WO2006028210A1

WO2006028210A1 - Optical switch

Info

Publication number: WO2006028210A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/016616
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tomoki Uesugi; Yoshihisa Yamada; Harumichi Kitaguchi
Original assignee: Omron Corporation
Priority date: 2004-09-10
Filing date: 2005-09-09
Publication date: 2006-03-16
Also published as: JP2006078837A

Abstract

Optical fibers (30a-30d) are arranged in parallel. When a movable mirror (26) is outside a space (37), a light from an inputting optical fiber (30a) is bent in direction by a lens (33a), then reflected by a fixed mirror (25), condensed by a lens (33b), and coupled with an outputting optical fiber (33c). When a movable mirror (26) is inside a space (37), a light from an inputting optical fiber (30a) is bent in direction by a lens (33a), then reflected by a fixed mirror (25), further reflected by the fixed mirror (25), reflected by the fixed mirror (25) again, condensed by a lens (33a), and coupled with an outputting optical fiber (33b).

Description

Specification

Light switch

Technical field

The present invention relates to an optical switch for switching a coupling relationship between an optical input unit (for example, an input optical fiber) and an optical output unit (for example, an output optical fiber).

Background art

FIG. 1 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a conventional optical switch, and FIGS. 1 (b) and 1 (c) are partially broken planes showing how the optical path is switched in the conventional optical switch. Figure (Patent Document 1). As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the optical switch 11 is composed of two sets of optical fibers 13a, 13b and 13c, 13d positioned by a ferrule 12 and two sets of lenses 14. The ferrule 12 is a two-core ferrule, and one ferrule 12 positions the input optical fiber 13a and the output optical fiber 13b at a certain interval so as to be parallel to each other, and the other ferrule 12 The input optical fiber 13c and the output optical fiber 13d are positioned at a predetermined interval so as to be parallel to each other. A refractive index distribution type lens 14 is disposed at a position facing the end faces of the optical fibers 13a to 13d. Both lenses 14 face each other with a gap therebetween, and a double-sided reflection mirror 15 is provided in the gap between both lenses 14 so as to be freely inserted and removed.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), the light emitted from one input optical fiber 13a is incident on a position where the optical axial force of the lens 14 is also removed, and the center direction of the light beam is directed to the lens 14 The light is bent in the direction of the optical axis of the light and is emitted from one lens 14 as substantially parallel light. If there is no obstacle in the gap between the lenses 14, the light emitted from one lens 14 immediately enters the other lens 14, is condensed by the lens 14, and enters the other output optical fiber 13d. Shoot. Similarly, the light emitted from the other input optical fiber 13c also passes through the two lenses 14 and enters one output optical fiber 13b.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), when the double-sided reflection mirror 15 also has a gap force between the lenses 14, the input optical fiber 13a and the output optical fiber 13d are separated from each other. The optical fiber 13c for input and the optical fiber 13b for output are coupled. So in this case The optical fibers 13a to 13d in the diagonal direction are coupled.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), when the double-sided reflection mirror 15 is inserted in the gap between the lenses 14 so as to be parallel to the end surface of the lens 14, one input light is input. The light emitted from the fiber 13a and emitted from the lens 14 returns to the original lens 14 by being reflected by the double-sided reflection mirror 15, and is coupled to the output optical fiber 13b. Similarly, the light emitted from the other input optical fiber 13c exits from the lens 14, is reflected by the double-sided reflection mirror 15, and returns to the original lens 14 again to be coupled to the output optical fiber 13d. Therefore, in this case, the optical fibers 13a to 13d in the same ferrule 12 are coupled.

[0006] In the conventional optical switch shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b), and 1 (c), the double-sided reflection mirror 15 is inserted and removed between the lenses 14 as described above. The optical paths of the optical fibers 13a to 13d can be switched, which is a 2 X 2 optical switch.

However, in the optical switch having the structure as in the conventional example, the two optical fiber forces held by the ferrule 12 are opposed to each other with the two lenses 14 and the double-sided reflection mirror 15 interposed therebetween. An optical fiber will come out. For this reason, there are problems that the mounting area when the optical switch is incorporated into the apparatus is increased and the handling of the optical fiber is complicated.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11 223779

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the technical problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical switch in which all optical fibers can be drawn out from the same direction. .

