JPS62297827A - Optical switch - Google Patents

Optical switch

Info

Publication number
JPS62297827A
JPS62297827A JP14037986A JP14037986A JPS62297827A JP S62297827 A JPS62297827 A JP S62297827A JP 14037986 A JP14037986 A JP 14037986A JP 14037986 A JP14037986 A JP 14037986A JP S62297827 A JPS62297827 A JP S62297827A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
heat generating
waveguide
optical
area
optical switch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
JP14037986A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2566923B2 (en
Inventor
Naoyuki Mekata
直之 女鹿田
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fujitsu Ltd
Original Assignee
Fujitsu Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fujitsu Ltd filed Critical Fujitsu Ltd
Priority to JP61140379A priority Critical patent/JP2566923B2/en
Publication of JPS62297827A publication Critical patent/JPS62297827A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP2566923B2 publication Critical patent/JP2566923B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain efficient switching operation by impressing a required operation voltage to a heat generating element to heat optical waveguides and generate a required transmission constant difference. CONSTITUTION:Ion exchange is applied to a substrate consisting of glass or the like having a thermo-optic effect to form optical waveguides 12, 13 and a heat generating element 20 is formed on the coupling area of both the optical waveguides 12, 13. The element 20 is made of a resistor film and constituted of conductive parts 23-25 for supplying current to a heat generating part 21 of the optical waveguide 12 corresponding to an area B and a heat generating part 22 of the waveguide 23 corresponding to an area A. At the impression of a voltage V to the element 20, the area B of the waveguide 12 and the area A of the waveguide 13 are heated by heat generated in the heat generating parts 21, 22 and transmission constant difference +DELTAbeta, -DELTAbeta are respectively generated in the area A, B between the wavegudes 12 and 13 by the thermo- optic effect. Thereby, the operating state of the switch is switched from a light coupling state to a light branching state or its reverse state.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 3、発明の詳細な説明 〔概 要〕 本発明は、反転Δβ型方向性結合器型導波路光スイッチ
において、スイッチの動作状態切換えのための屈折率変
化動作に熱光学効果を利用することにより、安価なスイ
ッチを実現したものである。
Detailed Description of the Invention 3. Detailed Description of the Invention [Summary] The present invention provides an inverted Δβ type directional coupler type waveguide optical switch in which a refractive index change operation for switching the operating state of the switch is thermally applied. This is an inexpensive switch that utilizes optical effects.

〔産業上の利用分野〕[Industrial application field]

本発明は、光スイッチ、特に反転Δβ型方向性結合器型
の導波路光スイッチに関する。
The present invention relates to an optical switch, particularly an inverted Δβ directional coupler type waveguide optical switch.

導波路光スイッチは、小型、集積化が可能、また動作電
圧が低く、高速動作の可能性があり、しかも大量生産に
適しているため、その実用化が期待されている。導波路
光スイッチには、方向性結合器型、交差導波路型、全反
射型、などがあるが、中でも方向性結合器型のスイッチ
は比較的動作電圧が低いという特長を有する。しかし、
このスイッチは制作に高精度が要求されるという問題が
あり、この問題を解決するために電極を分割して動作点
を電気的に調整できるようにした反転Δβ型スイッチが
ある。
Waveguide optical switches are small, can be integrated, have low operating voltages, can operate at high speed, and are suitable for mass production, so they are expected to be put into practical use. Waveguide optical switches include directional coupler type, crossed waveguide type, total reflection type, etc. Among them, directional coupler type switches have a feature of relatively low operating voltage. but,
This switch has the problem of requiring high precision in its production, and to solve this problem, there is an inverted Δβ type switch in which the electrode is divided so that the operating point can be electrically adjusted.

しかし、従来の反転Δβ型方向性結合器型の導波路光ス
イッチは高価であり、その低廉化が強く要望されている
However, the conventional inverted Δβ type directional coupler type waveguide optical switch is expensive, and there is a strong demand for its cost reduction.

