signal (indicated by a chain line in FIG. 6) of wavelength λ2 input from the first 3 dB coupler unit 130a is divided into two optical signals by the first 3dB coupler unit 130a. Optical waveguides 130-a, 130-b
Is distributed to each. Each of the distributed optical signals is input to a grating unit 130b formed so as to cross the two optical waveguides 130-a and 130-b. Since the grating 130b has a wavelength selection characteristic of reflecting the wavelength λ2, it reflects these input lights, respectively. Each reflected light is
Is inputted again to the first 3dB coupler portion 130a, and is emitted from the first output port E ₁ is an optical directional coupler.

In FIG. 6C, the wavelength λ input from the second input port I ₂ of the second 3 dB coupler section 130c.
1 (a solid line in the figure) is transmitted through the two optical waveguides 13.
0-a, 130-b is so mirror-symmetrical, are emitted from the first output port E ₁ of the first 3dB coupler portion 130a to the FIG. 6 (A) and the same operation (operation of the left and right reversed).

In FIG. 6D, the wavelength λ2 input from the second input port I ₂ of the second 3 dB coupler section 130c is used.
(Indicated by a chain line in the figure) of the two optical waveguides 130
Since -a and 130-b are mirror symmetric, the same operation (symmetric operation) as that of FIG.
Emitted from the second output port E ₂ of 0c.

According to this structure, since the wavelength selection element can be formed by the optical waveguide formed on the substrate and the grating formed on the substrate, it is possible to integrate the wavelength selection element on the substrate. It is suitable for mass production.

Second Embodiment Next, a wavelength router according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the wavelength selecting element constituting the wavelength router according to the second embodiment is configured using an optical waveguide and a multilayer filter.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the configuration of the wavelength router.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the wavelength router includes a wavelength selector, an input port, and an output port. In this configuration example, in the figure, a straight line (corresponding to an intersection area array to be described later) A1 (λ3), A2 (λ2) connecting the intersections of the matrix in the figure with the multilayer filter constituting the wavelength selection unit 103 is shown. , A3 (λ1), A
4 (λ4), A5 (λ3), A6 (λ2) and A7
This is schematically indicated by (λ1). The input ports are indicated by 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I ₁ and 4I ₁ , and the output ports are indicated by 1E ₁ , 2E ₁ , 3E ₁ and 4E ₁ . A region of each intersection of the matrix of M rows and N columns (hereinafter referred to as an intersection region) of the wavelength selection unit is R (m,
n). Here, m and n are integers of 1 or more, and 1 ≦
It is assumed that m ≦ M and 1 ≦ n ≦ N. These intersecting regions R (m, n) have a characteristic of selectively reflecting a specific wavelength. Each of these intersection regions is optically coupled to a corresponding input and output port, respectively.

In this configuration example, the intersecting region R (2, 2) of the wavelength selecting section 103 has multiple wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3, λ4
Of the optical signal (referred to as a selected wavelength), for example, the wavelength λ4, and reflects the optical signal of the selected wavelength λ4. Then, other non-wavelength selected optical signals, that is, optical signals of wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3 are transmitted. And
Intersecting regions R (2,1), R (2,2), R in the same row
Each of (2, 3) and R (2, 4) has a wavelength selection characteristic that is optically coupled in the arrangement order and reflects an optical signal. Also, the intersection areas R (1,2), R (2,
2), R (3,2) and R (4,2) are optically coupled in the order of arrangement and have mutually different wavelength selection characteristics. Intersection area R (1,1), R in the first row
Each of (2,1), R (3,1), R (4,1) is a corresponding input port 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I ₁ and 4I ₁
And each is optically coupled. Then, the intersection areas R (4,1), R (4,2), R (4,3),
R (4,4) each have a corresponding output port 1E ₁ , 2
E _1, 3E ₁ and 4E ₁ and are optically coupled respectively. Then, one of the intersection regions, for example, R (2,
The output port 2 in the column to which the optical signal whose wavelength has been selected in 2), for example, the intersection region R (2, 2) in which the wavelength λ4 has been selected.
It is configured to be output from the E _1.

With this configuration, it is possible to form the above-described wavelength selection block 102 without using the wavelength selection elements such as the wavelength selection element 120 and the wavelength selection element 130 as described above. However, in this configuration example, without using the wavelength selection block 102, the
4, an example in which the wavelength selection unit 103 is formed by providing a multilayer filter will be described.

A specific example of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, between the crossing regions shifted by one row and one column, for example, the crossing region R (2, 2) and the crossing region R
Intersecting regions connecting (3, 3), which are arranged on a plurality of diagonals parallel to each other in the matrix, for example, R (1, 3)
1), R (2,2), R (3,3), R (4,4) and R
(2,1), R (3,2), R (4,3) form a plurality of intersecting region arrays, for example, intersecting region arrays A4, A3. Then, each intersection region R (2,1), R (3,3) of the same intersection region array, for example, the intersection region array A3.
2) and R (4,3) have the same wavelength selection characteristic, for example, a characteristic of reflecting the wavelength λ1. Here, this intersection area array is represented as A3 (λ1). Further, each of the crossing regions between different crossing region arrays, for example, in the crossing region arrays A3 and A4, has different wavelength selection characteristics, that is, a characteristic of reflecting the wavelength λ1 and a characteristic of reflecting the wavelength λ4. Such an intersection area array A1 (λ3), A2 (λ2), A3 (λ
1), A4 (λ4), A5 (λ3), A6 (λ2), A
Each of 7 (λ1) is a multilayer filter to which a selective reflection wavelength is assigned for each array, and is formed.

With this configuration, a highly accurate wavelength selector can be formed with a simple and small number of members. For example, in the case of a wavelength router with a matrix of 4 rows and 4 columns, seven multilayer filters may be used.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, each crossing area array of the wavelength selection unit 103 is provided with a multilayer filter having different wavelength selection characteristics on a strip of individual translucent material. It is formed. Here, the same symbols A1, A2, A3, A
4, A5, A6, and A7 are shown. These strips are
It is fixed on the upper surface of the substrate 104.

According to this structure, the wavelength selecting section can be formed of a band having a conventional multilayer filter.

In this case, the substrate 104 has a band-shaped body, for example, the band-shaped bodies A1, A2, and A shown in FIG.
3, A4, A5, A6, and A7 are provided.

With this configuration, the belt-like members A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A
6, A7 can be arranged, so that the strips A1, A
2, A3, A4, A5, A6, and A7 can be accurately and easily positioned on the substrate.

It is preferable that the wavelength selecting section 103 is provided with an optical waveguide for performing optical coupling. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7, these optical waveguides 105 and 107 are indicated by solid lines in the row and column directions, respectively. For example, the optical waveguides 105a, 105b, 105c in the first to fourth rows
And 105d are formed on the substrate 104 in parallel with each other, and one end of each is optically coupled to the corresponding collimator lens. On the other hand, first to fourth rows of optical waveguides 107a, 107b, 107c and 107d are formed on the substrate 104 in parallel with each other, and one end of each is optically coupled to the corresponding collimator lens 108.

According to this structure, light is attracted to the optical waveguide by forming the wavelength selector with the optical waveguide. Therefore, even if there is an error in the reflection angle formed in the incident light path and the reflection light path with respect to the multilayer filter, regardless of the error in the reflection angle due to the attraction of light in the optical waveguide,
The reflected light can be correctly guided to the target point.

In this case, in manufacturing the wavelength router, a plurality of parallel plane translucent strips having the same thickness, for example, a transparent glass plate are prepared. The length of the glass plate may be set to an appropriate length in advance according to the design. Further, it is preferable that the widths of the glass plates are equalized. Next, on the upper surface of the belt-like body, multilayer films having different wavelength selection characteristics and required characteristics according to design are formed (first step). The formation of this multilayer film may be performed by using a well-known appropriate film forming method such as vapor deposition. Next, a plurality of optical waveguides are formed on the upper surface of the substrate in the row and column directions of the matrix, respectively (second step). These optical waveguides may be formed by a well-known appropriate method. Next, grooves are formed in the substrate along the plurality of parallel diagonals, which cross the intersections of rows and columns diagonally in one direction, across the portion of the optical waveguide (third step). The width of each of the grooves is a width that can be fitted and fixed to the belt-like body on which the multilayer film is formed. Next, the strip on which the multilayer film is formed is fixed to the corresponding groove (fourth step).

