TW554185B

TW554185B - Apparatus and method for switching optical path

Info

Publication number: TW554185B
Application number: TW90117287A
Authority: TW
Inventors: Jen-Su Chen
Original assignee: Chynoptics Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2001-07-13
Filing date: 2001-07-13
Publication date: 2003-09-21
Also published as: JP3090610U

Abstract

A kind of apparatus and method for switching optical path are disclosed in the present invention. The invention includes the optical signal input terminal and the output terminal. A free space optical path is arranged between the input terminal and the output terminal. A prism, which is movable corresponding to the free space optical path, is inserted into or removed from the free space optical path to control the propagation path of the light beam between the input terminal and the output terminal. When a prism is inserted into the free space optical-path, a switching optical path is formed between the input terminal and the output terminal, such that the light beam from the input terminal to the output terminal is twice deflected and one-time totally reflected by the prism. When the prism is removed from the free space optical-path, the light beam from the input terminal to the output terminal is transmitted through the free space optical-path.

Description

554185554185

五、發明說明ο) 【發明領域】本發明係有關於一種光信號的安排裝置及別地，係指一種用於切換光路（optical path)的裝置H 法。 * 万【發明背景】光學開關（opt leal swi tch)在光學系統中光通信系統中’扮演基本且重要的角色。在光寺广疋在中，光學開關係用來連接及切斷光信號的傳輸路^糸統 (transmission path)，以遶徑（route)載有信息的光V. Description of the invention ο) [Field of the invention] The present invention relates to a device for arranging optical signals and, in particular, refers to a device H method for switching an optical path. * Wan [Background of the Invention] Optical switches (opt leal switches) play a basic and important role in optical communication systems. In the Guang Temple, the optical opening relationship is used to connect and cut off the transmission path of the optical signal, to route the light carrying the information.

(light beam)。在其他的光學系統中，光學開關則被控制光源的輸出。由於光的傳播速度快，因此光學開關必須具有咼切換速率（switching rate)，才不會影響光與'系統的操作。在光學開關中影響性能的主要因素尚有θ插:損> 失（insertion loss)，低***損失減少光信號因為光學^ 關而導致的衰減（attenuation)，光信號的衰減必須增^加# 光放大器以提高光信號的強度，而減少光學元件的數^量及高精確度的光學對準（alignment)皆有利於降低***損失。光學開關經過反覆地切換後可能導致光學失準 (misal ignment)，使得光耦合率遽降，因此光學開關的穩定性亦相當重要。 ^ 機械式的光學開關係理論上簡單且便宜的實現途徑；但受到許多限制。例如，Chang等人在美國專利第 “ 6, 0 44, 1 8 6號中提出一種光學切換開關及裝置，其係將光(light beam). In other optical systems, the optical switch controls the output of the light source. Because the light travels fast, the optical switch must have a 咼 switching rate so as not to affect the operation of the light and the 'system. The main factors affecting performance in optical switches are theta insertion: loss> Insertion loss, low insertion loss reduces optical signal attenuation due to optical switching, and the attenuation of optical signals must be increased. The optical amplifier is used to increase the intensity of the optical signal, while reducing the number of optical elements and high-precision optical alignment are beneficial to reduce insertion loss. After repeated switching of the optical switch may cause optical misalignment, which will cause the optical coupling rate to decrease, so the stability of the optical switch is also very important. ^ The mechanical optical opening relationship is theoretically simple and cheap to implement; however, it has many limitations. For example, Chang et al., In US Patent No. 6, 0 44, 1 86, proposed an optical switch and device, which

第4頁 554185 五、發明說明（2) 信號輸入端的光纖貼附（attach)在一切換構件上，利用該切換構件樞轉於二位置之間，使輸入光纖對準不同的輸出光纖’達到切換光信號的目的。此種途徑必須移動光纖，需要高精確度的對準，而且其可靠性較差。 . 保持光纖不移動，而利用光學元件改變光路的方式具有較簡單的優點。反射式的光學開關被提出，例如頒給 Pan等人的美國專利第5, 83 8, 847號，其係使用一可移動的反射元件擺放在光纖的尾端或移離光纖的尾端，以達到改變光路的目的。然而，使用反射式的切換元件對於角偏移 (angular variation)非常敏感，不易達到快速且精準的Page 4 554185 V. Description of the invention (2) The optical fiber of the signal input end is attached to a switching member, and the switching member is used to pivot between the two positions, so that the input fiber is aligned with different output fibers to achieve switching The purpose of the light signal. This approach requires moving the fiber, requires high-precision alignment, and has poor reliability. It is easier to keep the optical fiber moving, but to change the optical path by using optical components. Reflective optical switches have been proposed, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,83,847, issued to Pan et al., Which uses a movable reflective element to place on or off the end of the fiber, In order to achieve the purpose of changing the light path. However, the use of reflective switching elements is very sensitive to angular variation, and it is not easy to achieve fast and accurate

切換，並且有許多光學開關無法以此種技術達成。Switching, and there are many optical switches that cannot be achieved with this technology.