〔従来の技術〕[Conventional technology]

第2図は反転Δβ型の方向性結合器型光スイッチの従来
例を示す。図中、符号1は電気光学効果を有する結晶(
例えばLiNb03)からなる基板を示し、この基板1
にTiを拡散させて2本の特性が同じ光導波路2.3を
形成しである。これらの光導波路の互いに近接した光結
合領域には電極4を光の進行方向に2つに分割して形成
してあり、電極4に動作電圧■を領域A、Bとで極性を
正負逆にして印加することにより、光導波路2゜3間に
領域Aでは伝播定数差+Δβ、また領域Bでは−Δβを
生じさせ、そして動作電圧■を変化させることにより伝
播定数差Δβを変化させてスイッチの動作状態を非結合
状B(光路直進状態)から結合状態(光路交差状態)に
、あるいはその逆に切換えるようにしである。
FIG. 2 shows a conventional example of an inverted Δβ type directional coupler type optical switch. In the figure, reference numeral 1 indicates a crystal (
For example, a substrate made of LiNb03) is shown, and this substrate 1
Two optical waveguides 2.3 having the same characteristics are formed by diffusing Ti. In the optical coupling regions of these optical waveguides that are close to each other, an electrode 4 is formed by dividing it into two parts in the direction of light propagation, and an operating voltage (■) is applied to the electrode 4 so that the polarity is reversed between regions A and B. By applying the above voltage, a propagation constant difference of +Δβ is generated between the optical waveguides 2°3 in region A and -Δβ in region B, and by changing the operating voltage ■, the propagation constant difference Δβ is changed and the switch is The operating state is switched from a non-coupled state B (light path straight state) to a coupled state (light path crossing state) or vice versa.

〔発明が解決しようとする問題点〕 従来の光スイッチ、特に上述のような反転Δβ型方向性
結合器型導波路光スイッチは電気光学効果を利用して伝
播定数差Δβを生じさせるものであり、従って光導波路
を形成する基板が電気光学結晶でなければならない。し
かし、電気光学結晶は高価であり、従って安価なスイッ
チが得られないという問題があった。
[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Conventional optical switches, especially the above-mentioned inverted Δβ type directional coupler type waveguide optical switch, generate a propagation constant difference Δβ using an electro-optic effect. Therefore, the substrate forming the optical waveguide must be an electro-optic crystal. However, electro-optic crystals are expensive, and therefore there is a problem in that inexpensive switches cannot be obtained.

〔問題点を解決するための手段〕[Means for solving problems]

本発明は、上記問題点を解決するため、原理的には電気
光学効果の代わりに、熱光学効果を利用して伝播定数差
Δβを生じさせるものである。
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention uses thermo-optic effect instead of electro-optic effect to generate a propagation constant difference Δβ.

すなわち、本発明は、温度に応じて光の屈折率が変化す
る熱光学効果を有する基板に2木の光導波路を形成し、
該光導波路の互いに近接する光結合領域に印加電圧に応
じた熱を発生する発熱素子を形成してなる反転Δβ型方
向性結合型導波路光スイッチを提供するものである。
That is, the present invention forms two optical waveguides on a substrate having a thermo-optic effect in which the refractive index of light changes depending on the temperature,
The present invention provides an inverted Δβ type directional coupling type waveguide optical switch in which a heating element that generates heat according to an applied voltage is formed in mutually adjacent optical coupling regions of the optical waveguide.

〔作 用〕[For production]

上記の光スイッチでは、発熱素子に所要の動作電圧を印
加すると、光導波路が加熱されて所要の伝播定数差が生
じ、これによりスイッチの動作状態が切換えられる。
In the optical switch described above, when a required operating voltage is applied to the heating element, the optical waveguide is heated and a required difference in propagation constant is generated, thereby switching the operating state of the switch.

上記のような熱光学効果は多くの種類の物質が有してお
り、選択の自由度が高(、従ってスイッチの基板材料と
して安価なものを用いることにより、スイッチの低廉化
が可能である。
Many types of materials have the thermo-optic effect as described above, and there is a high degree of freedom in selection (therefore, by using an inexpensive material as the substrate material for the switch, it is possible to reduce the cost of the switch.