According to this structure, the optical waveguide is formed on the substrate by forming the optical waveguide on the substrate before the groove is formed on the substrate, and the substrate is cut together with the optical waveguide to form the groove. Can be. This facilitates the formation of the groove. Then, the band-shaped body on which the multilayer film is formed can be easily fixed to the groove. For this fixing, if necessary, fixing reinforcing means such as an adhesive may be used.

Next, a modification of the wavelength selection element of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a top view showing a modification of the wavelength selection element of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the wavelength selecting section includes individual blocks B1, B2, B2 made of a translucent material, for example, a glass material.
3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, multilayer filter f
(Λ3), f (λ2), f (λ1), f (λ4), f
(Λ3), f (λ2) and f (λ1) are sandwiched at equal intervals to form a hexahedral integrated block 140 as a whole.
And arranged on the substrate 104.

According to this structure, since the wavelength selecting elements can be manufactured integrally, it takes less time and effort than when a large number of wavelength selecting elements are individually manufactured. Necessary optical positioning adjustment is not required.

Next, a method of manufacturing the above-described hexahedral block 140 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a process for producing a hexahedral block 140. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, in manufacturing this wavelength router, hexahedron-shaped blocks have the same thickness,
Transparent substrate of parallel plane, for example, B1, B2, B3, B4
Are prepared, and a single layer, for example, a multilayer film having different wavelength selection characteristics, for example, f (λ
3), f (λ2) and f (λ1) are formed respectively (first step). As the substrate, a transparent glass substrate is preferably used, and the formation of the multilayer film may be performed by a known film forming method such as evaporation. In order for the multilayered film to be interposed between the substrates one by one,
The laminated blocks are formed by laminating them in the order according to the design (second step). Here, the substrates B1, B2, B3 and B4 are superposed in this order. A diagonal line of a quadrilateral having the same length (indicated by a broken line in the drawing) coincides with one of the multilayer films, and two vertices of the quadrilateral on a line perpendicular to the diagonal line are stacked blocks. The laminated block is cut along the four sides by a well-known appropriate method so as to match the upper surface and the lower surface, respectively, to form a hexahedral block 140 (third step). Here, the multilayer film f (λ2) is made to coincide with a diagonal line.

With this configuration, the above-described hexahedral block can be easily and precisely manufactured.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 11A is a conceptual diagram for explaining a wavelength router according to a third embodiment.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the wavelength router according to the third embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 11A, M rows and N columns (M
And N are integers of 2 or more. ), A plurality of 2-input 2-output type wavelength selecting elements arranged in a matrix of, for example, 4 rows and 4 columns, for example, wavelength selecting elements 11 to 44, and a plurality of input ports, for example, input ports 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I.
₁ , 4I ₁ and a plurality of output ports, for example, output port 1
E _1, which comprises the _{2E 1, 3E 1, 4E 1} .

Each of the wavelength selecting elements 11 to 44 reflects an optical signal of a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength), similarly to the other wavelength selecting elements described above, and selects other non-wavelength selecting elements. It has the property of transmitting optical signals. For example, the wavelength selection elements 12, 14, 33, and 43 select the wavelength λ2, reflect the optical signal of the selected wavelength λ2, and transmit the wavelengths λ1, λ3, λ4. Further, in this configuration example, the wavelength selection elements 11 in the first and last rows are used.
Each of 12, 13, 14 and 41, 42, 43, 44 is optically coupled in the order of arrangement. Each of the wavelength selecting elements 11, 21, 31, and 41 in the first row has the same wavelength selection characteristic (this wavelength selection characteristic is referred to as a first wavelength selection characteristic), for example, the wavelength of the same wavelength λ1 here. Has selection characteristics.

Each of the wavelength selection elements is optically coupled to a wavelength selection element shifted by one row and one column. For example, the wavelength selection element 22 includes the wavelength selection element 11, the wavelength selection element 31,
It is coupled to the wavelength selection element 13 and the wavelength selection element 33.

Each of the first row of wavelength selection elements is optically coupled to a corresponding input port and a corresponding output port, respectively. In this configuration example, element 11 is coupled to input port 1I ₁ and output port 1E ₁ and element 21
Is coupled to input port 2I ₁ and output port 2E ₁
Element 31 is coupled to an input port 3I ₁ and an output port 3E _1, and element 41 is coupled to an input port 4I ₁ and an output port 4E _1. Each of the wavelength selection elements in the second and subsequent rows has a wavelength selection characteristic different from the first wavelength selection characteristic. Each of the wavelength selection element row of the second column or later, the input port, for example, the second line of the input port wavelength-multiplexed optical signal from 2I ₁ in a row, i.e. the wavelength λ
When the optical signals of 1, λ2, λ3, and λ4 are input to the wavelength selection element in the first column, for example, the wavelength selection element 21 in the second row and the first column, the different wavelength selection characteristics are utilized to make use of the different wavelength selection characteristics. Non-wavelength-selective optical signal from wavelength selection element 21, wavelengths λ2, λ
The optical signals of 3, .lambda.4 are converted to other wavelength selecting elements in the first column, for example, the wavelength selecting elements 11 in the first, third, and fourth rows of the first column.
In order to output optical signals having different wavelengths from each other, for example, optical signals having wavelengths λ2, λ3, λ4,
It is arranged.

In this configuration example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the selected wavelength of each of the wavelength selecting elements 11, 21, 31, and 41 in the first column is λ1. The selected wavelengths of the wavelength selecting elements 12, 22, 32, 42 in the first to fourth rows of the second column are λ2, λ3, λ3, λ4, respectively. Further, the selected wavelengths of the wavelength selection elements 13, 23, 33, 43 in the first to fourth rows of the third column are respectively set to λ.
4, λ4, λ2, λ2. Further, the wavelength selecting elements 14, 24, 34,
The selected wavelengths of 44 are λ2, λ3, λ3, and λ4, respectively.

[0171] In this case, for example, a wavelength-multiplexed signals of wavelengths λ1~λ4 is made incident on the element 21, is output optical signal of the wavelength λ1 is the output port 2E ₁ at element 21. Optical signal of the wavelength λ2 is output via the element 11 is reflected by the element 12 to the output port 1E _1. At the same time, the optical signal of the wavelength λ3 is transmitted to the element 12, the element 13, the element 24, the element 33, the element 4
2, is outputted to the output port 4E ₁ through element 41. Similarly, the optical signal of wavelength λ4 is element 12, element 13, element 22, is outputted to the output port 3E ₁ through element 31.

The relationship between the input, output and wavelength of the wavelength router 200 is shown as a wavelength selection characteristic in the table of FIG.

With such a configuration, the number of wavelength selection elements through which light passes can be smaller when the wavelength selection elements are connected in a cross-shaped manner than when the wavelength selection elements are connected in a grid, so that light loss is reduced. Can be reduced.

With this configuration, it is possible to easily configure a wavelength router with less light loss in the case of multi-wavelength light having four wavelengths.

Each of the wavelength selection elements used in this wavelength router is the same as that shown in FIG.
The wavelength selection element described in the above can also be used. Note that the description of the configuration has been already described, and will not be repeated.

With such a configuration, the number of wavelength selection elements through which light passes can be reduced, and light loss can be reduced.

Next, the wavelength selection element 120 described with reference to FIG.
Is used as the wavelength router 200 in FIG. 11A. In FIG. 11A, the first input port, the second input port, the first output port, and the second output port are partially omitted from the reference numerals. I followed by the number
₁ and I ₂ to denote the first and second input ports,
It represents the first and second output ports are denoted by ₁ and E _2.

