TW546499B - An optical switch using total internal reflection and a method of switching signals using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical switch is disclosed. The optical switch includes an optical signal transmitting electro-optic crystal having at least one first portion and at least one second portion. At least one of these portions is formed from a material which exhibits a change in index refraction upon the application of an electric field and the first and second portions define a switching interface therebetween. A signal source is provided for emitting a signal along an unguided beam path through the crystal, the unguided beam path intersecting the switching interface at an incident angle. An electric field generator is provided for generating an electrical field in at least one of the first and second portions of the crystal with the electrical field causing a change in an index of refraction for at least one of the first and second portions sufficient to create a critical angle at the interface smaller than the incident angle to reflect the signal off the interface. Thus, by switching the electric field generator off and on, the interface switches between being transparent and reflective to the optical signal to alter the unguided beam path through the crystal. A method of switching using such an electro-optic crystal is also disclosed.

Description

546499 A7 __B7_ V. Description of the Invention (1) Cross Reference to Related Techniques This application is a request for US Patent Provisional Application No. 60 / 270,824, filed earlier on February 22, 2001, with the title "Using Rights of the "Optical Switch Comprised of Electro-Optic Crystal Based on Total Internal Reflection" 0 Field of Invention The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications, and more specifically, to optical-based Telecommunications. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for converting optical signals in an optical-based telecommunications network. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Optical signal systems are becoming more important in telecommunication systems. Network operation of optical signals requires optical switches and a matrix of optical switches for operation. Recent significant research and development contributions have led to the development of optical switches. One way of this research and development is to study the methods of controlling the optical properties of materials, selectively directing or converting optical signals as needed. Although a number of interesting technological developments' have been completed, no appropriate solution has been available to date. Some of these developments make use of total internal reflection (TIR), which is related to the way that an optical signal reflects off a surface at either or both sides of the surface where the refractive index of the material changes. The following are some examples of conventional techniques using total internal reflection. US Patent No. 4,988,157 issued to JL Jackel on January 29, 1991 by Total Internal Reflection IIIK1 controlled by bubble generation is titled, Optical Switch Using Bubbles (0? To & 1 ^ such as 11 sheets Standards apply to Chinese national standards ("s) A4 specifications (210X297 public love) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)

546499 A7 ____ —_Β7_ 5. In the description of the invention (2) using bubbles), an optical switch is particularly useful as a bistable cross-connect matrix. Parallel input waveguides and parallel output waveguides are vertically formed on the substrate. Cross. A 45-degree slit is formed across each intersection and is filled with a fluid with a refractive index consistent with the waveguide material. An electrode is placed adjacent to the slit and selectively activated to electrolyze the fluid Converts into bubbles, destroying the matching refractive index covering the slits and causing the slits to reflect light instead of propagating across the slits. With catalysts, pulses of relative polarity or a sufficient size and the same polarity can be used to destroy the bubbles. US Patent No. 6,055,344 issued to JE Fouquet et al. On April 25, 2000 entitled "Fabrication of a total internal reflection optical switch with vertical fluid fill-holes" ,, Teaches a technology based on total internal reflection (TIR) optical waveguide conversion technology, which uses heat to refract The bubble generation liquid inconsistencies caused, which is capable of converting the optical energy between the waveguides. Despite the concerns, these conventional technology devices for generating bubbles have a number of notable limitations, including: low reaction speeds and the need to include fluids. The reduction in fluid caused the conversion to fail and was therefore unsatisfactory. Total internal reflection is changed by mechanical movement of a refractive index conforming material (TIIO, U.S. Patent No. 4,365,862, issued to Hiroshi Terui et al. On December 28, 1982, is titled "Optical Switch". This content teaches a Waveguide optical switch in which the total internal reflection (TIR) is based on a 6 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this page) This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) 546499 A7 _ ^ _ B7 _ 5. Description of the invention (3) A movable dielectric wafer with a matching refractive index between the substrate and the waveguide core is executed. The title of US Patent No. 4,582,391 issued to J. Legrand on April 15, 1986 is "Optical switch, and a matrix of such switches". This patent teaches an optical switch, which is based on total internal reflection (TIR) electromagnetically controlled moving members to change moisture Existing. U.S. Patent No. 5,444,723 issued to A. Chandonnet et al. On August 22, 1995 is entitled "Optical Switch and Q-Switched Laser (Optical Switch and Q-switched laser) ". The patent teaches that a section of an optical fiber with a core and a surrounding fiber case is supported by a piece. One part of the length has been substantially removed from the fiber case on one side and exposed. And a refractive index covering disturbance pad is installed near and parallel to the part. A translation device is in a first position, wherein the pad is far enough from the part to allow total internal reflection in the part, and a second position , Where the pad is close enough to the part to allow the light to escape from the core and move the pad between them. Despite the concerns, these mechanical movement methods cannot achieve sufficient conversion speed and suffer from possible mechanical failures resulting in conversion losses For these reasons, these mechanical movement designs are less satisfactory. Controlling total internal reflection (TIR) by changing the refractive index of the semiconductor. US Patent No. 4,832,430, issued to Kunio Tada on May 23, 1989. "Optical Switch", this patent teaches the configuration of electrodes in a carrier injection type optical switch In the vicinity of the conversion area, and when 7 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) This paper size applies to Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210X297 mm) 546499 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (4 Close When switching, the carrier is quickly removed through these electrodes. Total internal reflection (TIR) is controlled via semiconductor materials. U.S. Patent No. 5,329,137, issued to GW Taylor et al. On July 12, 1994, is entitled "Integrated total internal reflection optical switch utilizing charge storage in quantum wells." a quantum well). " The patent teaches an optical switch including a heterojunction transistor having a source, a gate, a mesa, and three self-aligned waveguides. A source of optical energy is applied to one of the waveguides and generates total internal reflection in the switch by inducing a change in refractive index under the gate by a charge applied from the source. Although relatively fast and free of moving elements, manufacturing such switches is difficult and expensive, and limits the geometry of the transition. Therefore, the open relationship of these semiconductor types is less satisfactory. Thermal Controlled Total Internal Reflection (TIR) US Patent No. 5,173,956 issued to RR Hayes on December 22, 1992 is entitled "Thermally driven optical switch method and apparatus" 〇This patent teaches the optical conversion between the two waveguides, which is achieved by the current passing through the inner conduction region to heat it and thereby change its refractive index using the common fiber shell inner conduction region. By controlling the two waveguides The current can be converted optically, but the total internal reflection (TIR) can be controlled on and off. Despite the concerns, it takes time to generate instantaneous changes in heat and therefore the conversion is too slow for most applications. Applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)