〔実施例〕〔Example〕

以下、本発明の実施例を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

第1図は本発明の一実施例を示す。図中、符号11は熱
光学効果を有する材料(例えばガラス)からなる基板を
示し、この基板11にイオン交換を施して光導波路12
.13を形成し、そしてその結合領域に発熱素子20を
形成しである。
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention. In the figure, reference numeral 11 indicates a substrate made of a material having a thermo-optic effect (for example, glass), and an optical waveguide 12 is formed by performing ion exchange on this substrate 11.
.. 13 is formed, and a heating element 20 is formed in the coupling region.

発熱素子20は抵抗膜で形成され、光導波路12の領域
Bの部分に形成された発熱部分21と、光導波路13上
の領域への部分に形成された発熱部分22と、これらの
発熱部分21.22に通電するための導電部分23.2
4.25とから構成されている。なお、発熱部分21.
22は高抵抗膜で、また導電部分23.24゜25は低
抵抗膜でそれぞれ形成されている。高抵抗膜と低抵抗膜
とは異なる材料としてもよいし、あるいは同じ材料で異
なる膜厚としてもよい。
The heating element 20 is formed of a resistive film, and includes a heating portion 21 formed in a region B of the optical waveguide 12, a heating portion 22 formed in a region above the optical waveguide 13, and these heating portions 21. Conductive part 23.2 for energizing .22
4.25. Note that the heat generating portion 21.
Reference numeral 22 is a high resistance film, and conductive portions 23, 24° and 25 are formed of low resistance films. The high-resistance film and the low-resistance film may be made of different materials, or may be made of the same material but have different thicknesses.

発熱素子20に電圧■を印加すると、その発熱部分21
.22での発熱によって光導波路12の領域Bおよび光
導波路13の領域Aが加熱され、熱光学効果によって光
導波路12.13間に、領域Aでは伝播定数差+Δβが
、また領域Bでは伝播定数差−Δβが生じる。従って、
印加電圧■を変えて(つまり加熱温度を変えて)伝播定
数差Δβを変えることにより、スイッチの動作状態が光
結合状態から光結合状態に、またその逆に切換えられる
When voltage ■ is applied to the heating element 20, the heating portion 21
.. The heat generated in 22 heats region B of the optical waveguide 12 and region A of the optical waveguide 13, and due to the thermo-optic effect, a propagation constant difference +Δβ is created between the optical waveguides 12 and 13 in region A, and a propagation constant difference is created in region B. −Δβ occurs. Therefore,
By changing the applied voltage (i.e., by changing the heating temperature) and changing the propagation constant difference Δβ, the operating state of the switch can be changed from an optically coupled state to an optically coupled state and vice versa.

〔発明の効果〕 以上のように、本発明による光スイッチは、光路変換に
必要な屈折率変化動作に熱光学効果を利用するものであ
り、従って安価な熱光学効果を有する材料を基板として
使用できるので、安価なスイッチを実現可能である。
[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the optical switch according to the present invention utilizes the thermo-optic effect for the refractive index change operation necessary for optical path conversion, and therefore uses an inexpensive material having the thermo-optic effect as a substrate. Therefore, it is possible to realize an inexpensive switch.

なお、図示実施例特有の効果として、発熱素子を高抵抗
膜で形成された発熱部分と、低抵抗膜で形成された導電
部分とから構成しであるため、効率的なスイッチ動作が
可能である。
Note that, as a unique effect of the illustrated embodiment, since the heating element is composed of a heat generating portion formed of a high resistance film and a conductive portion formed of a low resistance film, efficient switching operation is possible. .