Lee在美國專利第6, 088, 166號中使用稜鏡來平移光束從一光纖到另一光纖，這種切換方式係使光束經過稜鏡的兩次折射，具有簡單且低廉的優點，不過作為光學開關元件的稜鏡體積大，且重f重，不利於縮小裝置的尺寸，亦不利於操縱該稜鏡的機構（mechanism)設計，很難將其組合以實現更多的輸入/輸出。而Li等人在美國專利第 6, 215, 919號中則是使用一楔形稜鏡（wedSe Prism)來旋轉光束的方向，並配合適當地擺設的折射率漸變式透鏡 (gradient index lens)以達到從一光纖切換到另一光纖的目的，此法可以縮減稜鏡的尺寸及重量’但光路的控制變得複雜，需要高精確度的稜鏡及光學對準’並且難以達到多輸入/輸出的目的。因此，一種簡單、便宜、重量輕且穩定的改變光路的Lee uses U.S. Patent No. 6,088,166 to translate light beams from one fiber to another. This switching method allows the light beam to undergo two refractions of the light beam. It has the advantages of simplicity and low cost, but as The 稜鏡 of the optical switching element is large and heavy, which is not conducive to reducing the size of the device, and it is not conducive to the design of the mechanism that manipulates the 稜鏡. It is difficult to combine them to achieve more input / output. Li et al., In US Patent No. 6,215,919, use a wedSe Prism to rotate the direction of the beam, and cooperate with a suitably arranged gradient index lens to achieve For the purpose of switching from one fiber to another, this method can reduce the size and weight of chirp, but the control of the optical path becomes complicated, requiring high precision chirp and optical alignment, and it is difficult to achieve multiple input / output. purpose. Therefore, a simple, cheap, light and stable

第5頁 554185 五、發明說明（3y ----- 裝置及方法乃為所冀。【毛明目的與概述】置及方^明的目的之一，在於提供一種可以改變光路的裝徑。 ’ ’用來切換不同的光路，以控制光束行進的路置及明的目的之一 ’係為提供一種可以改變光路的裝下，、* 在不移動光纖或光信號的輸入/輸出端的前提刀換光路的s的。光路切ίΓ的目的之一’在於揭露一種體積小、重量輕的供裝置。及方ί發明的目的之一，在於揭示一種簡單、便宜的裝置 ί，用來改變光路。號之i f t發明’一種切換光路之裝置及方法’包括光信成自=处端及輸出端，該輸入端及輸出端被安排於其間形該自由=間，路（free space optical path) ’ 一相對於 ^空間光路為可移動的稜鏡被***該自由空間光路中 : 该自由空間光路中移除，藉以控制光束在該輸入端與輸出端之間行進的路徑。當該稜鏡被***該自由空間光路中時，於該輸入端與輸出^之間形成切換的光路（switched optical path)，從該輸入端至該輸出端的光束經過該稜鏡的兩次折射一次全反射；而當該棱鏡自該自由空間光路中移除，輸入端至該輸出端的光束經過該自由空間光路^於Page 5 554185 V. Description of the invention (3y ----- Apparatus and method are as expected. [Mao Ming's Purpose and Overview] One of the purposes of Zhifang Fangming is to provide an installation path that can change the light path. '' It is used to switch between different optical paths to control the path of the beam. 'One of the purposes is to provide an installation that can change the optical path. * The premise knife is that the optical fiber or optical signal input / output end is not moved. One of the purposes of cutting the light path is to expose a small and lightweight supply device. One of the purposes of the invention is to reveal a simple and cheap device to change the light path. The ift invention of the No. "a device and method for switching optical paths" includes optical signal generation and output ends, and the input and output ends are arranged in the shape of the free = optical path. The 稜鏡 space optical path is movable and is inserted into the free space optical path: the free space optical path is removed to control the path of the light beam traveling between the input end and the output end. When the 稜鏡When inserted into the free-space optical path, a switched optical path is formed between the input end and the output end, and the light beam from the input end to the output end is totally refracted once by the two refractions of the chirp; and when The prism is removed from the free-space optical path, and the light beam from the input end to the output end passes through the free-space optical path.

554185 五、發明說明（4) 較佳者，該稜鏡為楔形稜鏡（dove prism)或等腰棱鏡 (isosceles prism)，以便縮減光開關元件的體積及重量。本發明可以應用於各種光開關裝置，例如1 X 2光交換器、2 X 1光交換器、2 X 2光交換器、2 X 2阻斷式光開關 (blocking optical switch)及開閉式光學開關（on-0ff optical switch)，或堆疊多個棱鏡形成更多輸入/輸出埠 (I/O port)的光交換器，例如lx 4光交換器及2x4光交換器。554185 V. Description of the invention (4) Preferably, the frame is a dove prism or an isosceles prism to reduce the volume and weight of the optical switching element. The invention can be applied to various optical switching devices, such as 1 X 2 optical switches, 2 X 1 optical switches, 2 X 2 optical switches, 2 X 2 blocking optical switches, and open-close optical switches. (On-0ff optical switch), or optical switches that stack multiple prisms to form more I / O ports, such as lx 4 optical switches and 2x4 optical switches.

【詳細說明】本發明的特點係利用不同的原理達到改變光路的目的。質言之，本發明的裝置及方法包括安排自由空間光路於光信號的輸入端與輸出端之間，以及控制一棱鏡的位置，使其介入或離開該自由空間光路，當該稜鏡被***該自由空間光路中時，形成切換的光路，光束因此被該棱鏡折射兩次及全反射一次，因而達到改變光路的目的。底下將以許多不同型態的光交換器為示例來說明本發明的原理及操作。[Detailed description] The characteristics of the present invention are achieved by using different principles to change the light path. In other words, the device and method of the present invention include arranging a free space optical path between the input end and the output end of the optical signal, and controlling the position of a prism to cause it to intervene in or leave the free space optical path, and when the beam is inserted When the free-space optical path is in, a switched optical path is formed, so the light beam is refracted twice and totally reflected once by the prism, thereby achieving the purpose of changing the optical path. In the following, many different types of optical switches will be used as examples to illustrate the principle and operation of the present invention.