Means for solving the problem

[0010] An optical switch according to the present invention includes a total of three or more light input portions and light output portions arranged in parallel to each other on the same plane, and transmits the light to each other. An optical switch that switches an optical path by changing a combination of optical couplings of an output unit, and includes two reflecting surfaces arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane. Fixed mirror arranged at a position facing the input unit and the light output unit And optical path switching means for switching the return destination of the light emitted from the light input unit and reflected by the fixed mirror and incident on the light output unit to the light output unit. Yes. Here, the optical input unit and the optical output unit are those that transmit light, such as optical fibers and optical waveguides.

[0011] In the optical switch that works for the present invention, the fixed mirror having two reflecting surfaces arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other is arranged at a position facing the light input unit and the light output unit. The light emitted from the input unit can be recursively reflected by the fixed mirror. Therefore, all the light input sections and the light output sections can be provided on one side of the optical switch. In addition, since there is an optical path switching means for switching the return destination of the light emitted from the light input section, reflected by the fixed mirror and incident on the light output section to the light output section, each light input is performed by the optical path switching means. The light output unit coupled to the unit can be switched.

[0012] In the optical switch of the present invention, the light input unit and the light output unit can be arranged in parallel on one side, so that the light input unit and the light output unit can be arrayed, and the light input unit And the handling of the light output part becomes easy. Also, by combining the optical input unit and the optical output unit into one of the optical switches, the mounting area of the optical switch can be reduced.

[0013] The optical path switching means in an embodiment of the optical switch according to the present invention switches the return destination to the light output unit by reflecting light. According to the embodiment, since the light path can be switched by reflecting the light emitted from the light input unit force by the light path switching means, an optical switch having a simple structure can be obtained.

[0014] In another embodiment of the optical switch that is useful in the present invention, when the optical path switching means is not functioning, the light input unit force is also emitted, reflected by the fixed mirror, and reflected on the light output unit. It is characterized in that optical paths of incident principal axis rays intersect. Here, the principal axis light beam is an optical beam emitted from the end face of the light input section in parallel with the optical axis direction (axial direction) of the light input section, or the optical axis of the light output section toward the end face of the light output section. A light beam incident parallel to the direction (axial direction). According to this embodiment, since the optical paths of the principal axis rays intersect, the optical paths can be easily switched by reflecting the light by the optical path switching means at this intersection.

[0015] As a method of switching the optical path by reflecting light at the intersection, the optical path switching hand The step may be composed of a movable mirror having light reflecting surfaces on both sides, and an actuator for taking the movable mirror in and out of the intersection of the optical paths of the principal axis rays. If a movable mirror is inserted into the optical path, this is the force that can replace the optical path when the movable mirror is off the optical path.

Alternatively, the optical path switching means may be composed of an optical functional element that is disposed at an intersection position of the optical path of the principal axis light beam and can switch between transmission and reflection of light. In this case, by switching the optical functional element to a state in which light is reflected, the optical path can be switched with that when the optical element is in a state of transmitting light. Such optical functional elements include those utilizing electro-optic effect, magneto-optic effect, thermo-optic effect and the like.

[0017] In still another embodiment of the optical switch according to the present invention, a lens is provided to face end faces of the light input portion and the light output portion, and an optical axis of the lens, the light input portion, and the light are provided. Do not align the optical axis at the end of the output section. According to this embodiment, since the optical axis of the lens is not aligned with the optical axis of the end of the light input section and the light output section, the light input section force is emitted diagonally by the lens. Bend. Further, the light traveling obliquely toward the light output unit can be bent by the lens and returned to be parallel to the light output unit. Therefore, it is possible to cross the optical paths of the principal axis rays by bending the light with the lens. By using a lens, it can also serve as a lens for condensing or collimating the light emitted from the light input section, and bends the optical path of the principal beam without increasing the number of components. be able to.

[0018] The above-described components of the present invention can be arbitrarily combined as much as possible.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 (a) is a sectional view showing the structure of a conventional optical switch, and Fig. 1 (b) and Fig. 1 (c) show how the optical path is switched in the conventional optical switch. It is a partially broken plan view

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an optical switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the optical switch according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view of the optical switch according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper surface force optical fiber array of the base and the fixed mirror are removed in the optical switch of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the above.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an optical fiber array and a fixed mirror in Example 1.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the same.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical arrangement in the optical switch of Example 1.

[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the behavior of light when the movable mirror is raised and out of the space.