The wavelength selection element described with reference to FIG.
As shown in (A), the first row of wavelength selection elements 11 and
The first input ports 11I ₁ , 21 of the respective ₁ , 31, 41
I ₁ , 31I ₁ , and 41I ₁ are optically coupled to corresponding input ports 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I ₁ , and 4I ₁ of the wavelength router 200, respectively. Each of the first output ports 11E ₁ , 21E ₁ , 31E ₁ , and 41E ₁ is connected to the corresponding output port 1E ₁ , 2E ₁ , 3E of the wavelength router 200.
₁ and 4E ₁ are optically coupled to each other. The first
First input ports 11I ₁ , 21I of wavelength selecting elements in a row
₁ , 31I ₁ , 41I ₁ and the first output port 1E ₁ ,
2E _1, 3E _1, 4E ₁ includes an input port 1I ₁ wavelength router _{200, 2I 1, 3I 1,} 4I 1 and output port _{1E 1, 2E 1, 3E 1} , 4E 1 may be shared as.

According to this structure, the plurality of wavelength selection elements 120 arranged in a matrix are connected to the wavelength router 20.
It can be configured as zero.

Next, the connection relationship when the wavelength selection element 120 described in FIG. 5 is applied to the wavelength router 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12A shows the wavelength selection described in FIG.
Connections when the element 120 is applied to the wavelength router 200
FIG. FIG. 12B shows the wavelength router.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating wavelength selection characteristics. In addition, in FIG.
And a first input port, a second input port, a first output port
And the second output port are each simply I₁ , I_Two , E ₁ 
And E_Two Is commonly used for each element, and
These are not shown.

In FIG. 12A, the wavelength router 200
, Each wavelength selection element 120 is composed of a first and second wavelength selection element group, for example, the wavelength selection elements 11 and 3.
A group of 1, 22, 42, 13, 33, 24, 44 or a wavelength selection element 21, 41, 12, 32, 23, 43, 14, 3;
4 are included in any of the groups. Each of the wavelength selection elements 11, 31, 22, 42, in this first wavelength selection element group,
Reference numerals 13, 33, 24, and 44 denote certain wavelength selecting elements belonging to other than the first column, the last column, the first row, and the last row, for example, when the wavelength selecting element 22 is the first center wavelength selecting element 22, First input port I _{1 of} one center wavelength selection element 22
To the second output port E of the wavelength selection element 11 in the previous row and front column.
Optically coupled to ₁ . It is optically coupled to form a first output port E ₁ of the wavelength selection element 13 with a second input port I ₂ of the first center wavelength selection element 22 before the line back row. The first output port E of the first center wavelength selecting element 22
It is optically coupled to form the second input port I ₂ of the wavelength selection element 31 on the trailing front row _one. Are optically coupled to form a first input port I ₁ of the wavelength selection element 33 in the trailing rear second output port E ₂ of the first center wavelength selection element 22. Further, each of the wavelength selection elements 21, 41, 12, 32, 23, 43, 14, 34 in this second wavelength selection element group.
When one wavelength selection element belonging to a column other than the first column, the last column, the first row and the last row, for example, the wavelength selection element 32 in the third row and the second column is the second center wavelength selection element 32,
A first output port E ₁ of the center wavelength selection element 32 are optically coupled to form the second input port I ₂ of the wavelength selection element 21 in the front row the front row. It is optically coupled to form a first input port I ₁ of the wavelength selection element 23 with the second output port E ₂ of the second center wavelength selective element 32 prior to line the back row. It is optically coupled to form a first input port I ₁ of the second center wavelength selection element 32 to the second output port E ₂ of the wavelength selection element 41 on the trailing front row. The second center wavelength selecting element 32
It is optically coupled to form a first output port E ₁ of the wavelength selection element 43 in the trailing rear input port I _2. This first
The wavelength selection elements in the wavelength selection element group, for example, the wavelength selection elements 11, 31, 22, 42, 13, 33, 24, 44 and the wavelength selection elements in the second wavelength selection element group, for example, the wavelength selection elements 21, 41, 12, 32, 23, 43, 14, 34
Are alternately arranged in each of the same row and the same column.

With this configuration, if the wavelength selection elements are connected in accordance with the above connection conditions, a wavelength router with less light loss can be easily configured as compared with the arrangement of the wavelength selection elements in FIG. It is possible to eliminate the need for trial and error.

Next, in the above-described wavelength selection element, connection conditions of the wavelength selection elements arranged in the first and last rows will be described.

The first row of wavelength selecting elements, for example, the wavelength selecting elements of the first row included in the wavelength selecting elements 11, 31, 22, 42, 13, 33, 24, 44, for example, the wavelength selecting elements 11, 13 The second input ports I ₂ and I ₂ are optically coupled to the first output ports E ₁ and E ₁ of the wavelength selecting elements 12 and 14 in the succeeding row except for the last row included in the second wavelength selecting element group. I have. Further, the second wavelength selection element group, that is, the wavelength selection elements 21, 41, 12, 32, 23, 4
3, the wavelength selecting element 1 in the first row included in 34
2, 14 second output ports E ₂ , E ₂ are connected to the first wavelength selection element groups 11, 31, 22, 42, 13, 33, 24, 44.
Wavelength selecting element 1 on the same row and rear row except for the last row included in
3 is optically coupled to a first input port I ₁ . First
Wavelength selection element groups 11, 31, 22, 42, 13, 33,
24, 44, the wavelength selection elements 42,
The first output ports E ₁ , E ₁ of 44 are connected to the wavelength selection elements 41 in the front row of the same row except for the first row included in the second wavelength selection element groups 21, 41, 12, 32, 23, 43, 14, 34. ,
43 are optically coupled to the second input ports I ₂ , I ₂ . And second wavelength selection element groups 21, 41, 12, 3
The first input ports I ₁ , I ₁ of the wavelength selecting elements 41, 43 in the last row included in 2, 23, 43, 14, 34 are connected to the first wavelength selecting element groups 11, 31, 22, 42, 13, 3
3,24,44 are optically coupled to the second output port E ₂ of the bank front row of the wavelength selection element 42 except for the first column contained in the.

Note that the opened second input ports I ₂ , I ₂ , I ₂ , I ₂ and the second output port E of the wavelength selecting elements in the last row, for example, the wavelength selecting elements 14, 24, 34, 44 are opened.
₂ , E ₂ , E ₂ , and E ₂ are dummy ports, which may or may not have an optical connection with components outside the wavelength router.

With this configuration, the connection conditions between the first and last rows become clear, which is convenient for actually configuring a wavelength router.

Now, each of the input ports 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I ₁
And when the multiplexed optical signals of wavelengths λ1~λ4 is input to 4I _1, 12 each output of the wavelength router of the structure of (A) 1
E ₁ , 2E ₁ , 3E _1, and 4E ₁ include FIG.
The optical signal of the wavelength described under each output port is output.

It is to be noted that another wavelength selection element applicable to the wavelength router of this embodiment has already been described with reference to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment, and a description of its configuration and operation and effects will be omitted. .

Next, the wavelength selection element 130 described with reference to FIG.
Will be described with reference to FIG. 11 which is used as the wavelength router 200.

The first of each of the wavelength selection elements 130 (FIG. 6)
Input port I ₁ is assigned to a corresponding input port of wavelength router 200 (FIG. 11), for example, input ports 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I.
₁ , 4I ₁ respectively. further,
Corresponding output port 1E wavelength router 200 of the first output port E ₁ of each of the wavelength selection element 130 _1, 2E _1, 3
Optically coupled to E ₁ and 4E ₁ respectively.

With this configuration, the wavelength selection element 130 described with reference to FIG. 6 can be incorporated in the wavelength router 200 shown in FIG.

With respect to the connection relationship when the wavelength selecting element 130 using the optical waveguide described with reference to FIG. 6 is applied to the wavelength router 200, the wavelength selecting element 130 in the first embodiment is connected to the wavelength router 100 (FIG. A) Since the configuration and effect are the same as those applied to A), they are omitted here.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, referring to FIG. 13, a fourth embodiment in which the wavelength selection block 102 described in FIG. 2A is used as a wavelength router, for example, as a multiplexing / demultiplexing device. A configuration example of the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13A is a conceptual diagram showing a case where the wavelength selection block 102 described in FIG. 2A is used as a multiplexing / demultiplexing device. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the wavelength demultiplexing and multiplexing characteristics.