[第一實施例：2 X 2光交換器] 第一圖中提供一個2x2光交換器的示意圖，其包括二光信號輸入端10及12，以及二光信號輸出端14及16，如同習知技藝一般，每一輸入端或輸出端皆含有準直器[First embodiment: 2 X 2 optical switch] The first figure provides a schematic diagram of a 2x2 optical switch, which includes two optical signal input terminals 10 and 12, and two optical signal output terminals 14 and 16, as is conventional. Normal skill, each input or output contains a collimator

第7頁 554185 五、發明說明（5) . (collimator)或準直透鏡（collimating lens)麵合在光纖的尾端。輸入端10及12以及輸出端14及16被安排^兩對彼此平行的輸入/輸出，如（A)圖中所示，輸入端1〇與輸出^ · 14之間形成一自由空間光路18，而輸入端12與輸出^16之寶間形成另一自由空間光路2 0，換言之，來自輸入端丨〇的光 4吕號被辆合進入輸出端14中，而來自輸入端12的光作號被耦合進入輸出端1 6中，此二光束彼此平行。如（B)圖°中"所示，當稜鏡22被***光信號輸入端10及12以及輸出端14及 16之間時，二入射光的光路即被改變，來自輸入端1〇的光束經過稜鏡2 2的兩次折射及一次全反射而耦合進入輸出端 16中，同樣地，來自輸入端12的光束經過棱鏡22的兩次折_ 射及一次全反射而耦合進入輸出端14中，藉由稜鏡22的插入，此時光路被改變為2 4及2 6。棱鏡22係楔形稜鏡或等腰稜鏡，其具有一底邊23平行於入射光的方向及對稱的二斜邊25及27。斜邊25及27的表面可以鑛膜’以減少入射光的反射及降低極化相關損失 k (Polarization-Dependent Loss; PDL)。當稜鏡22 被*** 一自由空間光路18及20後，兩束互相平行的入射光係平行· 地且對稱於稜鏡22的光軸（〇1^1^1^丨3)入射至稜鏡22 中’亦即以平行於稜鏡22底邊23的方向入射至棱鏡22中，，過稜鏡22的兩次折射及一次全反射後，形成兩束互相平_ 行的出射光’此兩束互相平行的出射光係平行地且對稱於棱鏡22 ^光軸，惟其位置與兩束互相平行的入射光相反。因此’藉由改變棱鏡2 2的位置，即可控制二光束的行進路Page 7 554185 V. Description of the invention (5). The (collimator) or collimating lens is face-attached at the end of the fiber. The input terminals 10 and 12 and the output terminals 14 and 16 are arranged ^ two pairs of input / output parallel to each other. As shown in the figure (A), a free space optical path 18 is formed between the input terminal 10 and the output ^ · 14, Another free space light path 20 is formed between the input terminal 12 and the treasure of the output ^ 16. In other words, the light 4 from the input terminal 丨 is combined into the output terminal 14 and the light from the input terminal 12 is used as a signal. Coupled into the output terminal 16, the two beams are parallel to each other. As shown in (B), when 稜鏡 22 is inserted between the optical signal input terminals 10 and 12 and output terminals 14 and 16, the optical path of the two incident light is changed. The light beam is coupled into the output end 16 through two refractions and a total reflection of 稜鏡 2 2. Similarly, the light beam from the input end 12 is coupled into the output end 14 through two refractions and a total reflection of the prism 22. During the insertion of 稜鏡 22, the optical path is changed to 2 4 and 2 6 at this time. The prism 22 is a wedge-shaped ridge or isosceles ridge, which has a base 23 parallel to the direction of the incident light and two oblique sides 25 and 27 which are symmetrical. The surfaces of the hypotenuses 25 and 27 can be mineral film 'to reduce the reflection of incident light and reduce polarization-dependent losses k (Polarization-Dependent Loss; PDL). When 稜鏡 22 is inserted into a free-space optical path 18 and 20, two mutually parallel incident light systems are parallel, ground, and symmetrical to the optical axis (〇1 ^ 1 ^ 1 ^ 丨 3) of 稜鏡 22 and enter 稜鏡In 22, 'that is, incident into the prism 22 in a direction parallel to the base 23 of 稜鏡 22, after two refractions and a total reflection of 稜鏡 22, two beams of outgoing light that are parallel to each other are formed.' The outgoing light beams parallel to each other are parallel and symmetrical to the prism 22 ^ optical axis, but their positions are opposite to the two incident light beams parallel to each other. Therefore, by changing the position of the prism 22, the traveling path of the two beams can be controlled.