[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the behavior of light when the movable mirror is lowered and inserted into the space.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of an optical switch according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an optical switch according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an optical switch according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the behavior of light when the optical functional element is in a transparent state in the optical switch according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the behavior of light when the optical functional element is in a state of reflecting light in the optical switch according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the behavior of light when the optical functional element is in a transparent state in the optical switch according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the behavior of light when the optical functional element is in a state of reflecting light in the optical switch according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the structure of a fixed mirror used in Example 4.

FIG. 20 (a) and FIG. 20 (b) are diagrams for explaining an example of a manufacturing method of the fixed mirror.

Explanation of symbols

21 Hikari switch

23 Optical fiber array 25 Fixed mirror

26 Movable mirror

27 Actuator

29 Driving rod

30a, 30b, 30c, 30d optical fino

32 Lens array substrate

33a, 33b lens

34 Triangle block

36a, 36b Reflective surface

37 space

41 Light switch

42 Light switch

43 Light switch

44 Light switch

51 Optical functional elements

61 Triangular prism

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following examples, and can be appropriately modified. Example 1

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the optical switch 21 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are a plan view and a side view thereof. In this optical switch 21, an optical fiber array 23, an optical fiber array fixing section 24, a fixed mirror 25, a movable mirror 26, and an actuator 27 for driving a movable mirror are provided on the upper surface of a rectangular flat base 22. Yes. 5 and 6 are a perspective view and a side view showing a state in which the top surface force of the base 22 is also removed from the optical fiber array 23 and the fixed mirror 25. FIG. 7 and 8 are a perspective view and a plan view of the optical fiber array 23 and the fixed mirror 25, respectively.

[0023] The base 22 is formed of an insulating material, and as shown in FIG. The actuator 27 is fixed, and the terminal 28 of the actuator 27 protrudes from the lower surface of the base 22. This actuator 27 is also used for an electromagnetic relay or the like. An electromagnet (not shown) is built in the interior, and a permanent magnet (see FIG. (Not shown) is fixed, and a driving rod 29 is provided on the upper surface of the movable piece 27a. When the electromagnet is excited by energizing the terminal 28 on the ON side, the tip of the movable piece 27a is attracted to the electromagnet, the drive rod 29 is tilted horizontally, and is held by itself as it is after the electromagnet current is cut off. When the off-side terminal 28 is energized, the base of the movable piece 27a is attracted to the electromagnet, the tip end side of the drive rod 29 rises, and is self-held as it is after the current is cut off.

[0024] The movable mirror 26 is a double-sided mirror in which both surfaces are mirror surfaces. As shown in FIG. 6, the movable mirror 26 is fixed to the tip of the drive rod 29 of the actuator 27 and protrudes below the lower surface of the tip of the drive rod 29. In addition, the movable mirror 26 is mounted vertically in a direction parallel to the length direction of the drive rod 29. Accordingly, the movable mirror 26 moves up and down by driving the actuator 27.

[0025] In the optical fiber array 23, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers 8a to 8e are aligned in parallel at a constant pitch, and the holding block 31 made of glass or resin is used. It is an integrated one. In this example, a force 2 X 2 optical switch showing a commercially available optical fiber array 23 holding 8 optical fibers in parallel at a pitch of 250 μm uses 4 fibers. Because it is an optical fiber, use only two optical fibers 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d at each end of the eight optical fibers! The remaining four optical finos can be powered up to 30ei or left as they are. Alternatively, the two optical fibers 30a and 30b and the two optical fibers 30c and 30d may be specially manufactured by holding the holding block 31 at a predetermined distance. In this embodiment, the optical fibers 30a and 30d are input optical fibers (light input portions), and the optical fibers 30b and 30c are output optical fibers (light output portions).

A lens array substrate 32 is attached to the front surface of the holding block 31. The lens array substrate 32 is provided with a circular lens 33a such as a spherical lens or an aspheric lens at a position facing the two optical fibers 30a and 30b at one end, and the optical fiber 3 at the other end. A circular lens 33b such as a spherical lens or an aspherical lens is also provided at a position facing 0c and 30d.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fixed mirror 25 is fixed to the back of the base 35 with two triangular blocks 34 each having a substantially right-angled isosceles triangular column having an inclined angle of 45 degrees. In this case, the slopes of the triangular block 34 face each other and form an angle of 90 degrees with each other. On the slope of the triangular block 34, mirror reflecting surfaces 36a and 36b are formed by depositing a metal thin film, for example.