As shown in FIG. 13A, M rows and N columns (M
And N are integers of 2 or more. ), A plurality of two-input two-output wavelength selecting elements arranged in a matrix, and wavelength-multiplexed input optical signals, for example, wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ
A plurality of input ports to which wavelength-multiplexed input optical signals of 3, 3 and 4 are input, for example, 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3
And I _1, 4I _1, which comprises a plurality of output ports for outputting the optical signal wavelength and power are selected respectively, namely an output port _{1E 1, 2E 1, 3E 1} , 4E 1. Each of the wavelength selection elements divides the power of an optical signal having a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength), for example, the wavelength λ1, for example, halves.
The reflection and transmission of the optical signal of the selected wavelength, that is, the wavelength λ
It has a wavelength selection characteristic that reflects one half of one optical power and transmits the other half. The wavelength selection elements in the same row, for example, each of the wavelength selection elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 are optically coupled in the arrangement order. Each of the wavelength selecting elements in the same row, for example, the wavelength selecting elements 12, 22, 32, and 42 are optically coupled in the arrangement order. Wavelength selecting elements in the first row, for example, wavelength selecting elements 11, 21, 31, 4
Each ₁ is optically coupled to a corresponding input port, ie, input ports 1I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I ₁ , 4I ₁ , respectively. Wavelength selecting element of the last row, for example, each of the wavelength selection element 41, 42, 43 and 44, the corresponding output port, for example, the output port _{1E 1, 2E 1, 3E 1} , 4E
₁ and each are optically coupled. Any wavelength selective element, for example a light signal reflected by the wavelength selection element 22, the column output port wavelength selective element 22 subjected to this reflection belongs, i.e. from 2E _1, selected wavelength λ2 in and divided power For example, it is configured to output as a reflected light signal having a half optical power.

The wavelength selecting elements 14, 24, 3 in the last row
4, 44 second output ports 14E ₂ , 24E ₂ , 34E ₂
, 44E ₂ and the wavelength selection elements 11, 12,.
13, 14 second input ports 11I ₂ , 12I ₂ , 13
I ₂ and 14I ₂ are dummy ports and have no optical connection relationship.

With such a configuration, the optical power of the wavelength-selected optical signal is divided by the wavelength selecting element, so that a part of the light is reflected by the wavelength selecting element and the remaining light is reflected by the wavelength selecting element. Transmit through the element. Therefore, optical signals of the same wavelength can be respectively distributed to a plurality of output ports.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 13A, the wavelength selecting elements in the same row, for example, the wavelength selecting elements 21,
Each of 22, 22, and 24 has the same wavelength selection characteristic as each other, for example, a wavelength selection characteristic of reflecting the optical power of wavelength λ2 by half and transmitting by half. Wavelength selection elements in the same row, for example, wavelength selection elements 12, 22, 32,
Each of 42 has wavelength selection characteristics different from each other, for example, wavelength selection characteristics of wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3, λ4, respectively.

With this configuration, only the optical signal of a specific wavelength is distributed in the column direction by the same wavelength selection characteristics arranged in the same row, and further, by the different wavelength selection characteristics arranged in the same column. , And the distributed light is emitted from the output port without being reflected. Therefore, the optical signal can be demultiplexed and combined in this manner.

Each of the wavelength selection elements 11 to 44
As shown in FIG. 13A, this is an element that divides the power of the optical signal input to the wavelength selection element into half. For example,
Consider a case where a multiplexed optical signal of wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3, λ4 is input to the wavelength selection element 11. The optical power of the optical signal of wavelength λ1 input to the wavelength selection element 11 is
Due to the wavelength selection characteristic of 1, the optical signal of the wavelength λ1 has its optical power reduced by half and is reflected. The optical power of the other half of the wavelength λ1 is transmitted through the wavelength selection element 11. And
Non-wavelength selected optical signals of wavelengths λ2, λ3, λ4 are transmitted through the wavelength selection element 11 without being reflected.

With this configuration, if the optical power of the reflected or transmitted optical signal is だ け times the number of reflections, the optical power of the optical signal emitted from the target output port can be easily calculated. It is convenient in design.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 13A, M and N are the same integer, for example, 4 in this case, and the integer is the number of wavelengths multiplexed in the input optical signal. Matches.

With this configuration, a demultiplexer / demultiplexer capable of multiplexing / demultiplexing optical signals of all wavelengths of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal can be configured in the minimum unit, so that it is compact and compact. It is possible to design a multiplexer / demultiplexer without waste.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13A, the power of the reflected light signal output from the first-stage wavelength selection element arranged in the last column in the order away from the input port is equal to the power of the input light signal. It is 1/2. And the power of the reflected light signal output from the wavelength selection element at the rear stage of the array is 1/1 / the power of the reflected light signal output from the wavelength selection element at the front stage.
It is 2.

With this configuration, if the optical power of the reflected or transmitted optical signal is だ け times the number of reflections, the optical power of the optical signal emitted from the target output port can be easily calculated. It is convenient in design.

As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the wavelength selection element 102 is a wavelength selection block mainly formed of a material transmissive to optical signals, for example, a glass material. In addition, each of the wavelength selection blocks 102 includes first and second two incident surfaces 102I ₁ , 10I 10.
2I ₂ , the first and second two emission surfaces 102E ₁ ,
102E ₂ and a multilayer filter f for providing wavelength selection characteristics
With First optical signal incident from the incident surface 102I _1, a wavelength .lambda.1, select .lambda.2, [lambda] 3, the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal .lambda.4, for example reflected by the multilayer filter f (.lambda.2) having a wavelength selection characteristics of the wavelength .lambda.2 is emitted from the first emission surface 102E ₁ as reflected light signal of the wavelength .lambda.2. At the same time, the wavelength .lambda.1, [lambda] 3, .lambda.4 optical signal is a structure that is emitted from the second emission surface 102E ₂ as transmitted light signals other than the selected wavelength .lambda.2 of multilayer filter f (λ2).

With this configuration, the optical axis of the incident light and the optical axis of the output light of the wavelength selection block are made to coincide with each other between the plurality of wavelength selection blocks, and the conventional multilayer filter is divided into the wavelength selection light power splitter. Since it can be used as a means, a demultiplexer / multiplexer can be obtained with a simple configuration.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, each of the wavelength selection blocks 102 includes a first prism and a second prism having a right-angle prism shape.
Block pieces 102a and 102b are provided, and the bottom faces of these block pieces 102a and 102b are bonded to each other with a multilayer filter, that is, f (λ2) interposed therebetween.

With this configuration, the optical axis of the incident light and the optical axis of the emitted light of the wavelength selection block are made to coincide with each other among the plurality of wavelength selection blocks, and the conventional multilayer filter is divided into the wavelength selection light power splitter. Since it can be used as a means, a demultiplexer / multiplexer can be obtained with a simple configuration.

As shown in FIG. 2, the wavelength selection blocks 102 are fixed to each other on the same substrate 104 in close contact with each other. Adjacent wavelength selection blocks in the same column, for example, wavelength selection blocks 12, 22, 32, 42, are mutually first.
The exit surface 102E ₁ and the second incidence surface 102I ₂ are brought into close contact. Adjacent wavelength selection blocks 21 and 2 in the same row
2,23,24 includes a second output surface 102E ₂ together first
It is brought into close contact with the incident surface 102I _1.

According to this structure, by using a high-precision wavelength selection block having a small individual error, only the plurality of wavelength selection blocks are brought into close contact with each other, and each of the incident optical axes of the plurality of wavelength selection blocks is output. This eliminates the need to adjust the positions of the emission axes.

As described with reference to FIG. 3, the positioning mark 112 of the wavelength selection block 102 is provided on the surface of the substrate 104 on which the wavelength selection block 102 is fixed.
Is formed.