第8頁 554185 五、發明說明（6) 徑為直進（如A圖）或交叉（如B圖），因而達到切換光路的功能。若將第一圖中的稜鏡2 2的局部施予發黑處理，則該裝置成為一 2x2阻斷式光交換器。、· [第二實施例：1 X 2光交換器] - 第二圖中提供一個1x2光交換器的示意圖，該光交換器包括一光信號的輸入端28被安排對應二輸出端3〇及32，其中輸出端30與輸入端28對準，而另一輸出端μ與輸出端 30平行。如（A)圖中所示，在切換前，輸入端28與輸出端 30之間形成一自由空間光路34，入射光從輸入端28搞合至輸出端30中；當切換後，如（B)圖中所示，—稜鏡“被^插入輸入端28與輸出端30及32之間，此時不同的光路38被形成，入射光從輸入端28以平行於稜鏡36的光軸的方向進入棱鏡36中’經過稜鏡36的兩次折射及一次全反射而形成出射光，此時出射光的位置與（A)圖中所示不同，乃是耦合進入輸出端32中。 ° [第三實施例：開閉式光學開關] 如第三圖中所示，一開閉式光學開關包括一對光信號的輸入端40及輸出端42且彼此對準。如（a)圖中所示，在開啟態（on state)時，輸入端4〇與輸出端42之間形成一自由空間光路44，光束直接從輸入端4〇耦合至輸出端42 ;在關閉態（〇 f f s t a t e )時，如（B )圖中所示，—稜鏡4 6被***Page 8 554185 V. Description of the invention (6) The diameter is straight forward (as shown in Figure A) or crossed (as shown in Figure B), thus achieving the function of switching optical paths. If a part of 稜鏡 2 2 in the first figure is blackened, the device becomes a 2x2 blocking optical switch. [Second embodiment: 1 X 2 optical switch]-A schematic diagram of a 1x2 optical switch is provided in the second figure. The optical switch includes an optical signal input terminal 28 arranged corresponding to two output terminals 30 and 32, wherein the output terminal 30 is aligned with the input terminal 28, and the other output terminal μ is parallel to the output terminal 30. As shown in the figure (A), before switching, a free-space optical path 34 is formed between the input terminal 28 and the output terminal 30, and the incident light is combined from the input terminal 28 to the output terminal 30; after switching, such as (B As shown in the figure,-稜鏡 "is inserted between the input terminal 28 and the output terminals 30 and 32. At this time, different optical paths 38 are formed. The incident light from the input terminal 28 is parallel to the optical axis of 稜鏡 36. Enter the prism 36 in the direction of 'emerging light through two refractions and one total reflection of 稜鏡 36. At this time, the position of the emitted light is different from that shown in (A), but is coupled into the output end 32. [ Third Embodiment: Open / Close Optical Switch] As shown in the third figure, an open / close optical switch includes a pair of optical signal input terminals 40 and output terminals 42 and are aligned with each other. As shown in (a), In the on state, a free-space optical path 44 is formed between the input terminal 40 and the output terminal 42, and the light beam is directly coupled from the input terminal 40 to the output terminal 42. In the off state, such as ( B) As shown in the figure, — 稜鏡 4 6 is inserted

554185 五、發明說明（7) 輪入端40與輸出端42之間，於是形成切換的光路48，此時入射光進入棱鏡4 6，經過兩次折射及一次全反射而被導引至他處，不再耦合至輸出端42。第四實施例：2 X 4光交換器] 第四圖中係一個2 X 4光交換器的示意圖，此裝置係組合二個前述的lx 2光交換器，其包括二輸入端84及86以及四輪出端88至94，二棱鏡96及98以其底邊膠合在一起，且讀二稜鏡之底邊皆鍍上反射膜。當稜鏡9 6及98未***時，二入射光分別地從輸入端84及86延著二自由空間光路1〇〇 98 及i〇4耦合至輸出端88及92，當稜鏡9 6及98***後，二入射光分別地平行於棱鏡9 6及98的光轴入射且經過棱鏡9 6及的兩次折射及一次全反射，而從輸入端84及8 6延著二切換的光路102及106耦合至輸出端90及94。依此方式，結合多個稜鏡，可以獲得更多輸入/輸出埠的光交換器。 L第五實施例：2 X 1光交換器] 如第五圖中所示，一個2x1光交換器包括二光信號的，入端110及112被安排對應一輸出端114。如（A)圖中所不’在切換前，輸入端110與輸出端114之間形成一自由空間光路116，光束從輸入端11〇直接耦合至輸出端114 ;當切換後，如（B)圖中所示，一稜鏡π 8被***自由空間光路 1 16中，形成切換的光路丨20，此時從輸入端丨12的入射光平行於稜鏡1 18的光轴入射且經過稜鏡丨18的兩次折射及一554185 V. Description of the invention (7) Between the wheel-in terminal 40 and the output terminal 42, a switched optical path 48 is formed. At this time, the incident light enters the prism 46, and is guided to another place after two refractions and one total reflection. , Is no longer coupled to output 42. Fourth embodiment: 2 X 4 optical switch] The fourth diagram is a schematic diagram of a 2 X 4 optical switch. This device is a combination of the two aforementioned lx 2 optical switches, which includes two input terminals 84 and 86 and The four-wheeled exit ends 88 to 94, the two prisms 96 and 98 are glued together with their bottom edges, and the bottom edges of the reading edges are plated with a reflective film. When 稜鏡 96 and 98 are not inserted, the two incident lights are coupled from the input terminals 84 and 86 along the two free space optical paths 10098 and i04 to the output terminals 88 and 92, respectively. After the 98 is inserted, the two incident lights are incident parallel to the optical axes of the prisms 96 and 98, respectively, and undergo two refractions and a total reflection of the prisms 96 and 98, and extend from the input ends 84 and 86 to the two switched optical paths 102. And 106 are coupled to outputs 90 and 94. In this way, by combining multiple ports, more optical switches with more input / output ports can be obtained. L Fifth Embodiment: 2 X 1 Optical Switch] As shown in the fifth figure, a 2x1 optical switch includes two optical signals, and the input ends 110 and 112 are arranged to correspond to an output end 114. As shown in (A), before switching, a free-space optical path 116 is formed between the input terminal 110 and the output terminal 114, and the light beam is directly coupled from the input terminal 110 to the output terminal 114; after switching, such as (B) As shown in the figure, a 稜鏡 π 8 is inserted into the free-space optical path 1 16 to form a switched optical path 丨 20. At this time, the incident light from the input terminal 12 is incident parallel to the optical axis of 稜鏡 1 18 and passes through 稜鏡丨 18 refraction and one