[0028] The fixed mirror 25 is integrally attached to the front surface of the optical fiber array 23, that is, the front surface of the lens array substrate 32 by an adhesive or the like, and a triangular space is provided between the optical fiber array 23 and the fixed mirror 25. 37 is formed. In a state where the fixed mirror 25 is attached to the front surface of the optical fiber array 23, the reflecting surface 36a faces the front of the optical fibers 30a and 30b and the lens 33a, and the reflecting surface 36a is in the optical axis direction of the optical fibers 30a and 30b. It is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees. Similarly, the reflecting surface 36b is opposed to the front of the optical fibers 30c and 30d and the lens 33b, and the reflecting surface 36b is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the optical axis direction of the optical fibers 30c and 30d.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a rectangular plate-shaped optical fiber array fixing portion 24 projects from a position adjacent to the actuator 27 on the upper surface of the base 22. The optical fiber array 23 is placed on the optical fiber array fixing portion 24, aligned with the movable mirror 26 so as to have a predetermined positional relationship, and then, as shown in FIGS. The bottom surface is fixed to the optical fiber array fixing part 24 with a quick-drying adhesive such as grease.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an optical arrangement in the optical switch 21. In FIG. 9, the optical path of the principal beam that enters and exits in parallel with the optical axis direction (axial direction) of the end of each of the optical fibers 30 a to 30 d out of the light that enters and exits the optical fibers 30 a to 30 d is indicated by an arrow. It represents. Further, the unnecessary optical finer 30e is not shown (the same applies hereinafter). Reference numeral 38 is a virtual line that is perpendicular to the plane including the optical axis direction of the end portions of the optical fibers 30a to 30d, is parallel to the optical axis direction of the end portions of the optical fibers 30a to 30d, and passes through the center of the optical fibers 30a to 30d. It represents a simple plane. The fixed mirror 25 is arranged so that the reflecting surfaces 36a and 36b are symmetrical with respect to the plane 38, and each reflecting surface 36a and 36b forms an angle of 45 degrees with the plane 38. [0031] The lens 33a is arranged so that its optical axis (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 9) coincides with a straight line passing through the center of the optical fibers 30a and 30b in parallel. In addition, the lens 33a is arranged so as to focus on the mirror image 38a of the plane 38 related to the reflecting surface 36a when it is considered that a parallel light beam is incident on the lens 33a. In other words, the distance force between the main surface of the lens 33a and the mirror image 38a is equal to the focal length of the lens 33a. Similarly, the lens 33b is arranged so that its optical axis coincides with a straight line passing through the centers of the optical fibers 30a and 30b in parallel. The lens 33b is arranged so as to focus on the mirror image 38b of the plane 38 with respect to the reflecting surface 36b when a parallel light beam is incident on the lens 33b. In other words, the distance force between the main surface of the lens 33b and the mirror image 38b is equal to the focal length of the lens 33b. The movable mirror 26 coincides with the plane 38 when inserted in the space 37 between the optical fiber array 23 and the fixed mirror 25.

[0032] Accordingly, the optical path of the principal beam that is emitted from the optical fiber 30a, reflected by the reflecting surfaces 36a and 36b of the fixed mirror 25, and incident on the optical fiber 30c, and the optical path that is emitted from the optical fiber 30d and reflected by the fixed mirror 25 The optical path of the principal ray reflected by the surfaces 36b and 36a and entering the optical fiber 30b intersects at the position of the plane 38.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the optical switch 21. FIG. 10 shows the behavior of light when the movable mirror 26 rises and goes out of the space 37. FIG. 11 shows the behavior of light when the movable mirror 26 is lowered and inserted into the space 37. Here, the distances along the optical axis direction of the ends of the optical finos 30a to 30d between the optical finos 30a to 30d and the lenses 33a and 33b are equal to the focal lengths of the lenses 33a and 33b.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 10, when the movable mirror 26 is outside the space 37, the light beam emitted from the core of the input optical fiber 30a (the optical path of the principal axis light beam of this light beam in FIG. (Shown by an arrow) enters the position where the optical axis force of the lens 33a deviates, and the traveling direction of the light beam is bent obliquely and converted into a parallel light beam. The parallel light beam that has passed through the lens 33a is reflected twice by the reflecting surfaces 36a and 36b, and then returns to the original direction. The parallel light beam reflected back to the original direction is incident on the position deviating from the optical axis force of the lens 33b, the direction of travel of the light beam is bent in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the output optical fiber 30c, and the optical fiber 30c. The light is focused on the core end face and enters the optical fiber 30c. [0035] On the other hand, the light beam emitted from the input optical fiber 30d (the optical path of the principal beam of this light beam is indicated by a broken line arrow in FIG. 10) is incident on a position off the optical axis of the lens 33b. The direction in which the light beam travels is bent and converted into a parallel light beam. The parallel light flux that has passed through the lens 33b is reflected twice by the reflecting surfaces 36b and 36a, and then returns to the original direction. The parallel light beam that has been retro-reflected in the original direction enters the position where the optical axis force of the lens 33a deviates, and the direction in which the light beam travels is bent in a direction parallel to the output optical fiber 30b, and the core end surface of the optical fiber 30b. And is incident on the optical fiber 30b.