With this configuration, the positioning mark 1
Since the wavelength selection block 102 can be positioned using the guide 12 as a guide, the wavelength selection block 102 can be easily positioned on the substrate 104.

[Fifth Embodiment] Next, a wavelength router according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 14A is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a wavelength router 300 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the wavelength selection characteristics of this wavelength router.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the wavelengths λ1, λ
The wavelength router 300 that wavelength-selects and outputs an input optical signal in which the input optical signals 2, 2, and 3 are multiplexed has four input ports 1
I ₁ , 2I ₁ , 3I ₁ , 4I ₁ and four output ports 1
It comprises E ₁ , 2E ₁ , 3E ₁ , 4E ₁ , four first wavelength selection elements 302, 304, 306, 308 and a wavelength distribution section 310. Four first wavelength selection elements 302, 304, 306, 30 from the first stage to the fourth stage
8 has a characteristic of selecting a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength) λ1 to reflect an optical signal of a selected wavelength and transmitting an optical signal of a non-selected wavelength, that is, transmitting wavelengths λ2, λ3, and λ4. . First wavelength selection elements 302, 304, 3
06, 308 each have a corresponding input port 1I ₁ , 2I
₁ , 3I ₁ , 4I ₁ and output ports 1E ₁ , 2E ₁ ,
Optically coupled to 3E ₁ and 4E ₁ respectively. Then, the first wavelength selection elements 302, 304, 306, 30
Reference numeral 8 denotes each of the wavelengths λ2, λ3, and λ4, which is optically coupled to the wavelength distributing unit 310 and multiplexes the optical signal transmitted through each of these elements, with a corresponding first wavelength selecting element 302, 304 corresponding to the element. , 306, and 308.

First, the first wavelength selection elements 302, 304,
Each of the first circulator 312 and 306
314, 316, 318 and first grating section 32
0,322,324,326. The first circulator 312, 314, 316 and 318, the corresponding input port 1I _1, 2I _1, 3I _1, 4I ₁ and output port 1E _1, 2E _1, 3E _1, respectively optically coupled to each of 4E ₁ Have been. The first grating sections 320, 322, 324, 326 are optically coupled to the first circulators 312, 314, 316, 318 to perform wavelength selection.

Next, the wavelength sorting section 310 includes three second wavelength selection elements 358, 3 from the first stage to the third stage.
60, 362. The first-stage second wavelength selection element 358 includes a second circulator 328 and second grating sections 334, 336, 338, and 340. The second wavelength selecting element 360 in the second stage includes a second circulator 330 and a second grating section 34.
2,344,446,348. Further, the second wavelength selecting element 362 at the third stage includes the second circulator 332 and the second grating units 350, 352,
354, 356. The second circulators 328, 330, 332 are optically coupled to the corresponding first grating sections 320, 322, 324, 326. Also, the second grating section (334, 334)
336, 338, 340), (342, 344, 44)
6,348) and (350,352,354,35)
6) is optically coupled to the second circulators 328, 330, 332 to perform wavelength selection.

Next, the first-stage second circulator 32
Reference numeral 8 denotes a first grating section 320 of the first-stage first wavelength selection element 302, a second grating section 334 having a selected wavelength of λ3, and a first-stage first wavelength selection element 304 of the second-stage first wavelength selection element 304.
A grating section 322, a second grating section 336 having a selected wavelength of λ4, and a third-stage first wavelength selection element 306
, A second grating section 338 having a selected wavelength of λ3, a first grating section 326 of a fourth-stage first wavelength selecting element 308, and a second grating 340 having a selected wavelength of λ2. Optically coupled in order.

Next, the second circulator 33 in the second stage
0 is the second grating unit 3 having the selected wavelength λ3 in the preceding stage.
34, a second grating 344 having a selection wavelength of λ2, a second grating section 336 having a selection wavelength of λ4 at the preceding stage, another second grating 346 having a selection wavelength of λ2, and another second grating section having a selection wavelength of λ3 at the previous stage. 338, a second grating section 348 having a selection wavelength of λ4, a second grating 340 having a selection wavelength of λ2 at the preceding stage, and another second grating section 342 having a selection wavelength of λ4 are optically coupled in this order.

Finally, the second circulator 3 in the third stage
Reference numeral 32 denotes a second grating section 348 having a selected wavelength of λ4 at the previous stage, a second grating section 350 having a selected wavelength of λ3 and the other end being open, a second grating section 342 of the preceding stage having a selected wavelength of λ4, and a selected wavelength of λ4. The other end of the second grating section 352 whose other end is open, the second grating section 344 of the previous stage whose selection wavelength is λ2, another second grating section 354 whose selection wavelength is λ4 and the other end is open, and the selection wavelength of the previous stage is λ2
Of the second grating section 346 and the selected wavelength is λ
2, the other end is optically coupled to the open second grating section 356 in this order.

Next, the output when an optical signal multiplexed with wavelengths λ1 to λ4 enters one of the input ports of the wavelength router 300 of this configuration example will be described. The optical signal is input to the input port I _1. Optical signals through the first circulator 312 of the first stage enters the first Bragg gratings 320, wherein only the optical signal of the wavelength λ1 is output is selectively reflected to the output port 1E _1. Other wavelength λ2
The optical signal of λ4 passes through the first grating section 320 and enters the first-stage second circulator 328. These optical signals are sent to the second grating unit 334,
Here, the optical signal of the wavelength λ3 is selectively reflected, and the remaining wavelength λ
2 and λ4 pass through the grating section 334. The reflected light signal ([lambda] 3) is by the circulator 328, the next input port, through the first Bragg gratings 322 and the first circulator 314 of the wavelength selection element of the second stage, the output port 2E ₁ Is output.

On the other hand, the optical signals of the other wavelengths λ2 and λ4 are sent to the input / output port of the second circulator 330 in the second stage. This optical signal is transmitted to the circulator 33
By 0, the signal is sent to the second grating section 344 adjacent to the input / output port, where only the optical signal of wavelength λ2 is selectively reflected and the optical signal of wavelength λ4 passes. The optical signal of the wavelength λ2 is supplied to the second circulator 330
, A second circulator 328 of the first stage, and a first grating 32 of the wavelength selection element 306 of the first stage from the next input / output port adjacent to
4. Via the first circulator 316, the output port 3E
Output to ₁ .

The remaining optical signal of wavelength λ4 is sent to the input / output port of the second circulator 332 in the third stage, and the circulator 332 selectively reflects the light at the second grating 354 adjacent to the input / output port. Is done. The reflected optical signal (λ4) is supplied from the input / output port adjacent thereto to the second-stage second grating section 346, second circulator 330, and first-stage grating section 33.
8, the second circulator 328, a first Bragg gratings 326 of the first stage of the wavelength selection element 308, through the first circulator 318 is outputted to the output port 4E _1.

FIG. 14B shows the wavelengths λ1 to λ2.
When the wavelength multiplexed optical signal of λ4 enters one of the input ports, the output port 1E of the wavelength router 300
_1, in any 2E _1, 3E ₁ and 4E _1, showing a selective wavelength characteristic light signal indicates either the output of which wavelength.

With this configuration, the number of wirings using optical fibers is reduced as compared with the wavelength router of FIG. 12, and the structure is simplified. The 10-port circulator is available from Photonic Technol.
ogies) (Australia). In the case of the 8-port circulator used in the present invention, 10
If any two of the 10 input / output ports of the port circulator are connected to each other, they can be used as an 8-port circulator. Therefore, if a commercially available 10-port circulator is utilized, the wavelength router of the present invention can be easily manufactured.

[0228]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily arrange two-input two-output wavelength selection elements having various reflection wavelengths. This makes it possible to improve crosstalk characteristics and set various wavelength routing paths, which are difficult with a diffraction grating multiplexer / demultiplexer.