554185 五、發明說明（8) 次全反射，而耦合進入輸出端114中。 [第六實施例：3 X 6光交換器] 前述的實施例中，每一棱鏡僅對應一或二輸入/輸出端，但更多的輸入/輸出端可以被實現。例如第六圖中所示係一個3x6光交換器的示意圖，其包括三輸入端122\554185 V. Description of the invention (8) total reflections, coupled into the output 114. [Sixth embodiment: 3 X 6 optical switch] In the foregoing embodiment, each prism corresponds to only one or two input / output terminals, but more input / output terminals can be implemented. For example, shown in the sixth figure is a schematic diagram of a 3x6 optical switch, which includes three inputs 122 \

124 及 126，以及六輸出端 128、130、132、134、136 及 138，這些輸入/輸出端全部被排列為平行於稜鏡146的光軸，其中三輸入端122至126分別地對準輸出端128、132及 136，在稜鏡146未***時，此三對輸入/輸出端形成三自由空間光路140、142及144，當稜鏡146被***後，三切換的光路148、150及152被形成，三輸入端122至126的光束分別地經過稜鏡1 4 6的兩次折射及一次全反射，而被切換至輸出端138、134及130。 [第七實施例：1 X 4光交換器]124 and 126, and six output terminals 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138. These input / output terminals are all arranged parallel to the optical axis of 稜鏡 146, and three input terminals 122 to 126 are respectively aligned with the output. Terminals 128, 132, and 136. When 稜鏡 146 is not inserted, these three pairs of input / output terminals form three free-space optical paths 140, 142, and 144. When 稜鏡 146 is inserted, three switched optical paths 148, 150, and 152 Is formed, the light beams of the three input ends 122 to 126 are respectively switched to the output ends 138, 134, and 130 after undergoing two refractions and one total reflection of 稜鏡 1 4 6 respectively. [Seventh embodiment: 1 X 4 optical switch]

結合多個稜鏡可以實現例如第七圖中所示的1 X 4光交換器，此裝置包括一輸入端154以及四輸出端156、158、 160及162，這些輸入/輸出端之間可以被***稜鏡172及膠合在一起的稜鏡166及168，其互相膠合的一面上鍍有反射膜。如（A)圖中所示，當所有的棱鏡皆未***時，在輸入端154及輸出端156之間形成一自由空間光路164 ;於*** 膠合在一起的稜鏡166及168時，如（B)圖中所示，一切換的光路1 7 0被形成，此時入射光經過稜鏡1 6 6的兩次折射及Combining multiple units can realize, for example, the 1 X 4 optical switch shown in the seventh figure. This device includes an input terminal 154 and four output terminals 156, 158, 160, and 162. These input / output terminals can be connected between The 稜鏡 172 and the 稜鏡 166 and 168 glued together are inserted, and a reflective film is plated on the glued side. As shown in the figure (A), when all the prisms are not inserted, a free space optical path 164 is formed between the input end 154 and the output end 156; when the 稜鏡 166 and 168 glued together are inserted, such as ( B) As shown in the figure, a switched optical path 170 is formed. At this time, the incident light undergoes two refractions of 稜鏡 1 6 6 and

第11頁 554185Page 11 554185

一次全反射’而被切換至輸出端158 ;若***稜鏡172，而非棱鏡1 6 6及1 6 8 ’則第二切換的光路丨7 4被形成，此時入射光經過棱鏡=1 7 2的兩次折射及一次全反射，而被切換至輪出端1 6 0 ;最後，當所有的棱鏡1 7 2、1 6 6及1 6 8皆*** 時’第三切換的光路丨7 6被形成，此時入射光經過稜鏡丨7 2 的兩次折射及一次全反射，以及稜鏡丨6 8的兩次折射及一次全反射’而被切換至輸出端162。依此方式，更多不同的光交換器被實現。 [第八實施例·· 2 X 2光交換器]Once a total reflection 'is switched to the output terminal 158; if 稜鏡 172 is inserted instead of the prisms 1 6 6 and 1 6 8', the second switched optical path 7 4 is formed, and the incident light passes through the prism = 1 7 Two refractions and one total reflection of 2 are switched to the wheel output end 16 0; finally, when all the prisms 1 7 2, 1 6 and 1 6 8 are inserted, the third switched optical path 7 7 Is formed, at this time the incident light is switched to the output terminal 162 through two refractions and one total reflection of 稜鏡丨 7 2 and two refractions and one total reflection of 稜鏡丨 68. In this way, more different optical switches are implemented. [Eighth Embodiment ·· 2 X 2 Optical Switch]