• 、 可 I: Line 丨 546499 A7 B7_ V. Description of the Invention (5) Rabbit Optical Power Control Total Internal Reflection (TIR) No. 5,018,842 of US Patent No. 5,018,842 issued to W.Chen on May 28, 1991, titled ', Optical Switch element (Optical switch device) ''. This patent teaches an optical power limiter and switch. It is transparent at low light intensity and opaque at high intensity. It is composed of a pair of right-angled triangles separated by a liquid film. Its refractive index changes when it senses the optical energy of total internal reflection (TIR) on or off. However, when one of the desired design basis of the network is to cover the power strength of a plane of the network, the 'strength related switch is not very practical. Controlling the polarized and unpolarized regions of the crystal to change the total internal reflection (TiIIO, US Patent No. 5,911,018, issued to WK Bischel et al. On June 8, 1999, is entitled "has an inducible refractive index range and Low loss optical switch with inducible refractive index boundary and spaced output target ". This patent teaches an optical waveguide conversion technology based on electro-optic control for optical display applications. The crystal's polarized and unpolarized regions result in total internal reflection (TIR). Although interesting, the waveguide-limited method taught here has limited practicality. As shown above: (1) using total The main skills of the internal reflection (TIR) technology are waveguide switches / applications; (2) multiple implementation technologies related to total internal reflection (TIR); (3) only one patent (No. 5,911,018) is introduced by Electro-optic controls the total internal reflection (TIR) caused by the polarized and unpolarized regions of crystals, but for optical display applications.] Vlichikazu Kondo (granted on October 21, 1986 US Patent No. 4,618,210) teaches ,, when a total internal reflection within this paper scale applicable Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 size (210X297 mm) 9 (Please read the back of the precautions to fill out this page)

546499

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION When a (TIR) switch requires a considerable cross angle to obtain sufficiently low speech, a substantially practical voltage is required. Because it is usually difficult to build a bridge and a high-speed drive circuit, a total internal reflection (TI Han) 0 is not suitable for high-speed conversion. In other words, Guan Jiao said that the change in the refractive index of the polarized and unpolarized regions induced by the electro-optic control crystal is extremely small (the size is 10-5-1-10). Therefore, the electro-optic block method cannot solve the problem. Optical switches are helpful. One way to take advantage of small changes in refractive index is to use electro-optic to control the polarized and unpolarized regions of the body to produce a complex structure. This method has been used in refraction-based beam scanners such as In the literature, it is described in "Thhl film electro-optic beam deflector using domain reversal in LiTa03", which is described by q. Chen , Y. Chiu, DN Lambeth, T.E. Schlesinger, DD Stancil, published in the conference proceedings of CTuN63, CLEO'93 (p.196 and below), organized by the Optical Society of America There are two patents describing methods of performing the optical scanner at different intensities: US Patent No. 4,614,408 and US Patent No. 5,317,446. The use of a refraction-based beam scanner in an optical switch The main disadvantage is that for a typical design, the maximum conversion angle between adjacent channels is about 0.6 degrees, and this conversion angle is sensitive to changes in the operating electric field. In optical scanners, multiple polarizations and polarities can be used. The selective area is refracted, and changes the output position of a light beam through an electro-optic crystal for the purpose of scanning. It has been suggested to use the refraction characteristic as a part of the switch. Magic A4 specifications (210 > < 297 mm) 10-...... installed ...: 6 Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Order. ...... Line 丨 546499 A7 __B7_ V. Description of the Invention (7) Generally, it is polarization dependent. For its part, TM in the optical signal is converted And the TE component is refracted at different angles, making the polarization-independent conversion system impossible. Alternately, it is possible to control the signal splitting and rotation and combine the TM and TE components into a polarization system that is distorted and expensive. Therefore, Refraction is not a satisfactory one Conversion method. An optical switch needs to have low insertion loss, be able to convert without being dominated by polarization and wavelength, have a fast conversion speed, preferably have no moving elements, and be a simple structure. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a device and method for optical conversion. The present invention includes a plurality of switch formats including 1 X2, 1 X 3, 1 X 4, 2 X 2, or 4X4, or even NXN. According to the present invention, the 4X4 switch format is understood as a non-blocking cross-connect switch matrix or it can be more restricted and can be applied in the form of a large optical switch. According to the present invention, the preferred switch does not have a moving element and can be switched at extremely fast speed (10_8 ~ 1 (Γ1 () seconds) because the switching is performed by controlling the condition of total internal reflection (TIR). Another characteristic is that the cross-talk is extremely low and the conversion is not sensitive to changes in the operating electric field. Depending on the switch format and design method, a simple structure, low insertion loss, and An optical switch whose wavelength is not related to polarization. According to the present invention, a simple structured 1 XN optical switch includes an input fiber collimator, an electro-optic crystal for beam conversion, and at least two or more output fiber collimators The input fiber collimator will collimate the input beam propagating in free space (that is, unguided) through a polarized and non-paper size applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210X297 mm) 11 (Please read the notes on the back before filling in this page) —. Order · 囔 · 546499 A7 _ ^ __ B7 V. Description of the invention (8) Electro-optic conversion crystal of polarized part. At any time One of its output fiber collimators receives the converted light beam in free space and combines it with the corresponding output fiber. The invention also includes a 2 X 2 optical switch, which includes two input fiber collimators, one for Beam-converted electro-optic crystal and two-output fiber collimator. The two-input fiber collimator collimates the input beam propagating in free space through an electro-optic crystal with simple polarized and unpolarized parts. The two-output Each collimator of the fiber optic collimator receives any output beam in free space and combines with the corresponding fiber depending on the switching state. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the 2 × 2 opening relationship may include a beam The separation element can significantly reduce the overall size of the switch. The conversion technology of the present invention utilizes total internal reflection (TIR). Beyond the known spectrum of interest, that is, a person who wants to convert, as long as the total internal The reflection (TIR) condition is maintained at the longest wavelength, the switch can operate at all wavelengths, and the conversion capability is not easily affected by changes in the operating electric field. Furthermore, An optical switch based on total internal reflection (TIR) can achieve a conversion angle of 5 to 6 degrees for TM waves between adjacent channels, and 2 to 2.5 degrees for TM and TE waves between adjacent channels. Conversion angles, and these angles have nothing to do with the changes of the working electric field, in terms of plural aspects, it can relax the engineering restrictions of the optical switch design and make it easier to manufacture. Refer to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. A better understanding of the present invention. Brief description is now only by way of example, as shown in the following drawings. The preferred paper size of the present invention applies the Chinese National Standard (QJS) M specification (2). ≪ 297 (Chu) 12 packs .............. tr ........ line (please read the precautions on the back before filling in this (Page) 546499 A7. B7 V. Description of the invention (9) References to specific embodiments: Figures 1 (a) and 1 (b) are schematic views of the first specific embodiment of the present invention, with a 1 × 2 opening relationship Consists of a photoelectric crystal with a simple polarized and unpolarized structure, based on the total internal reflection (TIR) of a polarized or unpolarized beam Figure 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the present invention. A 1 X 3 switch is composed of a photoelectric crystal with a simple polarized and unpolarized structure. The total internal reflection (TIR) of the light beam is converted. Figure 3 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the present invention. A 1 X 4 switch is a photoelectric crystal with a simple polarized and unpolarized structure. The conversion is performed according to the total internal reflection (TIR) of the polarized or unpolarized light beam. Figure 4 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A 2 X 2 switch consists of a simple polarized and An unpolarized structure composed of a photoelectric crystal performs conversion based on the total internal reflection (TIR) of a polarized or unpolarized beam; FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and the switch of FIG. 4 A similar 2 X 2 switch has a shorter axis size by two beam splitting. Figure 6 is a schematic view of a sixth specific embodiment of the present invention. A 4 X 4 cross-connect switch matrix Simple and unpolarized The structure is composed of a photoelectric crystal, and the conversion is performed according to the total internal reflection (TIR) of the polarized or unpolarized beam; 13 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210X297 mm) 546499 A7 _-_ B7 ____________ V. Description of the invention (10) Figure 7 is a schematic view of a seventh specific embodiment of the present invention. A 4 X 4 switch matrix has a simple pole And a non-polarized structure composed of a photoelectric crystal, and performs conversion based on the total internal reflection (TIR) of a polarized or unpolarized beam; and FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an eighth specific embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. A 4 X 4 switch matrix similar to the switch matrix in the figure is composed of four parts of electro-optic crystals instead of two parts of electro-optic crystals. Detailed explanation of the specific implementation benefits of K. Kyu In this specification, the following proper nouns have the following meanings. Total internal reflection, or TIR thinking: f "optical" number when it hits an interface of a material with a lower refractive index at a glancing angle, the total reflection returns to a part of the # number transmission material The incident angle means the angle between the straight line perpendicular to the interface and the beam path of the optical signal. The sum of the grazing angle and the incident angle is equal to 90 degrees.—A collimated signal in which the light rays are parallel and one A collimator is an optical device that makes light rays parallel. Free space means any environment in which an optical signal is not guided and thus is emitted from an X-guided environment to an unguided environment. An optical signal means any Optical signals, whether in the visible spectrum or not, are modulated or used to carry data. In this specification, optical signals include all telecommunication frequency bands, covering 850 nm to 1620 mn, as well as DWM and other forms of multiplexing. Transmission signal. In this specification, the proper noun interface is used in the plural. The conversion interface means that an interface can change between penetration and reflection. The domain interface is an interface It can reverse the domain between one side and the other side of the interface, and it is a better form of the conversion interface. Input / output interface This paper size is turned into a paper (CNS) A4 size (210X297 mm) 14 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) / tr: line 丨 546499 A7 I ---- ~~ ^-V. Description of the invention (11) It is related to the input and output surface of the electro-optic crystal. Crystal / The air interface is typically a non-transformed reflective interface. Figure 1 illustrates the first embodiment of the present invention, that is, a 1 X 2 optical switch (generally designated by the component number 100). Switch 1 〇〇 including an input fiber collimator 202, an electro-optic crystal 200, two output fiber collimator 208, 210, and electrodes 212, 214 on the opposite surface of the crystal 200 (not shown in Figure 1a) , Is connected to the power source 208 and grounded 2 2 0 during conversion. Although a collimator is the preferred form of optical device, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention includes all optical devices for transmitting optical signals Into free space. Therefore, the optical signal source can It includes a coherent light source (laser), an unguided portion of the signal path used to focus the optical signal sufficient to allow it to pass through the free space of the present invention, and other similar structures. In any form The optical device can process the optical #signal effectively through free space, through a conversion structure which will be explained later, and then return to combine the signal with a waveguide, such as an optical fiber. | In a preferred form, in a collimator A signal-carrying fiber end transmits the collimated optical signal into a free space through a switch, and then captures the unguided signal through a second or output collimator and combines it with another fiber. For example, a collimated beam preferably covers a convergent or divergent beam because a collimated beam allows a simple and easy switch design and makes it easier to achieve a TIR condition. The electro-optic crystal 200 is preferably made of lithium button acid (LiTa03) or lithium niobate (LiNb03) or other materials having a high electro-optic coefficient. Regarding thickness only This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (2〗 0χ297 公 爱) ~ 77 ~ " (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)

546499 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (12 can be changed, but the preferred thickness for the crystal is about 0.4 to 0.5 cm. In the crystal, a polarized portion 204 is at an interface 205 and an unpolarized portion 206. Preferably, depending on the design basis, the interface 205 is generally parallel to the long edges of the rectangular-shaped crystal or has some slight angles. According to the present invention, the material constituting the crystal is a material that exhibits residual polarization. The ferroelectric material 5 can be electrically induced by subjecting the material to a voltage field in the south. It should be understood that the strength of the electric field required for total internal reflection (TIR) is directly related to the complex characteristics of the switch design, The choice includes materials for electro-optic crystals, the thickness of the polarized / unpolarized portion, and the angle of incidence of the beam that strikes the interface between the polarized / unpolarized portions. Therefore, the present invention includes the use of sufficient voltage to cover the switching element to The total internal reflection (TIR) required or desired for the switching operation described here is obtained. The proper term "transformed electric field" in the description means that an electric field is sufficient to interact with these design features. A total internal reflection (TIR) occurs at the relevant interface. In the crystal 200, only a portion of the gray and white portions are electrically polarized. Therefore, the directions of the two regions 204 and 206 are opposite. Just one line For materials, the change in refractive index Δ η can be expressed by the following equation: Δ η = 0.5 X η 3 X r XV / t where n is the refractive index of the crystal without being disturbed, r is the linear electro-optic coefficient, and V is the In order to control the size of the electric field, and t is the thickness of the crystal. The sign of the electro-optic coefficient r and the sign of Δ η depend on the applied electric field relative to the direction of polarization. These characteristics can be used to control the electric field in a known The effect of the change of △ η is maximized. The Chinese National Standard (CNS) Α4 specification (210X297 mm) can now be applied to the use of polarization and the paper size in the crystal 16 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling (This page) Binding | 546499 A7 ^ B7 V. Description of the Invention (I3) The advantages of the polarized structure are understood. Because electro-optic materials are prone to become non-isotropic, they are targeted at ordinary light beams (s-waves) and special light beams (p wave ) N and r can be different values. Under a known operating condition, the Δη of a particular light beam (P wave) is usually about three times the Δη of a normal light beam (s wave). It means that in terms of the working voltage and the total internal reflection (TIR) surface length, a special light beam (ρ wave) is easy to reach the total internal reflection (TIR). Furthermore, when only the special light beam (ρ wave) is maintained, The requirement of internal reflection (TIR), the open relationship of the present invention is a switch to maintain polarization. If a higher working voltage is applied, or the grazing angle of the incident beam is further reduced, total internal reflection ( TIR) surface becomes longer, not only the need to maintain total internal reflection (TIR) for a special light beam (P wave), but also the need to maintain total internal reflection (TIR) for a normal light beam (s wave). Therefore, the present invention further includes a polarization-independent switch. For those skilled in the art, polarization-independent switching is an important advantage for optical signal network conversion methods. Figure la shows that a collimated light beam is emitted by the input collimator 202 into a crystal 200 along a straight path 203. Without the application of an electric field, the beam will pass through the crystal 200 and exit from the crystal, and enter the first output collimator 208 as shown in the figure. If there is an electric field applied through the electrodes 212, 214, the white areas of the crystals shown in the figure have the higher refractive index and the gray areas of the crystals shown in the same way have the lower refractive index. Once the TIR condition is met, the light beam will be reflected at the interface 205, exit from the crystal 200 and propagate along the path 207 into the second collimator 210. Therefore, this interface is used as an optical signal. 