When the movable mirror 26 is in the space 37 as shown in FIG. 11, the light beam emitted from the input optical fiber 30a (the optical path of the principal axis light beam of this light beam is indicated by a solid arrow in FIG. The lens 33a can bend the light traveling direction diagonally and convert it into a parallel light beam. The parallel light flux that has passed through the lens 33a is reflected by the reflecting surface 36a and then returns to the original direction by being reflected by the movable mirror 26. The parallel light flux returned to the original direction is reflected again by the reflecting surface 36a and enters the lens 33a. The light that has passed through the lens 33a is bent in the direction in which the light beam travels in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the output optical fiber 30b, is focused on the core of the optical fiber 30b, and enters the optical fiber 30b.

[0037] On the other hand, the light beam emitted from the input optical fiber 30d (the optical path of the principal axis light beam of this light beam is indicated by a broken arrow in FIG. 11) is converted into a parallel light beam while the direction of travel of the light beam is bent by the lens 33b. Is converted to The parallel light flux that has passed through the lens 33b is reflected by the reflecting surface 36b and then returns to the original direction by being reflected by the movable mirror 26. The parallel light flux returned to the original direction is reflected again by the reflecting surface 36b and enters the lens 33b. The light that has passed through the lens 33b is bent in the direction in which the light beam travels in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the output optical fiber 30c, collected on the core end face of the optical fiber 30c, and incident on the optical fiber 30c.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the movable mirror 26 is lifted by the actuator 27 and out of the space 37, the input optical fiber 30a and the output optical fiber 30c are The optical fiber 30d for input and the optical fiber 30b for output are coupled. Further, when the movable mirror 26 is lowered by the actuator 27 and inserted into the space 37, the input optical fiber 30a and the output optical fiber 30b are coupled to each other, and the input optical fiber 30b is coupled. The fiber 30d and the output optical fiber 30c are coupled. [0039] In such an optical switch 21, since all the optical fibers 30a to 30e are positioned in the same direction, a large number of optical switches 21 are incorporated in a device such as an alternating switch. In this case, the optical switch 21 and the optical fibers 30a to 3Oe can be inspected only from one side of the apparatus, and the handling becomes easy. In addition, since the wiring space of the optical fibers 30a to 30e only needs to be provided on one side, the mounting area of the optical switch 21 in the apparatus is reduced to J.

[0040] Since the alignment work at the time of assembling the optical switch 21 can be performed in two steps, the alignment work is facilitated. That is, when the fixed mirror 25 is first attached to the front surface of the optical fiber array 23, light is emitted from the input optical fibers 30a and 30d, and the light incident on the output optical fibers 30c and 30b is converted into the optical fiber 30c, Monitor the other end of 30b, power the fixed mirror 25 so that the amount of received light is maximized, and fix the fixed mirror 25 to the optical fiber array 23 at the position where the amount of received light is maximum. As a result, the positions of the optical fibers 30a to 30e and the reflecting surfaces 36a and 36b are adjusted so as to be in the state of FIG.

Next, the optical fiber array 23 to which the fixed mirror 25 is attached is placed on the optical fiber array fixed portion 24 to which the adhesive is applied, and the movable mirror 26 is lowered into the space 37. Then, light is emitted from the input optical fibers 30a and 30d, and the light incident on the output optical fibers 30b and 30c is monitored at the other end of the optical fibers 30b and 30c so that the amount of received light is maximized. The optical fiber array 23 is bonded and fixed to the optical fiber array fixing portion 24 at a position where the optical fiber array 23 is powered and the amount of received light is maximum. As a result, the positions of the optical fibers 30a to 30e, the reflecting surfaces 36a and 36b, and the movable mirror 26 are adjusted so as to be in the state of FIG.