第八圖所示係另一使用不同的輸入/輸出裝置而實現的2x2光交換器，在此裝置中，輸入端178使用雙光纖準直器，其包含二輸入光纖180及182，輸出端184亦使用雙光纖準直器，其包含二輸出光纖186及188，如（A)圖中所示，輸入端178及輸出端184被安排於其間形成二自由光路 190及192，使得光纖180耦合至光纖188，而光纖182耦合至光纖186，光路190及192之間具有一夾角約0.5-3度，圖式中為清楚地表達之故，光路1 9 0及1 9 2端點之間的距離以及其間之夾角被誇大了，此類多光纖準直器可以參考例如頒給Pa η的美國專利第6249625號。如（B)圖中所示，當一棱鏡1 94***後，切換的光路1 96及1 98形成，此二光路經過稜鏡1 9 4的兩次折射及一次全反射，使得光纖1 8 0辆合至光纖186，而光纖182耦合至光纖188，亦即二光束被互相切換了。與使用單光纖準直器的第一實施例相較，本實施Figure 8 shows another 2x2 optical switch implemented using different input / output devices. In this device, the input end 178 uses a dual fiber collimator, which includes two input fibers 180 and 182, and an output end 184. A dual fiber collimator is also used, which includes two output fibers 186 and 188. As shown in (A), the input end 178 and the output end 184 are arranged between them to form two free optical paths 190 and 192, so that the optical fiber 180 is coupled to Optical fiber 188, and optical fiber 182 is coupled to optical fiber 186, and there is an included angle between the optical paths 190 and 192 of about 0.5-3 degrees. For the sake of clarity, the distance between the end points of the optical paths 190 and 192 And the angle between them is exaggerated, such multi-fiber collimator can refer to, for example, US Pat. No. 6,249,625 issued to Pa η. As shown in (B), when a prism 1 94 is inserted, the switched optical paths 1 96 and 1 98 are formed. These two optical paths pass through two refractions and a total reflection of 稜鏡 1 9 4 to make the optical fiber 1 8 0 The vehicle is coupled to the optical fiber 186, and the optical fiber 182 is coupled to the optical fiber 188, that is, the two beams are switched with each other. Compared with the first embodiment using a single fiber collimator, this embodiment

第12頁 554185 五、發明說明（ίο) 例使用多光纖準直器可以減少準直器的數量，而且輸入端及輸出端的間距可以縮小，稜鏡的高度及長度可以減少，因此整體裝置的體積及重量皆被減少了。Page 12 554185 V. Description of the invention (ίο) Example The use of a multi-fiber collimator can reduce the number of collimators, and the distance between the input and output ends can be reduced, and the height and length of the cymbals can be reduced, so the overall device volume And weight has been reduced.

以上對於本發明之較佳實施例所作的敘述係為闡明之目的，而無意限定本發明精確地為所揭露的形式，基於以上的教導或從本發明的實施例學習而作修改或變化是可能的，實施例係為解說本發明的原理以及讓熟習該項技術者以各種實施例利用本發明在實際應用上而選擇及敘述，本發明的技術思想企圖由以下的申請專利範圍及其均等來決定0The above description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is for the purpose of clarification, and is not intended to limit the present invention to exactly the disclosed form. Modifications or changes are possible based on the above teaching or learning from the embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments are selected and described in order to explain the principle of the present invention and allow those skilled in the art to use the present invention in practical applications in various embodiments. The technical idea of the present invention is intended to be based on the scope of the following patent applications and their equivalents. Decision 0

第13頁 554185 圖式簡單說明對於熟習本技藝之人士而言，從以下所作的詳細敘述配合伴隨的圖式，本發明將能夠更清楚地被瞭解，其上述及其他目的及優點將會變得更明顯，其中：第一圖係本發明應用於2 X 2光交換器的實施例示意圖；第二圖係本發明應用於1 X 2光交換器的實施例示意圖；第三圖係本發明應用於開閉式光學開關的實施例示意圖；第四圖係本發明應用於2 X 4光交換器的實施例示意圖；第五圖係本發明應用於2 X 1光交換器的實施例示意圖；第六圖係本發明應用於3 X 6光交換器的實施例示意圖；第七圖係本發明應用於1 X 4光交換器的實施例示意圖；以及第八圖係本發明應用於2 X 2光交換器的另一實施例示意圖。圖號說明： 1 0、1 2 輸入端 1 4、1 6 輸出端 1 8、2 0 自由空間光路554185 Schematic description for those skilled in the art, the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, and its above and other objectives and advantages will become It is more obvious, in which: the first diagram is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention applied to a 2 X 2 optical switch; the second diagram is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention applied to a 1 X 2 optical switch; the third diagram is an application of the present invention A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an open-close optical switch; a fourth diagram is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention applied to a 2 X 4 optical switch; a fifth diagram is a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention applied to a 2 X 1 optical switch; a sixth Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention applied to a 3 X 6 optical switch; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention applied to a 1 X 4 optical switch; and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the present invention applied to a 2 X 2 optical switch Schematic diagram of another embodiment of the device. Description of drawing number: 1 0, 1 2 input terminal 1 4, 1 6 output terminal 1 8, 2 0 free space light path

554185 圖式簡單說明 22 棱鏡 2 3 棱鏡的底邊 24、 26 切換的光路 25、 27 棱鏡的斜邊 2 8 輸入端 30、32 輸出端 34 自由空間光路 3 6 棱鏡 3 8 切換的光路 4 0 輸入端554185 Brief description of the diagram 22 Prism 2 3 Bottom edge of prism 24, 26 Switched light path 25, 27 Hypotenuse of prism 2 8 Input end 30, 32 Output end 34 Free space light path 3 6 Prism 3 8 Switched light path 4 0 Input end