Further, by connecting the wirings of the two-input two-output wavelength selection elements arranged in a matrix in a cross-like manner, it is possible to manufacture a wavelength routing with a small light loss.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a wavelength router according to a first embodiment of the present invention; (B) is a chart showing the wavelength demultiplexing and multiplexing characteristics of the wavelength router used in this embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view schematically illustrating a structure of a wavelength selection block in which a wavelength selection element is more specifically configured. (B) is a perspective view showing a case where this wavelength selection block is actually arranged on a substrate.

FIG. 3 is a top view of FIG. 2 (B).

FIG. 4 is a top view schematically showing a modification of the wavelength selection block used in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams illustrating another specific example of the wavelength selection element according to the first embodiment.

FIGS. 6A to 6D are explanatory views showing still another specific example of the wavelength selection element according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a wavelength selecting element according to a second embodiment of the wavelength router of the present invention is configured using an optical waveguide and a multilayer filter.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view showing a modification of the wavelength selection element of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a process for producing a hexahedral block.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a wavelength router according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship when the wavelength selection element described in FIG. 5 is applied to a wavelength router;
(B) is a chart showing the wavelength selection characteristics of this wavelength router.

FIG. 13A shows a fourth example in which the wavelength selection block 102 described with reference to FIG. 2A is used as a multiplexing / demultiplexing element.
FIG. 3B is a conceptual diagram showing the embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a table showing the wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing characteristics.

FIG. 14A is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a wavelength router according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
Is a chart showing the wavelength selection characteristics.

[Explanation of symbols]

11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 3
1,32,33,34,41,42,43,44: wavelength selection element _{11I 1, 21I 1, 31I 1} , 41I 1: first input port _{11I 2, 12I 2, 13I 2} , 14I 2: second input port _{41E 1, 42E 1, 43E 1} , 44E 1: first output port _{14E 2, 24E 2, 34E 2} , 44E 2: second output port _{1I 1, 2I 1, 3I 1} , 4I 1: input ports of the wavelength router 1E ₁ , 2E ₁ , 3E ₁ , 4E ₁ : output port of wavelength router 100: wavelength selection router 102: wavelength selection element 102a: first block piece 102b: second block piece 102I ₁ : first incidence surface 102E ₁ : first 1 exit surface 102I _2: the second entrance surface 102E _2: second output surface I _1: a first input port I _2: a second input port E _1: the first output port E _2: second output port 104: substrate 06a: Reference block for input port 106b: Reference block for output port 108: Collimator lens f (λ2): Multilayer film filter having wavelength selection characteristic for reflecting wavelength λ2 110: Diamond-shaped cross-section wavelength selection block 110a: First block piece 110b : Second block piece 112: positioning mark 120: wavelength selecting element 120 a: first 3-port circulator 120 b: optical fiber grating section 120 c: second 3-port circulator 130: wavelength selecting element 130 a: first 3 dB coupler section 130 b: Grating section 130c: second 3 dB coupler section 130-a: first optical waveguide 130-b: second optical waveguide R (1,1), R (1,2), R (1,3), R (1) ,
4), R (2,1), R (2,2), R (2,3), R
(2,4), R (3,1), R (3,2), R (3,3)
3), R (3,4), R (4,1), R (4,2), R
(4,3), R (4,4): Intersecting area A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7: Intersecting area array f1 (λ3), f2 (λ2), f3 (λ1), f
4 (λ4), f5 (λ3), f6 (λ2), f7 (λ
1): Multilayer filter B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8: Individual block 140: Hexahedral block 200: Wavelength router 300: Wavelength router 302, 304, 306, 308: First wavelength selection Element 310: wavelength distributing unit 312, 314, 316, 318: first circulator 320, 322, 324, 326: first grating unit 328, 330, 332: second circulator 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344, 3
46,348,350,352,354,356: 2nd
Grating section 358, 360, 362: second wavelength selection element