[0042] The former adjustment work can be adjusted without considering the position of the movable mirror 26, and the latter adjustment is an adjustment after the positional relationship between the optical fiber array 23 and the fixed mirror 25 is fixed. By performing the process in two steps, the alignment work at the time of assembling the optical switch 21 can be facilitated.

Furthermore, by aligning the optical fibers as the optical fiber array 23, it is possible to perform the alignment operation of the optical fiber and the fixed mirror, the movable mirror, etc. in a lump.

In the above embodiment, a force input optical fiber 3 in which the light beams emitted from the core end faces of the input optical fibers 30a and 30d are converted into parallel light beams by the lenses 33a and 33b. Parallel beams emitted from the core force of 0a and 30d should be converged on the plane 38 by the lenses 33a and 33b.

Example 2

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of the optical switch 41 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and a plan view and a side view thereof. In this optical switch 41, the fixed mirror 25 is not attached to the optical fiber array 23, and its base 35 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 22 or the front surface of the actuator 27. The fixed mirror 25 and the optical fiber array 23 are separated from each other, and the movable mirror 26 can be moved up and down in front of the fixed mirror 25. The other points are the same as in Example 1. In particular, the switching operation of the optical switch 41 is the same as the switching operation of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

Example 3

FIGS. 15 and 16 are plan views showing the main part of the optical switch 42 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the third embodiment, an optical function element 51 that can be switched between a state of transmitting light and a state of reflecting light is used instead of the movable mirror. Examples of such an optical functional element 51 include an element utilizing an electro-optic effect, an element utilizing a magneto-optic effect, and an element utilizing a thermo-optic effect. Examples of the optical functional element 51 using the electro-optic effect include KTN (KTa Nb O (x = 0.1 to 0.9)), BaTiO, LiNbO, and the like.

X l -X 3 3 3

Some use an electro-optic thin film whose refractive index changes due to the gas-optic effect.

[0047] The optical functional element 51 is installed such that the reflecting surface in the state of reflecting light coincides with the position of the plane 38. The optical functional element 51 is switched between a light transmitting state and a light reflecting state. For example, the state can be changed by turning on and off the DC power source 57.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, when the optical functional element 51 is in a state of transmitting light, the light beam emitted from the core of the input optical fiber 30a (the principal axis light beam of this light beam) 15 is indicated by a solid arrow in FIG. 15.) is incident on a position where the optical axial force of the lens 33a is also removed, and the traveling direction of the light beam is bent obliquely and converted into a parallel light beam. The parallel light flux that has passed through the lens 33a is reflected by the reflecting surface 36a, then passes through the optical functional element 51, is further reflected by the reflecting surface 36b, and returns to its original direction. Parallel luminous flux retroreflected in the original direction Enters the position where the optical axis force of the lens 33b also deviates, the direction of travel of the light beam is bent in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the output optical fiber 30c, and is condensed on the core end face of the optical fiber 30c, Incident on optical fiber 30c.

[0049] On the other hand, the light beam emitted from the input optical fiber 30d (the optical path of the principal beam of this light beam is indicated by a broken line arrow in FIG. 15) is incident at a position off the optical axis of the lens 33b. The direction in which the light beam travels is bent and converted into a parallel light beam. The parallel light flux that has passed through the lens 33b is reflected by the reflecting surface 36b, then passes through the optical functional element 51, is further reflected by the reflecting surface 36a, and returns to its original direction. The collimated light flux that has been retro-reflected in the original direction is incident on a position off the optical axis of the lens 33a, the direction of travel of the light flux is bent in a direction parallel to the output optical fiber 30b, and the core of the optical fiber 30b. It is focused on the end face and enters the optical fiber 30b.

In addition, when the optical functional element 51 is in a state of reflecting light as shown in FIG. 16, the light beam emitted from the input optical fiber 30a (the optical path of the principal axis light beam of this light beam is illustrated). Indicated by a solid arrow in 16)), the light traveling direction is obliquely bent by the lens 33a and converted into a parallel light beam. The parallel light flux that has passed through the lens 33a is reflected by the reflecting surface 36a and then reflected by the optical functional element 51 to return to the original direction. The parallel light flux returning to the original direction is reflected again by the reflecting surface 36a and enters the lens 33a. The light that has passed through the lens 33a is bent in the direction in which the light beam travels in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the output optical fiber 30b, is focused on the core of the optical fiber 30b, and enters the optical fiber 30b.