42 輸出端 44 自由空間光路 4 6 稜鏡 4 8 切換的光路 84、86 輸入端 88 、 90 、 92 、 94 輸出端 9 6、9 8 棱鏡 1 0 0、1 0 2、1 0 4、1 0 6 切換的光路 1 1 0、1 1 2 輸入端 114 輸出端42 Output 44 Free-space optical path 4 6 稜鏡 4 8 Switched optical path 84, 86 Input 88, 90, 92, 94 Output 9, 9 8 Prism 1 0 0, 1 0 2, 1 0 4, 1 0 6 Switched optical path 1 1 0, 1 1 2 Input 114 Output

116 自由空間光路 118 稜鏡 120 切換的光路 122、124、126 輸入端116 Free-space light path 118 稜鏡 120 Switched light path 122, 124, 126 input

第15頁 554185 圖式簡單說明 128 、 130 、 132 、 134 、 136 、 138 輸出端 140、142、144 自由空間光路 146 棱鏡 1 4 8、1 5 0、1 5 2 切換的光路 1 54 輸入端 1 56、1 58、1 60、1 62 輸出端 164 自由空間光路 1 6 6、1 6 8 稜鏡 170 切換的光路 172 稜鏡Page 15 554185 Schematic description of 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 output 140, 142, 144 free space light path 146 prism 1 4 8, 1 5 0, 1 5 2 switched light path 1 54 input end 1 56, 1 58, 1 60, 1 62 Output end 164 Free space light path 1 6 6, 1 6 8 稜鏡 170 Switched light path 172 稜鏡

174、176 切換的光路 17 8 輸入端 1 8 0、1 8 2 光纖 18 4 輸入端 1 8 6、1 8 8 光纖 1 9 0、1 9 2 自由空間光路 194 稜鏡 1 9 6、1 9 8 切換的光路174, 176 Switched optical path 17 8 Inputs 1 8 0, 1 8 2 Optical fiber 18 4 Inputs 1 8 6, 1 8 8 Optical fiber 1 9 0, 1 9 2 Free-space optical path 194 稜鏡 1 9 6, 1 9 8 Switched light path

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Claims

554185 六、申請專利範圍 1. 一種切換光路之裝置，包括：一輸入端；一輸出端；一自由空間光路介於該輸入端與輸出端之間； -一相對於該自由空間光路為可移動的稜鏡，被***或離開該自由空間光路；以及一切換的光路，經過該棱鏡的兩次折射及一次全反射，使來自該輸入端的光束被導引而不到達該輸出端。554185 VI. Scope of patent application 1. A device for switching optical paths, comprising: an input end; an output end; a free space optical path between the input end and the output end;-a movable path relative to the free space optical path稜鏡, is inserted into or left from the free-space optical path; and a switched optical path, which undergoes two refractions and a total reflection of the prism, so that the light beam from the input end is guided without reaching the output end.

2 ·如申請專利範圍第1項之裝置，其中該稜鏡為楔形棱鏡或等腰棱鏡。 3. 如申請專利範圍第1項之裝置，更包括第二輸出端，該切換的光路被耦合至該第二輸出端。 - 4. 如申請專利範圍第1項之裝置，更包括第二輸入端，當該棱鏡被***時，第二切換的光路被形成，經過該稜鏡的兩次折射及一次全反射，使來自該第二輸入端的光束被耦合至該輸出端。 5 ·如申請專利範圍第1項之裝置，更包括：第二輸入端；第二輸出端；以及2. The device according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the 稜鏡 is a wedge-shaped prism or an isosceles prism. 3. If the device in the scope of patent application No. 1 further includes a second output terminal, the switched optical path is coupled to the second output terminal. -4. If the device in the scope of patent application of claim 1 further includes a second input end, when the prism is inserted, the second switched optical path is formed, which undergoes two refractions and one total reflection of the chirp. The light beam from the second input terminal is coupled to the output terminal. 5. The device according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, further comprising: a second input terminal; a second output terminal; and

第二自由空間光路，介於該第二輸入端及第二輸出端之間；其中，當該棱鏡被***時，第二切換的光路被形成，經過該棱鏡的兩次折射及一次全反射，使來自該A second free space optical path between the second input end and the second output end; wherein when the prism is inserted, a second switched optical path is formed, which undergoes two refractions and one total reflection of the prism, Make from that

第17頁 554185 六、申請專利範圍第二輸入端的光束被耦合至該第一輸出端，且該第一切換的光路被耦合至該第二輸出端。 6. 如申請專利範圍第3項之裝置，更包括：第二稜鏡，與該第一稜鏡結合在一起； - 第二輸入端，第三輸出端；第二自由空間光路，介於該第二輸入端及第三輸出端之間；第四輸出端；以及Page 17 554185 VI. Patent application scope The light beam at the second input end is coupled to the first output end, and the first switched optical path is coupled to the second output end. 6. If the device in the scope of patent application No. 3, further includes: a second chirp, combined with the first chirp;-a second input end, a third output end; a second free space optical path, between the Between the second input terminal and the third output terminal; a fourth output terminal; and