Claims (36)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of 2-input / 2-output wavelength selection elements arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns (where M and N are integers of 2 or more), a plurality of input ports, and a plurality of An output port, each of the wavelength selecting elements selects a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength), reflects an optical signal of the selected wavelength, and transmits other non-wavelength selected optical signals. Each of the wavelength selection elements in the same row are optically coupled in the order of arrangement and have different wavelength selection characteristics from each other, and each of the wavelength selection elements in the same column is optically coupled in the order of arrangement. And each of the wavelength selecting elements in the first column is optically coupled to a corresponding one of the input ports, and each of the wavelength selecting elements in the last row is The corresponding output port The optical signal is optically coupled to each other, and an optical signal whose wavelength is selected by any one of the wavelength selecting elements is output from the output port of a column to which the wavelength selecting element belongs. Wavelength router. 2. The wavelength router according to claim 1, wherein
The wavelength router, wherein the wavelength selection element includes a multilayer filter that provides the wavelength selection characteristic. 3. The wavelength router according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength selection element is a wavelength selection block mainly formed of a translucent material for the optical signal input to the wavelength router. Each of the blocks includes first and second two incident surfaces, first and second two exit surfaces, and a multilayer filter for providing the wavelength selection characteristic, wherein the first incident surface is provided. A wavelength signal having a wavelength selected by the multilayer filter and emitted from the first emission surface as an optical signal having the selected wavelength. 4. The wavelength router according to claim 3, wherein each of said wavelength selection blocks has first and second block pieces in the shape of a right-angle prism, and the bottom surface of each of these block pieces is connected to said multilayer filter. A wavelength router characterized by being bonded to each other with an interposed portion. 5. The wavelength router according to claim 4, wherein the wavelength selection blocks are aligned with each other and fixed on the same substrate, and adjacent wavelength selection blocks in the same row are mutually the first emission surface. And the second incidence surface are opposed to each other, and the adjacent wavelength selection blocks in the same row have the second emission surface and the first incidence surface facing each other. . 6. The wavelength router according to claim 5, wherein an upper surface of the substrate on which the wavelength selection block is fixed is provided.
A wavelength router, wherein a positioning mark of the wavelength selection block is formed. 7. The wavelength router according to claim 1, wherein each of the wavelength selection elements is a first three-port circulator having a first input port, a first output port, and a first input / output port, and one end. Comprises an optical fiber grating portion optically coupled to the first input / output port and having the wavelength selection characteristic, a second input port, a second output port, and a second input / output port, wherein the second input port is provided. And a second three-port circulator optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber grating. 8. The wavelength router according to claim 1, wherein each of said wavelength selection elements comprises two optical waveguides formed symmetrically on a surface of a substrate, and each of said waveguides is sequentially continuous. A first 3 dB coupler section, a grating section, and a second
a first coupler and a second 3 dB coupler. The first and second 3 dB couplers have characteristics of demultiplexing and combining between the optical waveguides, and the grating has the wavelength selection characteristics. Wherein the first and second input ports of the demultiplexing / multiplexing element are respectively constituted by one end and the other end of the first optical waveguide,
And a first and a second output port of the demultiplexing / combining element are constituted by one end and the other end of the second optical waveguide, respectively. 9. A wavelength of a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength) is selected in an area of each intersection (hereinafter referred to as an intersecting area) of a matrix of M rows and N columns, and an optical signal of the selected wavelength is reflected. A wavelength selection unit having a property of transmitting a non-wavelength-selective optical signal other than a plurality of input ports, and a plurality of output ports, wherein each of the intersection regions in the same row of the wavelength selection unit is arranged. Having wavelength selection characteristics that are optically coupled in order to reflect an optical signal, wherein each of the crossing regions in the same row of the wavelength selection unit is optically coupled in the arrangement order and different from each other. Wherein each of the first column intersection regions is optically coupled to a corresponding one of the input ports, respectively, and each of the last row intersection regions is optically coupled to a corresponding one of the output ports, respectively. And And a configuration in which an optical signal whose wavelength is selected in any one of the intersection areas is output from the output port of a column to which the intersection whose wavelength is selected belongs. 10. The wavelength router according to claim 9, wherein the crossing regions connecting the crossing points shifted by one row and one column and arranged on a plurality of parallel diagonals of the matrix are a plurality of crossing region arrays. Are formed, each intersection region of the same intersection region array has the same wavelength selection characteristic, and each intersection region between different intersection region arrays has the different wavelength selection characteristic from each other. And each of the intersection area arrays is formed of a multilayer filter. 11. The wavelength router according to claim 10, wherein the wavelength selecting section sandwiches each of the multilayer filters at equal intervals by individual blocks of a light-transmitting material, and forms a block having an overall hexahedral shape. A wavelength router characterized by being configured as: 12. The wavelength router according to claim 9, wherein the wavelength selection unit includes a strip of a light-transmitting material provided with each of the multilayer filters having the wavelength selection characteristics different from each other, A wavelength router characterized in that these strips are fixed on the upper surface of a substrate. 13. The wavelength router according to claim 12, wherein the substrate has a positioning groove for fixing the strip on an upper surface thereof. 14. The wavelength router according to claim 12, wherein the wavelength selection unit includes an optical waveguide for performing the optical coupling. 15. A plurality of two-input two-output wavelength selection elements arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns (M and N are integers of 2 or more), a plurality of input ports, and a plurality of An output port, and each of the wavelength selection elements has a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength).
Select the wavelength and reflect the optical signal of the selected wavelength,
It has the property of transmitting other non-wavelength-selective optical signals. Each of the wavelength selection elements in the first and last rows is optically coupled in the order of arrangement, and each of the wavelength selection elements in the first column is And the same wavelength selection characteristic (this wavelength selection characteristic is referred to as a first wavelength selection characteristic).
Wherein each of the wavelength selection elements is optically coupled to a wavelength selection element shifted by one row and one column, and each of the first column wavelength selection elements has a corresponding input port and a corresponding input port. Each of which is optically coupled to an output port, wherein each of the wavelength selection elements in the second and subsequent columns has a wavelength selection characteristic different from the first wavelength selection characteristic, and When a wavelength multiplexed optical signal is input from the input port of a certain row to the wavelength selection element of the first column, each of the wavelength selection elements of the column The wavelength router is arranged so that each of the other wavelength selection elements in the first row outputs an optical signal having a different wavelength from the other. 16. The wavelength router according to claim 15, wherein M rows and N columns are 4 rows and 4 columns, and the multiplex wavelengths of the input optical signals are λ1, λ2, λ3 and λ4. Let λ1 be the selection wavelength of each wavelength selection element, and λ2, λ3, λ3, and λ4 be the selection wavelengths of the first to fourth rows of the second column, respectively. The selection wavelengths of the wavelength selection elements from the row to the fourth row are λ4, λ4, λ2, and λ2, respectively, and the selection wavelengths of the wavelength selection elements from the first row to the fourth row in the fourth column are λ2, λ3, respectively. , Λ3 and λ4. 17. The wavelength router according to claim 15, wherein each of the wavelength selecting elements has a first input port, a first output port, a second input port, and a second output port. A first three-port circulator having a first input terminal, a first output terminal, and a first input / output terminal, and one end optically coupled to the first input / output terminal for selecting the wavelength; An optical fiber grating having characteristics, a second input end, a second output end, and a second input / output end;
A second three-port circulator having an input end optically coupled to the other end of the optical fiber grating section; a first input port, a first output port, a second input port, and a second output port The wavelength router comprises a first input terminal, a first output terminal, a second input terminal, and a second output terminal. 18. The wavelength router according to claim 17, wherein a first input port of each of the wavelength selecting elements in the first row is optically coupled to a corresponding input port of the wavelength router, respectively, and each of the first input ports is connected to a corresponding one of the first input ports. A wavelength router wherein output ports are optically coupled to respective output ports of the wavelength router. 19. The wavelength router according to claim 17, wherein each wavelength selection element is included in one of the first and second wavelength selection element groups, and Each of the wavelength selection elements may be configured such that, when one wavelength selection element belonging to a column other than the first column, the last column, the first row, and the last row is used as the first center wavelength selection element, the first input port of the first center wavelength selection element Is optically coupled to the second output port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and front column, and the second input port of the first center wavelength selection element is optically connected to the first output port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and back column. Coupling the first output port of the first center wavelength selection element optically to the second input port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and the second output port of the first center wavelength selection element Input port of the wavelength selection element Each of the wavelength selecting elements in the second wavelength selecting element group belongs to a group other than the first column, the last column, the first row, and the last row.
When one of the two wavelength selection elements is a second center wavelength selection element, the first output port of the second center wavelength selection element is optically coupled to the second input port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and the front row, and the center wavelength selection element is selected. A second output port of the element is optically coupled to a first input port of a wavelength selection element in a front row and a back column, and a first input port of the center wavelength selection element is connected to a second output port of a wavelength selection element in a front and rear row. And a second input port of the center wavelength selection element is optically coupled to a first output port of a succeeding and succeeding wavelength selection element, and a wavelength within the first wavelength selection element group. Selective element and second
A wavelength router, wherein wavelength selecting elements in a wavelength selecting element group are alternately arranged in each of the same row and the same column. 20. The wavelength router according to claim 19, wherein the second input port of the wavelength selection element in the first row included in the first wavelength selection element group is included in the second wavelength selection element group. The second output port of the first row of wavelength selection elements included in the second wavelength selection element group is optically coupled to the first output port of the same wavelength rear row selection element. The first output port of the last row of wavelength selection elements included in the first row of wavelength selection elements is optically coupled to the first input port of the same row and back row of wavelength selection elements included in the group. It is optically coupled to the second input port of the wavelength selection element in the same row and front column included in the two-wavelength selection element group, and is connected to the second input port of the last-row wavelength selection element included in the second wavelength selection element group. One input port is the wavelength in the front row in the same row included in the first wavelength selection element group. The second of the selection elements