[0051] On the other hand, the light beam emitted from the input optical fiber 30d (the optical path of the principal axis light beam of this light beam is indicated by a broken arrow in FIG. 16) is converted into a parallel light beam while the direction of travel of the light beam is bent by the lens 33b. Is converted to The parallel light flux that has passed through the lens 33b is reflected by the reflecting surface 36b and then returned to the original direction by being reflected by the optical functional element 51. The parallel light flux returned to the original direction is reflected again by the reflecting surface 36b and enters the lens 33b. The light that has passed through the lens 33b is bent in the direction in which the light beam travels in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the output optical fiber 30c, is condensed on the core end face of the optical fiber 30c, and enters the optical fiber 30c.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the optical functional element 51 is in a transmissive state, the input optical fiber 30a and the output optical fiber 30c are coupled, and the input optical fiber 30a is coupled. The optical fiber 30d and the output optical fiber 30b are coupled. When the optical functional element 51 is in the reflective state, the input optical fiber 30a and the output optical fiber 30b are coupled, and the input optical fiber 30d and the output optical fiber are coupled. Combined with 30c.

Example 4

FIGS. 17 and 18 are plan views showing the main parts of the optical switch 43 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, a prism is used as the fixed mirror 25, and light is totally reflected at the interface (reflecting surfaces 36a and 36b) of the prism.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the structure of the fixed mirror 25 used in the fourth embodiment. The fixed mirror 25 is formed by a triangular prism 61 having a right-angled isosceles triangular column shape, and planes sandwiching a 90 ° corner are reflecting surfaces 36a and 36b, respectively. An optical functional element 51 is built in a triangular prism 61 that is a fixed mirror 25. The optical function element 51 extends between the 90 ° corner and the slope facing the corner so as to form an angle of 45 ° with the reflecting surfaces 36a and 36b. Then, the integrated fixed mirror 25 and optical function element 51 are installed such that the optical function element 51 coincides with the position of the plane 38 as shown in FIGS.

FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b) are diagrams for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing the fixed mirror 25. FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 20 (a), two small triangular prisms 62 having a right isosceles triangular prism shape having a size of 1Z2 of the triangular prism 61 are prepared. Then, one surface of the optical functional element 51 is bonded to the surface adjacent to the 90-degree corner of one triangular prism 62 using a transparent adhesive grease. Next, as shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b), a transparent adhesive grease is used on the other surface of the optical function element 51, and the 90 ° corner of the other triangular prism 62 is used. Adhere adjacent faces. As a result, the large triangular prism 61 is formed by the two small triangular prisms 62, and the optical functional element 51 is incorporated in the triangular prism 61.

Therefore, in Example 4, when the optical functional element 51 is in a state of transmitting light as shown in FIG. 17, it is emitted from the core of the input optical fiber 30a. The light beam (the optical path of the principal beam of this light beam is indicated by a solid arrow in FIG. 17) is the optical axis of the lens 33a. The light beam is incident on a position deviated from the center of the beam, and the traveling direction of the light beam is obliquely bent and converted into a parallel light beam. The parallel light beam that has passed through the lens 33a enters the triangular prism 61, is totally reflected by the reflecting surface 36a, passes through the optical functional element 51, is further totally reflected by the reflecting surface 36b, and returns to its original direction. . The collimated light beam reflected back to the original direction is incident on the position where the optical axis force of the lens 33b is also deviated, and the traveling direction of the light beam is bent in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the output optical fiber 30c. The light is collected on the core end face of the light and enters the optical fiber 30c.

On the other hand, the light beam emitted from the input optical fiber 30d (the optical path of the principal axis light beam of this light beam is indicated by a broken arrow in FIG. 17) is incident on a position off the optical axis of the lens 33b. The direction in which the light beam travels is bent and converted into a parallel light beam. The parallel light beam that has passed through the lens 33b enters the triangular prism 61, is totally reflected by the reflecting surface 36b, passes through the optical functional element 51, is further totally reflected by the reflecting surface 36a, and returns to its original direction. The parallel luminous flux retroreflected in the original direction is incident on the position deviating from the optical axis force of the lens 33a, and the direction in which the luminous flux travels is bent in a direction parallel to the output optical fiber 30b. It is focused on the end face and enters the optical fiber 30b.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, when the optical functional element 51 is in a state of reflecting light, the light beam emitted from the input optical fiber 30a (the optical path of the principal axis light beam of this light beam is illustrated). 18 is indicated by a solid arrow in FIG. 18), and the light traveling direction is bent obliquely by the lens 33a and converted into a parallel light beam. The parallel light beam that has passed through the lens 33a enters the triangular prism 61, is totally reflected by the reflecting surface 36a, and then returns to the original direction by being reflected by the optical functional element 51. The parallel light flux returned to the original direction is again totally reflected by the reflecting surface 36a and is incident on the lens 33a. The light that has passed through the lens 33a is bent in the direction in which the light beam travels in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the output optical fiber 30b, is focused on the core of the optical fiber 30b, and enters the optical fiber 30b.