17 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page.) This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210X297 mm) 546499 A7, B7 V. Invention Description (l4) of the conversion interface. The invention includes applying an electric field to either side of the interface, or more ideally to both sides of the interface, where the domains of the two sides of the interface are reversed. Larger changes in refractive index in this way are easier to perceive than when an electric field is applied to only one side of the interface. According to the present invention, this switching principle based on total internal reflection (TIR) is applicable to both a normal light beam (s-wave) and a special light beam (p-wave). However, in general, a normal beam (S wave) requires a higher electric field voltage or a smaller grazing angle and a longer total internal reflection (TIR) than a special beam (P wave). )surface. Therefore, as long as total internal reflection (TIR) is achieved for a normal beam (s-wave), total internal reflection (TIR) is established for a special beam (p-wave). In this way, a polarization independent 1 X2 optical switch is provided in this embodiment of the invention. The refractive index η is a function of wavelength. For longer wavelengths, both the particular beam and the usual beam value η become smaller. When light of a wavelength enters the switch, for example, the entire C and L bands are from 1520 to 1620 φ nm, as long as total internal reflection (TIR) is maintained for the longest wavelength, total internal reflection (TIR) can be maintained for all shorter wavelengths at the same time ). Therefore, the functional system of the 1 X2 optical switch according to the present invention is independent of wavelength. It is understood that this is another attractive and important feature of the present invention for applications in WDM / DWDM network systems. Figure lb is a top view of the specific embodiment of Figure la. As can be seen in the figure, the electrodes 212 and 214 are arranged on opposite sides, and an electric field is allowed to pass through the electro-optic crystal 200 as described above. Figure 2 shows a second specific embodiment of the present invention, which includes a 1 X 3 optical switch. The opening relationship is based on the total internal reflection (TIR) according to the present invention. The paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification. (210X297 mm) 18 ----------------------- install ------------------ order- ----------------- line (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 546499 A7 -11_ B7_ V. Description of the invention (I5) Electric field induced. Therefore, as can be seen in the figure, the second figure has an input fiber collimator 302, an electro-optic crystal 300, or the main body of the electro-optic crystal 300 having four polarized and unpolarized portions 306, 308, 3 10, and 3 12 and three outputs. Fiber collimators 318, 320, and 322. In this embodiment, the switch control electrode (not shown) has two separate parts, one controlling the left crystal body and one controlling the right crystal body. As shown, a collimated beam is emitted from the input collimator 30 along line 304 and enters crystal 300. At switch position 1, no electric field is applied and the light beam propagates through the free space along the straight path in the crystal 300. The signal beam exits the crystal and continues along path 304 until it enters output collimator 318. At switch position 2, a control electric field is applied to the left electrode so that total internal reflection (TIR) is reached at the interface between the regions 306 and 308 of the crystal. Therefore, the light beam 304 is reflected and propagates along the dotted line 314 and enters a second output collimator 320. At switch position 3, only a control electric field is applied to the right electrode so that total internal reflection (TIR) is reached at the interface between the areas 310 and 3 12 where the beam is reflected. Therefore, the reflected beam exits along path 3 16 and enters the third output collimator 322. Furthermore, as can be understood from the foregoing description, the total internal reflection (TIR) achieved with a normal light beam (s-wave) can also be achieved with respect to all special light beams (P-wave). This makes the switch polarized irrelevant. Similarly, the total internal reflection (TIR) achieved for the longest wavelengths means that the on relationship is that the wavelengths are uncorrelated. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention, again in the form of a 1 X 4 optical switch based on total internal reflection (TIR). As shown in Figure 3, 'with an input fiber collimator 402, a first electro-optic crystal 400, a second electro-optic crystal 401, and the 5 polarized and unpolarized parts of the electro-optic crystal. This paper is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 Specification (210X297mm) 19 (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) 丨 -Order · 囔, 546499 A7 _; _ B7_ V. Description of the Invention (l6) 406, 408, 410 , 412 and 414. Similarly, four-output fiber collimators 434, 436, 438, and 440 are provided. Similar to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the switch control electrode has two separate parts, one for controlling the left crystal part 400 and one for controlling the right crystal part 40i. Therefore, a collimated beam exiting from the collimator 402 travels along a straight path 404, and enters the crystal 400, then enters the crystal 401 and passes along the line 400 until it enters the output collimator 434 . At switch position 2, a controlled electric field is applied to the electrode to generate an electric field in the crystal 400 so that total internal reflection (TIR) is reached at the interface between the regions 406 and 408, where the beam reflection deviates from the path 4. 4. The reflected beam enters a second output collimator 436 along path 416. At switch position 3, an electrode (not shown) on the crystal 401 applies a control electric field so that total internal reflection (TIR) is achieved at the interface between the areas 412 and 414 where the beam reflects. The reflected beam exits the crystal 401 and travels along a path 418 into a third output collimator 438. At switch position 4, a control electric field is applied to the two electrodes that generate an electric field in crystals 400 and 401, so that total internal reflection (TIR) is achieved at the interface between areas 406 and 408 and 410 and 414, respectively. The signal beam is reflected at the two surfaces and thus exits from the crystal 401 and propagates along a path 420 into the fourth output collimator 440. Furthermore, when total internal reflection (TIR) is achieved with a normal light beam (s-wave), total internal reflection (TIR) can also be achieved with a special light beam (p-wave). In the foregoing specific embodiment, wavelength independence can be achieved at the same time. FIG. 4 shows a fourth specific embodiment of the present invention, which is in the form of a 2 × 2 optical switch. Unlike the foregoing specific embodiment, the switch of Fig. 4 has a symmetrical structure. As shown in Figure 4, the paper size of the two-input fiber collimator is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) 20 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Order — 546499 A7 _ : _____B7_ 5. Description of the Invention (I7) 502 and 504 are guided toward an electro-optic crystal 500. The optical crystal 500 has a sandwich structure of polarized and unpolarized portions, wherein portions 522 and 520 sandwich a portion 524 therebetween. Configure two output fiber collimators 538 and 540 at the same time. In this embodiment, a switch control electrode covers the entire area of the portions 520, 522, and 524. Region 524 is preferably thin in order to minimize beam walk-off when the beam is switched. In other words, the greater the thickness of the region 524, the more difficult it is to align the collimators 53 8 and 540 at the individual optimal positions with the smallest combined loss for the transmitted and reflected beams, respectively. On the other hand, the region 524 according to the present invention is thick enough to prevent the second reflective surface from causing the beam leakage caused by the wave that gradually disappears in the TIR mode, resulting in an unacceptable reduction in optics. signal. In switch position 1, no electric field is applied. In this case, the collimated light beam is radiated from the input collimator 502 and propagates through the crystal 500 along the straight path 506, and propagates into the first output collimator 538 along the straight path 530. Similarly, a collimated light beam can be simultaneously emitted from the input collimator 504 and propagated through the crystal 500 along a straight path 508, and enter the second output collimator 540 along the straight path 532. As shown, the signal paths 508 and 506 cross. However, as long as the two input beams do not have the same coherent light source, no interference will occur or the switching performance will be degraded. At switch position 2, a control electric field is applied so that total internal reflection (TIR) is achieved at the interface between the regions 520 and 524 and the regions 522 and 524. Under this condition, the light beam from the collimator 502 follows the path 506 and is reflected to the path 532 to enter the collimator 540. Similarly, the light beam from the collimator 504 The paper size applies to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) -21-(Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)