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief explanation of drawings]

第1図は本発明の実施例を示す図、 第2図は従来例を示す図。 〔符号の説明〕 11・・・基板 12、13・・・光導波路 20・・・発熱素子 21、22・・・発熱部分 23、24.25・・・導電部分 本発明の実施例 第1図 従来例 第2図 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a conventional example. [Explanation of symbols] 11... Board 12, 13... optical waveguide 20...Heating element 21, 22...Heating part 23, 24.25... Conductive part Examples of the invention Figure 1 Conventional example Figure 2

Claims (1)

【特許請求の範囲】 1、反転Δβ型方向性結合器型導波路光スイッチであっ
て、温度に応じて光の屈折率が変化する熱光学効果を有
する基板に2本の光導波路を形成し、該光導波路の互い
に近接する光結合領域に印加電圧に応じた熱を発生する
発熱素子を形成したことを特徴とする光スイッチ。 2、前記発熱素子は、光導波路上に形成された発熱部分
と、該発熱部分を接続する導電部分とからなることを特
徴とする特許請求の範囲第1項に記載の光スイッチ。 3、前記発熱部分が高抵抗膜で、また前記導電部分が低
抵抗膜で、それぞれ形成されていることを特徴とする特
許請求の範囲第2項に記載の光スイッチ。
[Claims] 1. An inverted Δβ type directional coupler type waveguide optical switch, in which two optical waveguides are formed on a substrate having a thermo-optic effect in which the refractive index of light changes depending on the temperature. An optical switch characterized in that a heating element that generates heat according to an applied voltage is formed in optical coupling regions of the optical waveguide that are close to each other. 2. The optical switch according to claim 1, wherein the heat generating element comprises a heat generating portion formed on an optical waveguide and a conductive portion connecting the heat generating portion. 3. The optical switch according to claim 2, wherein the heat generating portion is formed of a high resistance film, and the conductive portion is formed of a low resistance film.
JP61140379A 1986-06-18 1986-06-18 Light switch Expired - Fee Related JP2566923B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP61140379A JP2566923B2 (en) 1986-06-18 1986-06-18 Light switch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP61140379A JP2566923B2 (en) 1986-06-18 1986-06-18 Light switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPS62297827A true JPS62297827A (en) 1987-12-25
JP2566923B2 JP2566923B2 (en) 1996-12-25

Family

ID=15267447

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP61140379A Expired - Fee Related JP2566923B2 (en) 1986-06-18 1986-06-18 Light switch

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2566923B2 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07128540A (en) * 1992-06-01 1995-05-19 Polaroid Corp Wavelength-selection-energy transmitting device
WO1997022907A1 (en) * 1995-12-19 1997-06-26 Heinrich-Hertz-Institut Fur Nachrichtentechnik Berlin Gmbh Thermo-optical switch
WO2003100506A1 (en) * 2002-05-28 2003-12-04 Optun (Bvi) Ltd. Method and apparatus for optical mode conversion
US7218814B2 (en) 2002-05-28 2007-05-15 Optun (Bvi) Ltd. Method and apparatus for optical mode conversion

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5466154A (en) * 1977-11-07 1979-05-28 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Photodirectional coupler
JPS5893035A (en) * 1981-11-28 1983-06-02 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Optical switch
JPS61145508A (en) * 1984-12-19 1986-07-03 Fujikura Ltd Optical coupler

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5466154A (en) * 1977-11-07 1979-05-28 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Photodirectional coupler
JPS5893035A (en) * 1981-11-28 1983-06-02 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Optical switch
JPS61145508A (en) * 1984-12-19 1986-07-03 Fujikura Ltd Optical coupler

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07128540A (en) * 1992-06-01 1995-05-19 Polaroid Corp Wavelength-selection-energy transmitting device
WO1997022907A1 (en) * 1995-12-19 1997-06-26 Heinrich-Hertz-Institut Fur Nachrichtentechnik Berlin Gmbh Thermo-optical switch
DE19549245A1 (en) * 1995-12-19 1997-07-03 Hertz Inst Heinrich Thermo-optical switch
DE19549245C2 (en) * 1995-12-19 2000-02-17 Hertz Inst Heinrich Thermo-optical switch
US6215918B1 (en) * 1995-12-19 2001-04-10 Heinrich-Hertz-Institut Fuer Nachrichtentechnik Berlin Gmbh. Thermo-optical switch
WO2003100506A1 (en) * 2002-05-28 2003-12-04 Optun (Bvi) Ltd. Method and apparatus for optical mode conversion
US7218814B2 (en) 2002-05-28 2007-05-15 Optun (Bvi) Ltd. Method and apparatus for optical mode conversion

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JP2566923B2 (en) 1996-12-25

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