[0059] On the other hand, the light beam emitted from the input optical fiber 30d (the optical path of the principal axis light beam of this light beam is indicated by a broken arrow in FIG. 18) is deflected by the lens 33b and the parallel light beam. Is converted to The parallel light flux that has passed through the lens 33b enters the triangular prism 61, is reflected by the reflecting surface 36b, and then returns to the original direction by being reflected by the optical functional element 51. The luminous flux that has returned to its original direction is again totally reflected by the reflecting surface 36b, and the lens Incident on 33b. The light that has passed through the lens 33b is bent in the direction in which the light beam travels in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the output optical fiber 30c, is condensed on the core end face of the optical fiber 30c, and is incident on the optical fiber 30c.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the optical functional element 51 is in the transmissive state, the input optical fiber 30a and the output optical fiber 30c are coupled, and the input optical fiber 30a is coupled. The optical fiber 30d and the output optical fiber 30b are coupled. When the optical functional element 51 is in the reflective state, the input optical fiber 30a and the output optical fiber 30b are coupled, and the input optical fiber 30d and the output optical fiber are coupled. Combined with 30c.

[0061] Although not shown, instead of sandwiching the optical functional element 51 between the triangular prisms 62, a gap is provided between the two triangular prisms 62, and a movable mirror in which both surfaces are mirror surfaces. Try to put 26 in and out.

[0062] In the above embodiments, the coupling relationship of the four optical fibers is switched. However, the number of optical fibers may be three. For example, in one of the above embodiments, if only one input optical fiber or output optical fiber is omitted and the number of optical fibers is three, the output destination or the input source can be switched as an IX 2 optical switch. be able to. Further, as is apparent from the configuration of the optical switch of the present invention, the number of optical fibers may be five or more.

[0063] In each of the above embodiments, the fixed mirror 25 is arranged such that the reflecting surfaces 36a and 36b form an angle of 45 degrees with the plane 38. The fixed mirror 51 is arranged with the optical fibers 30a to 30d. Lean around an axis that is perpendicular to the plane. Even if the fixed mirror 51 is tilted, the direction of the principal ray returning to the output optical fiber is parallel to the direction of the principal ray emitted from the input optical fiber. In Examples 1 to 4, the optical path of the principal ray If they intersect, the light can be switched by reflecting the light. Further, in Example 5, if the optical path of the principal axis light beam is in the opposite direction and parallel, the light path can be switched by retroreflecting the light there.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A total of three or more light input units and light output units arranged in parallel to each other on the same plane, and changing the combination of optical coupling of the light input unit and the light output unit that transmit light to each other An optical switch that switches the optical path by

Two reflecting surfaces arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane, a fixed mirror arranged at a position facing the light input unit and the light output unit, and from the light input unit Optical path switching means for switching the return destination of the light emitted and reflected by the fixed mirror and incident on the light output unit to the light output unit;

Light switch with

[2] The optical switch according to [1], wherein the optical path switching means switches a return destination to the light output unit by reflecting light.

[3] When the optical path switching means is not functioning, the optical paths of principal axis rays that are emitted from the light input section and reflected by the fixed mirror and incident on the light output section cross each other. The optical switch according to claim 1.

[4] The optical path switching means includes: a movable mirror whose both surfaces are light reflecting surfaces; and an actuator for moving the movable mirror in and out of an intersection position of the optical path of the principal axis light beam. Item 4. The optical switch according to item 3.

[5] The light according to claim 3, wherein the optical path switching means is an optical functional element that is disposed at an intersection position of the optical path of the principal axis light beam and can switch between transmission and reflection of light. Switch.

[6] A lens is provided opposite to the end surfaces of the light input portion and the light output portion so that the optical axis of the lens does not match the optical axes of the end portions of the light input portion and the light output portion. The optical switch according to claim 3, wherein