546499 A7 ----- __ B7 '^ __ V. Description of the Invention (I8) follows the path 508 and the reflection deviates from the interface between the areas 520 and 524 and passes along the path 530 to the output collimation仪 538。 Instrument 538. Furthermore, the total internal reflection (TIR) achieved for a normal light beam (s-wave) can also be established for a special light beam (P-wave). Likewise, as discussed earlier, the wavelength irrelevance is a characteristic of this switch. FIG. 5 shows a fifth specific embodiment of the present invention. The optical path outlined in Figure * || expands the angle between the signal and the interface. As shown earlier, the preferred angle between the signal path and the interface is about 1 degree. This small angle means that the input collimator and the output collimator need to be separated from the crystal part, so the beam has sufficient light divergence to cooperate with the collimator in parallel, or it can be used as shown in Figure 5. Divider. Therefore, Fig. 5 shows a 2 X 2 optical switch with a symmetrical conversion structure, which includes two beam splitting chirps. Beam splitting allows the axial size of the switch to be reduced 'because there is no need to provide sufficient beam divergence to accommodate collimators that are side-by-side with each other. As shown in the figure, the specific embodiment of FIG. 5 includes two input optical fiber collimators 602 and 604, a beam splitter 610 at the input end, and an electro-optic crystal with a simple clamping structure of FIG. 4 At 600, one beam splitter 稜鏡 630 at the output end, and two output fiber collimators 638 and 640. In this example, the switching control electrodes again cover the entire crystal region 620, 622, and 624. It can now be understood that the surfaces of the inlet and outlet at the input and output ends of the crystal 600 are polished with a small-/ + angle, which is equal to the incident beam sweep angle, so that when the beam exits the crystal 600, it will not suffer any refraction. In this way, the ordinary beam (s-wave) and the special beam (p-wave) of another type of beam are discretized. This paper size applies the national standard (CNS) A4 specification. ⑵〇 > < 297 公 ^ 〇 "-~ 22 ~~

------------------------ Install! (Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this page) t. 546499 A7 a B7 5. The invention description (l9) (walk-off) is eliminated, otherwise it will cause additional polarization dependent loss (PDL). According to the present invention, the beam splitting angle between the two output channels may be about 1.2 degrees, which is too small to split the two output beams in a short distance. Therefore, two-beam splitting is used to improve the separability. Conversion performance is performed in the same manner as the foregoing specific embodiment. Of course, it can be seen that the 稜鏡 610 shown is just one of the possible forms of beam splitting. Any other reflective surface can be used, either individually or collectively, to achieve the desired beam path. In the case where the collimators 602 and 604 are arranged laterally, only one reflecting surface is required. This type of chirp change is applied to the output of the electro-optic crystal 600 at the same time. Furthermore, the concept of beam splitting can be applied to the specific embodiment shown in Fig. 4. The electro-optic crystal does not have a smooth input and output surface at an angle. FIG. 6 shows a 4 X 4 cross-connect switch matrix according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As can be understood from the foregoing, the specific embodiment of FIG. 6 operates in the same manner as the first specific embodiment, but has a slightly more complex geometry to accommodate multiple inputs and outputs. Essentially, the systems shown are four-fiber input collimators 720, 722, 724, and 726, and seven electro-optic crystal sections 702, 704, 706, 708, 712, 714, and 716. Also shown are four-output fiber collimators 780, 782, 784, and 786. Each crystal portion has a polarized and an unpolarized portion. There are 15 pairs of switch control electrodes, and each electrode system is configured to cover the interface between each polarized and unpolarized part. Therefore, when a collimated beam is emitted from the input collimators 720, 722, 724, and 726 and propagates along a straight ray path 730, 732, 734, and 736, respectively, it can be selectively reflected at the interface, Optional 23 when necessary (please read the notes on the back before filling this page) This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) 546499 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (20 ° reflection to Each output collimator. Therefore, at any time, the switch control electrode can be selectively turned on to establish a total internal reflection (TIR) condition. It can be seen from Figure 6 that this specific embodiment is a four-input collimator and a four-output collimator. Collimators allow 24 non-redundant cross-connect combinations. This is considered a non-blocking 4 X 4 switch. It should be noted that the beam 730 is reflected at the crystal portion 708 at the crystal-air interface, resulting in a beam path 770 Up reflection to collimator 780. Therefore, set all switches in crystals 702, 704, 706 to the off position, the beam path is 730 to 770. If any of crystals 702, 704, and 706 Open relationship for open On, the beam path 730 is reflected to the paths 770 to 774 or 776, respectively. Figure 7 shows a seventh specific embodiment of the present invention, a 4 X 4 switch matrix, to some extent according to Figure 4 In this specific embodiment, the four-input collimators 820, 822, 824, and 826 are for electro-optic crystals 800, 802. Four-output fiber collimators 880, 882, 884, and 886 are also provided. As shown in the figure, the electro-optic crystals 800 and 802 respectively have three and two polarized and unpolarized parts, each of which functions as a 2X2 switch node. Therefore, there are five pairs of switch control electrodes, and Each electrode system configuration includes one of the 2 X 2 polarized and unpolarized portions. In this concept, the 2X 2 polarized and unpolarized portions are considered as a sandwich structure as described above. Collimated beam Radiation from each input collimator 820, 822, 824, and 826 follows a straight path 830, 832, 834, and 836, respectively. Along these beam paths, the light crosses the five 2 X 2 switch nodes and is ventilated at the same time. To the total internal reflection (TIR) surface of the crystal. Light 870 along the four output paths, this paper size applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210X297 mm) 24 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)