A wavelength router optically coupled to an output port. 21. The wavelength router according to claim 15, wherein the wavelength selecting element includes first and first optical waveguides formed on the substrate symmetrically with respect to a boundary surface, and the first and second optical waveguides are provided. The waveguide has a first 3 dB coupler section, a grating section, and a second 3 dB coupler section that are sequentially and continuously configured, and the first and second 3 dB coupler sections have first and second 3 dB coupler sections. The two optical waveguides have characteristics of demultiplexing and multiplexing, the grating section has wavelength selecting characteristics, and the first and second input ports of the wavelength selecting element are connected to one end of the first optical waveguide and the other. And a first and a second output port of the wavelength selection element are respectively formed at one end and the other end of the optical waveguide. 22. The wavelength router according to claim 21, wherein each first input port of the wavelength selection element is optically coupled to a corresponding input port of the wavelength router, respectively.
A wavelength router, wherein each first output port is optically coupled to a corresponding output port of the wavelength router. 23. The wavelength router according to claim 21, wherein each of the wavelength selection elements is included in one of a first and a second wavelength selection element group, and the first wavelength selection element group. Each wavelength selection element in the
When one wavelength selecting element belonging to a column, a last column, a first row and a row other than the last row is set as a first center wavelength selecting element, the first input port of the first center wavelength selecting element is located in a previous row and a front row. Optically coupling to the second output port of the wavelength selection element; optically coupling the second input port of the first center wavelength selection element to the first output port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and back column; Optically coupling the first output port of the first central wavelength selection element to the second input port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and the rear row, and connecting the second output port of the first central wavelength selection element to the second output port of the first central wavelength selection element; Optically coupled to the first input port of the wavelength selection element in the succeeding and rearmost column, and each wavelength selection element in the second wavelength selection element group includes the first column, the last column, and the first column. One wavelength selection other than row and last row When the element is a second central wavelength selecting element, the first output port of the second central wavelength selecting element is optically coupled to the second input port of the wavelength selecting element in the front row and the front column, The second output port of the selection element is optically coupled to the first input port of the wavelength selection element in the front row and back row, and the first input port of the center wavelength selection element is connected to the wavelength selection element in the front row and back row. And the second input port of the center wavelength selection element is optically coupled to the first output port of a wavelength selection element in a succeeding and a rear row, and The wavelength selection elements in the first wavelength selection element group and the wavelength selection elements in the second wavelength selection element group are alternately arranged in each of the same row and the same column. Router. 24. The wavelength router according to claim 23, wherein a second input port of the wavelength selection element in the first row included in the first wavelength selection element group is connected to the second wavelength selection element group. The second output port of the first row of wavelength selection elements is optically coupled to the first output port of the same row and back column of wavelength selection elements included in the second row of wavelength selection elements. Is optically coupled to a first input port of a wavelength selection element in the same row and back row included in the first wavelength selection element group, and the wavelength of the last row included in the first wavelength selection element group is A first output port of the selection element is optically coupled to a second input port of a wavelength selection element in the same row and front row included in the second wavelength selection element group, and included in the second wavelength selection element group. The first input port of the last-row wavelength selection element Is optically coupled to a second output port of a wavelength selection element in the same row and front row included in the first wavelength selection element group. 25. A plurality of two-input two-output wavelength selectors arranged in a matrix of M rows and N columns (M and N are integers of 2 or more) and a wavelength-multiplexed input optical signal. A plurality of input ports each of which receives an input signal, and a plurality of output ports each of which outputs an optical signal whose wavelength and power are selected, wherein each of the wavelength selection elements has an optical signal of a specific wavelength (referred to as a selected wavelength). Has a wavelength selection characteristic of reflecting and transmitting an optical signal of the selected wavelength by dividing the power of the selected wavelength. Each of the wavelength selection elements in the same row is optically coupled in the order of arrangement, and is in the same column. Each of the wavelength selecting elements of the first row is optically coupled in the order of arrangement, and each of the wavelength selecting elements of the first column is optically coupled to the corresponding input port, respectively, and the wavelength selecting element of the last row is Each of the elements before the corresponding Each of the optical ports is optically coupled to an output port, and the optical signal reflected by any one of the wavelength selection elements is split at the selected wavelength and from the output port of the column to which the wavelength selection element that has performed the reflection belongs. Characterized in that it is configured to output as a reflected light signal of the obtained power. 26. The wavelength router according to claim 25, wherein each of the wavelength selection elements in the same row has the same wavelength selection characteristics as each other, and each of the wavelength selection elements in the same column has: A wavelength router having wavelength selection characteristics different from each other. 27. The wavelength router according to claim 25, wherein each of the wavelength selection elements is an element that divides the power of an optical signal input to the wavelength selection element into half. Wavelength router. 28. The wavelength router according to claim 25, wherein said M and N are the same integer, and said integer is:
A wavelength router according to the number of wavelengths multiplexed in the input optical signal. 29. The wavelength router according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein a reflected light signal output from the first-stage wavelength selection element arranged in the last row in an order away from the input port side. Is half the power of the input optical signal,
And a power of the reflected light signal output from the wavelength selecting element at the subsequent stage of the arrangement is の of a power of the reflected light signal output from the wavelength selecting element at the preceding stage. 30. The wavelength router according to claim 25, wherein the wavelength selection element is a wavelength selection block mainly formed of a material transparent to the optical signal. Each of the wavelength selection blocks includes first and second two entrance surfaces, first and second two exit surfaces, and a multilayer filter that provides the wavelength selection characteristic, The optical signal incident from the incident surface is reflected by the multilayer filter and emitted from the first emission surface as a reflected optical signal of the selected wavelength, and the second optical signal is transmitted from the multilayer filter as the transmitted optical signal of the selected wavelength. 2. A wavelength router having a structure for emitting light from an emission surface. 31. The wavelength router according to claim 30, wherein each of the wavelength selection blocks has first and second block pieces in the shape of a right-angle prism, and the bottom surface of each of the block pieces is formed by the multilayer filter. A wavelength router characterized by being bonded to each other with an interposed portion. 32. The wavelength router according to claim 31, wherein the wavelength selection blocks are fixed on the same substrate in close contact with each other, and the adjacent wavelength selection blocks in the same row are mutually the first emission surface. And the second incident surface are in close contact with each other, and the adjacent wavelength selection blocks in the same row are in close contact with the second exit surface and the first incident surface. . 33. The wavelength router according to claim 32, wherein a positioning mark of the wavelength selection block is formed on a surface of the substrate on which the wavelength selection block is fixed. 34. A wavelength router for wavelength-selecting and outputting an input optical signal in which wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3 and λ4 are multiplexed, comprising: four input ports; four output ports; ). The four first wavelengths from the first stage to the fourth stage having the characteristic of selecting the wavelength of λ1 to reflect the optical signal of the selected wavelength and transmitting the optical signal of the non-selected wavelength. A selection element, and each of the wavelengths λ2, λ3, and λ4 optically coupled to each of the first wavelength selection elements and multiplexed on the optical signal transmitted through the first wavelength selection element, with a corresponding different A wavelength distributing unit for distributing and returning to the first wavelength selecting element, wherein each of the first wavelength selecting elements is optically coupled to each of the corresponding input port and output port, respectively. Circular A first grating portion optically coupled to the first circulator and the first circulator for performing the wavelength selection, wherein the wavelength distribution portion is optically coupled to the corresponding first grating portion. Three second wavelength selection elements from a first stage to a third stage, each of which includes a second circulator and a second grating section optically coupled to the second circulator and performing wavelength selection. The second circulator of the first stage includes a first grating portion of the first stage, a second grating portion having the selected wavelength of λ3, a first grating portion of the second stage, and a selected wavelength of the second stage. a second grating portion of λ4, a first grating portion of a third stage, another second grating portion of the selected wavelength of λ3, a first grating portion of a fourth stage, and The selected wavelength is Yes and optically coupled in this order and the second grating .lambda.2, second circulator in the second stage, the second grating portion of the selected wavelength of the preceding stage [lambda] 3, wherein the selected wavelength is λ
2, the second grating section having the selected wavelength of λ4 in the preceding stage, another second grating having the selected wavelength of λ2, the second grating section having the selected wavelength of λ3 in the preceding stage, and the selecting section. Second wavelength λ4
A second grating having a selected wavelength of λ2 and another second grating having a selected wavelength of λ4;
It is optically coupled to the grating section in this order. The second circulator in the third stage includes the second grating section having the selected wavelength of λ4 in the previous stage and the second circulator having the selected wavelength of λ4.
3, the second grating of which the other end is open, the second grating section of the preceding stage whose selected wavelength is λ4, the second grating of which the selected wavelength is λ4 and the other end is open, and the second grating where the selected wavelength of the previous stage is λ2. A second grating portion, another second grating portion having the selected wavelength λ4 and the other end being open,
A wavelength router, which is optically coupled in this order to the another second grating having the selected wavelength of λ2 and the second grating portion having the selected wavelength of λ2 and the other end being open at the preceding stage. 35. In manufacturing the wavelength router according to claim 11, the hexahedron-shaped block is prepared by preparing a plurality of parallel-plane light-transmitting substrates having the same thickness.
A first step of forming a multi-layer film having different wavelength selection characteristics on the upper surface of the remaining substrate except for one substrate, and sequentially forming the multi-layer film between the substrates with the multi-layer film formed thereon. A second step of stacking to form a laminated block so as to intervene, and to make a diagonal of a quadrilateral having the same length coincide with an end face of one of the multilayer films, A third step of cutting the laminated block along the four sides to form the hexahedral block, with the two vertices of the quadrilateral being aligned with the upper surface and the lower surface of the laminated block, respectively. And a method for manufacturing a wavelength router. 36. In manufacturing the wavelength router according to claim 14, a plurality of parallel plane translucent strips having the same thickness and parallel planes are prepared.
A first step of forming the multilayer films having different wavelength selection characteristics on the upper surface of the strip, and a second step of fixing a plurality of optical waveguides on the upper surface of the substrate in rows and columns of a matrix, respectively. Along the plurality of parallel diagonal lines connecting the intersections of the rows and columns diagonally in one direction, across the portion of the optical waveguide, fit the band-shaped body on which the multilayer film is formed on the substrate and fix it. A method of manufacturing a wavelength router, comprising: a third step of forming grooves each having a possible width; and a fourth step of fixing a strip on which the multilayer film is formed to the corresponding grooves.