546499 A7 _ ^ ___ B7____ 5. Description of the Invention (M) 872, 874, and 876 exit the crystal 802 and enter the four-output collimators 880, 882, 884, and 886, respectively. At any time, from zero to five pairs of switch control electrodes can be turned on to establish a total internal reflection (TIR) condition. This results in a combination of 24 non-redundant cross-connections between the four-input collimator and the four-output collimator. Compared with the foregoing specific embodiment, it can now be understood that this 4X4 non-blocking version has fewer components and thus the switching mechanism has less excess. FIG. 8 shows an eighth specific embodiment of the present invention, which is in the form of a 4 × 4 switch matrix. As shown, the four-input fiber collimators 920, 922, 924, and 926 are directed toward the four parts of the electro-optic crystals 902, 904, 906, and 908. Four-output fiber collimators 980, 982, 984, and 986 are also available. The crystal 902 has one polarized and one unpolarized portion, and the crystal portions 904 and 908 have two polarized and unpolarized portions, respectively. Each polarized and unpolarized section functions as a 2 X 2 switch node as described previously. In this embodiment, there are preferably five pairs of switch control electrodes with an electrode configuration covering each 2 X 2 polarized and unpolarized portion. The collimated light beams are emitted from the input collimators 920, 922, 924, 926, and propagate along a straight path 930, 932, 934, and 936, respectively. Along the four paths, the light beam intersects with the 5 2 X 2 switch node and the total internal reflection (TIR) surface of the two air crystals, and exits the crystal along the four output paths into the four output standard. Straight instruments 980, 982, 984 and 986. Therefore, from zero to five pairs of switch control electrodes can be turned on resulting in a total internal reflection (TIR) condition, resulting in a combination of 24 non-redundant cross-connections between the four-input collimator and the four-output collimator. Compared with the sixth embodiment, the eighth embodiment has fewer electro-optic crystals. On the other hand, compared with the seventh specific embodiment, the eighth and this paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) 25 ---------------- -------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) .- 、 may | 546499 A7-~~-~ ^ __ 5. Description of the Invention (22) — One-There are many embodiments Two electro-optic crystals. Depending on manufacturing technology and cost, fewer or more electro-optic crystals are used. For example, although a large number of crystal portions are used in the specific embodiment of Fig. 6, each portion has a simple structure. It should be understood that the present invention encompasses a monolithic crystal structure having a knife-polarized / unpolarized form as shown in the figure, and is made of-or more separated crystal portions operatively arranged one after the other Combined crystal: structure. The sixth, seventh, and eighth embodiments are all design methods proposed for the -4 X 4 switch matrix, which can have the characteristics of polarization-independent conversion and wavelength-independent conversion. It can be further understood that the manufacturing of the switch of the present invention is simple and simple. The polarized / unpolarized portions may be separately formed and then mechanically attached by any appropriate member such as an adhesive or the like. Of course, any such fastener along the path of the reflected and unreflected beams does not interfere with the optical characteristics. Alternatively, a single piece of electro-optic crystal can be modified by applying a polarized electrode and an electric field to form a polarized / unpolarized portion along an interface. Although the foregoing description has been directed to different preferred forms and specific embodiments of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto and fully extends to the scope of the appended patent application. Various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the broad scope of the scope of patent application. The modifications and other descriptions discussed above are obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, there may be different geometries that utilize the same principle of total internal reflection (TIR) free space conversion. Therefore, the present invention includes a symmetric NXN switch form and an asymmetric NXM switch form. This paper size applies Chinese National Standard (CNS) Α4 specification (210X297 mm) 26 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) ------.......: line 丨 546499 A7 ___B7 V. Description of the invention (23) Component reference number 100 ... 1X2 optical switch 200 ... electro-optic crystal 202 ... input fiber collimator 203 ... straight path 204 ... polarized portion 205 ... interface 206 ... Unpolarized section 207 ... Path 208 ... Output light iron collimator 210 ... Output fiber collimator 212 ... Electrode 214 ... Electrode 218 ... Power supply 220 ... Ground 300 ... Electro-optic crystal 302 ... Input fiber collimation Instrument 304 ... beam 306 ... polarized and unpolarized portion 308 ... polarized and unpolarized portion 310 ... polarized and unpolarized portion 312 ... polarized and unpolarized portion 314 ... dashed line 316 ... path 318 ... ·· Output fiber collimator 320 ... Output fiber collimator 322 ... Output fiber collimator 400 ··· The first electro-optic crystal 401 ··· Second electro-optic crystal 402 ... Input fiber collimator 404 ... Straight Path 406 ... polarized and unpolarized part 408 ... polarized and unpolarized part 410 ... polarized and unpolarized Polarized section 412 ... Polarized and unpolarized section 414 ... Polarized and unpolarized section 416 ... Path 420 ... Path 434 ... Output fiber collimator 436 ... Output fiber collimator 438 ... Output Optical fiber collimator 440 ... Output fiber collimator 500 ... Electro-optic crystal 502 ... Input fiber collimator 504 ... Input fiber collimator (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 27 Paper dimensions Applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) 546499 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (24 506… Straight path 714 ·· • Electro-optic crystal part 508 ··· Straight path 716 ·· • Electro-optic crystal Part 520 ... Part 720 ... • Fiber Input Collimator 522 ... Part 722- • Fiber Input Collimator 524 ... Part 724 ... • Fiber Input Collimator 530 ... Straight Path 726 " • Fiber Input Collimator 532… path 730 " • ray path 538 ··· output fiber collimator 732 ··· ray path 540 ··· output fiber collimator 734 ··· ray path 600 ··· electro-optic crystal 736 ··· ray path 602… input fiber collimation 770 " • Path 604… input fiber collimator 774 ·· • path 610 ··· beam splitter 稜鏡 776 ··· path 620 ··· crystal part 780 " • output fiber collimator 622 ··· crystal part 782 & quot • Output Fiber Collimator 624 ··· Crystal Part 784. ·· Output Fiber Collimator 630… Beam Splitter 稜鏡 786 " • Output Fiber Collimator 638 ··· Output Fiber Collimator 800 ·· Crystal 640 ·· Output fiber collimator 802 ·· Electro-optic crystal 702 ·· Electro-optic crystal part 820 " • Input collimator 704… Electro-optic crystal part 822 ··· Input collimator 706 ··· Electro-optic crystal part 824 ··· Input collimator 708 ··· Electro-optic crystal section 826 " • Input collimator 712… Electro-optic crystal section 830 " • Straight path (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) This paper size Applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210X297 mm) 28 546499 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (25) 832 " • Straight path 922… Input fiber collimator 834- • Straight path 924… Input Fiber collimator 836 " • Straight path 926… input fiber collimator 870 " • Output path light 930 ... Straight path 872 ·· Output path light 932 ... Straight path 874 ·· • Output path light 934… Straight path 876 " • Output path light 936 ... Straight path 880 " • Output fiber collimator 970 ... Output path light 882 " • Output fiber collimator 972 ... Output path light 884 " • Output fiber collimation Collimator 974… output path light 886 " • output fiber collimator 976… output path light 902 ··· electro-optic crystal 980… output fiber collimator 904 " • electro-optic crystal 982 ... output fiber collimator 906 " • electro-optic crystal 984… output fiber collimator 908 “920 ·· • electro-optic crystal • input fiber collimator 986… output fiber collimator (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) This paper size is applicable to Chinese national standards (CNS ) A4 size (210X297 mm) 29

Claims (1)

546499 A3 • B8 _ C3 --------____ D3_ VI. Scope of patent application 1. An optical switch comprising: an electro-optic crystal for optical signal transmission, which has at least a first part and at least a second part The material constituting at least one of the parts exhibits a change in refractive index upon application of an electric field, and the first and second parts define at least one transition interface therebetween; Install at least one signal source for emitting a signal through the crystal along at least one unguided beam path, the unguided beam path crossing the at least one conversion interface at an incident angle; and ordering an electric field generator For generating a switching electric field in at least a part of the first and second parts of the crystal, and for the electric field that causes a refractive index change for at least a part of the first and second parts, a critical angle at the interface is smaller than the The angle of incidence reflects the signal away from the interface, where the optical signal is switched between penetration and reflection by turning the electric field generator on and off the interface, changing the unguided beam path through the crystal. 2. The optical switch of item i in the patent application range, wherein the signal emitted by the signal source is one or more collimated, partially collimated, convergent or divergent signals. 3. For the optical switch according to the scope of the patent application, the orientation of the domain of the first part is opposite to the orientation of the domain of the second part. 4. The optical switch according to item 3 of the scope of patent application, in which the first and the first are used. At least a part of the P-knife is constituted as a polarized part to constitute the reverse domain. 5. If the optical switch of item 3 is applied for, the reverse domain is based on the paper standard applicable to the Chinese national standard dhs) A4 ^ grid (21 Ο X297 公 -------- -30-9 9 64 Asc D 々 巳 ΐ々 巳 ΐ-τ 利 ¾ 丁 'bone, -5 ^ 1 • Six is composed of 71-word crystal parts together in a sincere way to form the interface of the domain to form' where the crystal part has another part Relative domain orientation 0 6 · If the optical switch of the patent application is No. 3, 4 or 5, the electric field generator is made in an appropriate size and shape to generate the converted electric field in the first and second parts. • The optical switch of item 3 in the scope of patent application, wherein the switch includes a two-output collimator and is configured as a switch by two switches. 8. The optical switch of item 7 in the scope of patent application, wherein the open relationship is double 9. The optical switch according to item 3 of the scope of patent application, wherein the first and second parts are made with appropriate size and dispersion to form at least two domain interfaces between the crystal parts. 10 · 如The optical switch of the scope of patent application No. 1 or 3, wherein the The change in emissivity is sufficient to reflect all wavelengths in the signal to provide a wavelength-independent conversion. U. For example, the optical switch of the patent application No. 1 or 3, wherein the change in refractive index is sufficient to reflect the The transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electrical (TE) polarizations in the signal are used to provide polarization-independent conversion. 12. The optical switch according to item 9 of the patent application scope, which further includes at least two input collimators. The crystal is made in an appropriate size and shape, and allows at least two unguided optical paths to intersect each interface of the first and first domain interfaces at the incident angle. 13. An optical switch including: This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (21〇21297mm) 31 546499 The scope of the patent application is at least one signal source of optical signals; an electro-optic crystal transmitted by a light # 仏, which defines two conversion interfaces. At each conversion interface, each side of the conversion interface changes as soon as electrotherapy is applied. Refractive index material; the crystal system is made in proper size and shape, and the conversion interface is in proper size and configuration to allow at least one unguided optical path to convert with the first and second at an incident goodness One or two interfaces intersect; at least; an electric field generator is used to generate a conversion electric field at the conversion interface. The electric field that causes a change in refractive index is sufficient to generate a threshold at the conversion interface that is less than the incident angle and reflects the signal. Leaving the conversion interface and the signal receiver for at least two years are used for the optical signal; wherein the electric field is turned on and off by sound, and the conversion interface converts at least one optical and signal between transmission and reflection. The conversion changes the path of the unguided beam passing through the crystal. 14. The optical switch according to item 13 of the patent application scope, which includes at least three optical signal receivers, wherein the two conversion interfaces are arranged in the electro-optic crystal, allowing the Weihao to follow an unguided, unreflected beam path The first interface passing through the conversion interface then passes through another interface, and is not selectively switched to form a 1 X 3 switch at any one of the conversion interfaces or one of the conversion interfaces. 15. The optical switch as claimed in item 13 of the scope of patent application, wherein the switch includes at least two input signal generators, each of which sets out an unguided light. 32 This paper standard applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications. (210X297 mm) 546499 Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs The patented patent fan beam passes through the crystal, and the two conversion interface system is configured to allow each beam path to intersect with each conversion interface at the incident angle and extend to one of the signal receivers. The electric field determines a reflected beam path where the signal is reflected off the conversion interface to the other optical signal receiver, whereby the optical signal can pass or reflect to form a 2 X 2 switch. M. The optical switch according to item 13 of the patent application, wherein the first and second conversion interfaces are electrically isolated from each other, allowing the change of the refractive index to be independently induced at each conversion interface. 17. The optical switch according to item 13 of the patent application, wherein the first and second conversion interfaces are not electrically isolated from each other, and the actuation system of the refractive index change occurs at the two conversion interfaces together. 18. The optical switch according to item 13 of the patent application, wherein one of the two conversion interfaces defines a reflected signal path for the light beam, and the conversion element further includes a cross-over conversion with the reflected light beam path. Interface, by which the 号 number can be reflected at this interface; Ξ · conversion interface reflection at any interface to form a 1 X 4 switch. 19. If the optical element of the scope of patent application No. 18, wherein the first conversion interface is electrically connected to the second conversion interface and the third conversion interface 20. If the optical switch of the patent scope No. 丨 or 13 is further applied, Including one or more optical isolators allows reducing the size of the shaft of the switch. 21. The optical switch of claim 20, wherein the-or more optical isolator includes at least one reflective surface. 22. If the optical switch in the scope of application for the patent No. 21, it further contains the paper size of the paper to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (21〇 χ 297 public love) 33 λ3 B8 546499 _ 'Profit Seeking Range One fewer pair of reflective surfaces causes the-or more per-material signal to reflect-to a beam path spaced from the unguided beam path through the crystal. 23. The optical device according to item 22 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the two-reflective surface includes a frame. 24. An optical switch for converting an optical signal, which includes ... N input signal sources, 1 ^ uncrossed and unguided beam paths; where N is two or more; N output signal sources; optical #transmits electro-optic crystals with at least enough conversion interfaces to reflect each of these unguided The guided beam path to the N output collimators, the conversion interface is configured to intersect each of the unguided beam paths at an incident angle, and is characterized in that once an electric field is applied at the conversion interface, The change in refractive index produces a critical angle less than the incident angle to reflect the signal away from the conversion interface; and at least enough electric field generators to independently generate a conversion electric field for each conversion interface, forming a non-blocking ΝχΝ switch. 25. The optical switch of item 24 in the scope of patent application, wherein the electro-optic crystal system is a single integrated structure. 26. The item of scope of patent application 24 Optical switch, in which the electro-optic crystal system is composed of separate parts of the crystal, which are arranged close to each other in operation. 27 · —An optical switch for converting optical signals, the switch includes ... Standard (CNS) Α4 specification (210X297 male sauce) 34 546499 Dishonored patent Liwei -〇〇 〇 Four-input collimator, which determines the four-way unguided beam path; four-output collimator; an optical signal transmission electro-optic crystal, which has at least five conversion structures configured with the unguided beam The paths intersect, each conversion structure has two conversion interfaces, and each unguided beam path intersects the at least-transition interface at a '2' angle, and the conversion interface is characterized by the- Applying a change in the refractive index of the electric field produces less than the person's critical angle, and the heart reflects the signal away from the conversion interface; and at least five electric field generators' independently generate a conversion electric field for each conversion structure for selection Reflecting the beam path by nature constitutes a non-blocking 4 X 4 switch. 28.- An optical switch for transducing scientific signals, the switch comprising: N input signal sources' which define N cross-guided beam paths; N output signal sources;-optical signal transmission electro-optic crystals , Which has at least one conversion structure, whose configuration intersects with the beam path of any of the two unguided beams, the per: conversion structure has two conversion interfaces, and each of the unguided beam paths is at an angle of incidence Crossing the at least _ conversion interface, the conversion interface is characterized in that upon application of an electric field at the interface, a refractive index that is smaller than the human angle of incidence-a critical angle is used to reflect the signal away from the conversion interface; and This paper size applies the Zhongguanjia standard (S) A4 size: 0 ^ 5 ^ (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 35 Jo 546499 At least one electric field generator generates a conversion electric field independently for each conversion structure, and is used to selectively reflect an optical signal on the beam path to form a non-blocking N X N switch. 29. The optical switch for converting an optical signal according to item 27 of the scope of patent application is a non-blocking 4 X 4 optical switch. The four-input collimator is generally arranged in two parallel pairs. The paired unguided beam path intersects with the other paired unguided beam path, and one of the beta-hailer transition structures is disposed in at least three of the intersections. 30. An optical switch comprising: an optical signal transmission electro-optic crystal having at least a first portion and at least a second portion, at least a portion of which is made of a material that exhibits a change in refractive index upon application of an electric field Structure, and make at least two conversion interfaces between the first and second parts according to the appropriate size and shape; at least two signal sources, each signal source emits a signal along a different unguided beam path Through the crystal, each unguided beam path intersects one of the two conversion interfaces at an individual incident angle; an electric field generator is used in at least a part of the first and second parts Generating a switching electric field is sufficient to generate a critical angle at the interface that is less than the individual incident angle to reflect the signal away from the interface; wherein, by turning the electric field generator on and off, the interface Scale this paper — 36 546499 j is the conversion of the optical signal between transmission and reflection, changing the unguided beam path through the crystal. 3 1 • The optical switch according to item 30 of the patent application, wherein the first part at least partially surrounds the second part. 32. The optical switch according to claim 30, wherein the second part is in the form of a thin strip. I. 3. The optical switch according to item 32 of the patent application, wherein the thin strip is thin enough to avoid unacceptable beam dispersion, and thick enough to have two surface reflections' which convert the optical signal upon application of an electric field. 34. The optical switch according to item 33 of the patent application scope, further comprising a first pair of input collimators that are generally parallel to determine a first pair of unguided beam paths, and a second pair The input collimator determines a second pair of unguided beam paths, and further includes a first pair of output collimators and a second pair of output collimators, wherein the first pair of unguided beam paths Intersect the second pair of unguided beam paths, and the electro-optic crystal includes a thin enough band; the portion is used to convert the signal from the input collimator to the output collimator. 35. An optical switch, comprising: an optical signal transmission electro-optic crystal, which has two first parts and a first part, the second part is made of a material that exhibits a change in refractive index upon application of an electric field , The first and second parts define a second interface between them; the two signal sources are used to suppress the signal along the unguided beam—the beam passes through the crystal; the every-unguided beam path is at Incident angle This paper size is applicable to China) A4 size (210X297 ^^ one ° — -37-546499 An interface with at least one of the conversion interfaces; an output signal receiver for receiving the signal; an electric field generator for generating a conversion electric field in the second part of the crystal; The second part of the electric field that causes a change in the refractive index is sufficient to generate a critical angle at the conversion interface that is smaller than the incident angle to reflect the signal away from the conversion interface; wherein, by turning the electric field generator on and off, The conversion interface converts the signal between penetration and reflection, and reflects the signal from a round receiver to another output receiver. 36 · An optical switch, comprising: an optical signal source of at least one collimated optical signal; a first optical signal transmission electro-optic crystal having at least a first to a second component and at least a second portion, etc. At least a part of the part is made of a material that exhibits a change in refractive index upon application of an electric field, and the first to second parts define a first conversion interface therebetween; > a second optical signal transmission electro-optic crystal, It has at least a first part and at least a fourth part, and at least a part of these parts is made of 2 materials that exhibit a change in refractive index upon application of an electric field. The third invites the fourth part to define a second transition therebetween. Interface; ~, at least one unguided beam path passes through the crystal, and the unguided beam path intersects the first and second transition planes at an incident angle; and 1, a separate electric field generator , For the paper in this part of the crystal and at least part of the third and fourth parts ^ standard applicable ^ ^ home standard-(which) M specifications and first reading on the back Order 38 08546499 • 3S7. Repeatedly-converted electric field, the electric field causing a change in refractive index is sufficient to generate a critical angle at the conversion interface that is smaller than the incident angle, to reflect the signal away from the conversion interface; three for the collimation Optical signal receiver for optical signals; wherein by switching the switching electric field on and off, the switching interface changes the at least one optical signal between penetration and reflection to change the unguided light beam passing through the crystal Path, thereby switching the beam path between the three optical signal receivers. 37. The optical switch according to claim 13, 24 or 28, wherein the signal source emits the signal, constituting one or more collimated, partially collimated, convergent or divergent signals. 38. The optical switch of claim 13, 24 or 28, wherein the on-off relationship is bidirectional. 39. In the case of an optical switch with the scope of patent applications No. 13, 24, or 28, wherein the at least one electric field generator is made in an appropriate size and shape, the switching electric field is generated on both sides of the switching interface. · 40. The optical switch of claim 13, 24 or 28, wherein the electro-optic crystal includes a generally opposite input / output interface, and the orientation of the interface is generally perpendicular to the unguided beam path. 41. The optical switch of claim 13, 24 or 28, wherein the change in the refractive index is sufficient to reflect all the wavelengths in the signal, providing a wavelength-independent conversion. 42. If the optical switch with the scope of patent application No. 13, 24 or 28 is applied, the change of the refractive index is sufficient to reflect the transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electricity in the signal. This paper rule 1 ~ 1 39 03546499 (TE) polarization, providing polarization-independent conversion. 43. A method for converting an optical signal, comprising: directing an unguided optical signal into an electro-optic crystal; passing the signal through at least one conversion interface at an incident angle, the interface being formed at the pole of the crystal Selectively apply a sufficient electric field to the electro-optic crystal to change the state between the reflection-free interface reflection and the critical angle smaller than the incident angle, and select at the conversion interface Pass or reflect the signal, and thereby; convert the signal between two or more signal receivers. 44. A method for manufacturing an electro-optic switching element, comprising: forming at least a first input / output interface on an electro-optic crystal; forming at least a second input / output interface on the electro-optic crystal, the second interface is generally Opposite the third interface; modify at least a part of the crystal, and generally define a conversion interface between the first and second input / output interfaces. 45. The method for manufacturing an electro-optic switching element according to item 44 of the patent application scope, further comprising the step of forming a second conversion interface in the electro-optic crystal. First, the size applies towel _ home standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210X297 mm) Precautions Order 40