第二切換的光路，經過該第二棱鏡的兩次折射及一次全反射，使來自該第二輸入端的光束被耦合至該第四輸出端。 7. 如申請專利範圍第1項之裝置，更包括第二棱鏡，當該第二棱鏡被***該切換的光路時，形成第二切換的光路，使該切換的光路再經過該第二稜鏡的兩次折射及一次全反射。 8. 如申請專利範圍第7項之裝置，其中該第二稜鏡為楔形稜鏡或等腰稜鏡。 9. 一種切換光路之方法，包括下列步驟：The second switched optical path undergoes two refractions and one total reflection of the second prism, so that the light beam from the second input end is coupled to the fourth output end. 7. For example, the device in the first patent application range further includes a second prism. When the second prism is inserted into the switched optical path, a second switched optical path is formed, so that the switched optical path passes through the second channel again. Refraction and total reflection. 8. The device according to item 7 of the patent application, wherein the second toe is a wedge-shaped toe or isosceles. 9. A method for switching optical paths, including the following steps:

安排一自由空間光路介於一輸入端與一輸出端之間；以及相對於該自由空間光路移動一稜鏡，以***或離開該自由空間光路，當***時形成一切換的光路，經過該稜鏡的兩次折射及一次全反射，使來自該輸Arrange a free space light path between an input end and an output end; and move a distance relative to the free space light path to insert or leave the free space light path, forming a switched light path when inserted, passing through the edge Two refractions and one total reflection of the mirror

第18頁 554185 六、申請專利範圍入端的光束被導引而不到達該輸出端。 1 〇.如申請專利範圍第9項之方法，更包括安排第二輸出端被該切換的光路耦合。 1 1.如申請專利範圍第9項之方法，更包括安排第二輸入端，當該棱鏡被***時，第二切換的光路被形成，經過該棱鏡的兩次折射及一次全反射，使來自該第二輸入端的光束被耦合至該輸出端。Page 18 554185 VI. Scope of patent application The light beam at the input end is guided without reaching the output end. 10. The method according to item 9 of the scope of patent application, further comprising arranging the second output end to be coupled by the switched optical path. 1 1. The method according to item 9 of the scope of patent application, further comprising arranging a second input end. When the prism is inserted, the second switched optical path is formed. After the prism is twice refracted and once totally reflected, The light beam from the second input terminal is coupled to the output terminal.

1 2.如申請專利範圍第9項之方法，更包括安排第二棱鏡，當該第二棱鏡被***該切換的光路時，形成第二切換的光路，使該切換的光路再經過該第二稜鏡的兩次折射及一次全反射。 13. —種切換光路之裝置，包括：許多輸入端；許多輸出端；許多自由空間光路介於該等輸入端與輸出端之間；以及至少一棱鏡，任一棱鏡可相對於該等自由空間光路移動，藉由該至少一棱鏡***及離開該等自由空間光路，使得來自該等輸入端的光束被切換於該等輸出端之間；1 2. The method according to item 9 of the scope of patent application, further comprising arranging a second prism. When the second prism is inserted into the switched optical path, a second switched optical path is formed so that the switched optical path passes through the second Two refractions and one total reflection of a chirp. 13. A device for switching optical paths, including: many input ends; many output ends; many free space optical paths between the input ends and output ends; and at least one prism, any prism may be opposite to the free space The light path moves, and the at least one prism is inserted into and away from the free space light paths, so that the light beams from the input ends are switched between the output ends;

其中，任一光束通過任一棱鏡時，經過兩次折射及一次全反射。 1 L如申請專利範圍第1 3項之裝置，其中該棱鏡為楔形稜鏡或等腰稜鏡。Among them, when any light beam passes through any prism, it undergoes two refractions and one total reflection. 1 L The device according to item 13 of the scope of patent application, wherein the prism is a wedge-shaped iliac crest or an isosceles crest.

第19頁 554185 六、申請專利範圍 1 5. —種切換光路之方法，包括下列步驟：安排許多自由空間光路介於許多輸入端與許多輸出端之間；以及相對於該等自由空間光路移動至少一稜鏡，以***或離開該等自由空間光路，使得來自該等輸入端的光束被切換於該等輸出端之間，其中，任一羌束通過任一稜鏡時，經過兩次折射及一次全反射。 16. —種切換光路之裝置，包括：一輸入端；許多輸出端，被安排對應該輸入端；以及Page 19 554185 VI. Patent application scope 1 5. A method for switching optical paths, including the following steps: Arrange many free-space optical paths between many input ends and many output ends; and move at least relative to these free-space optical paths First, to insert or leave these free-space optical paths, so that the light beams from the input ends are switched between the output ends, where any beam passes through any refraction and undergoes two refractions and one Total reflection. 16. A device for switching optical paths, including: an input terminal; a plurality of output terminals arranged to correspond to the input terminal; and

許多稜鏡，可單獨地***及離開該輸入端與輸出端之間，每一***的棱鏡使光束經過兩次折射及一次全反射，藉由該許多稜鏡的排列組合使來自該輸入端的光束於該等輸出端之間切換。 1 7.如申請專利範圍第1 6項之裝置，其中該許多稜鏡包括楔形稜鏡或等腰稜鏡。 1 8. —種切換光路之方法，包括下列步驟：安排一輸入端對應許多輸出端；Many chirps can be inserted and separated between the input end and the output end separately. Each inserted prism causes the light beam to undergo two refractions and one total reflection. The arrangement and combination of the plurality of chirpes makes the light beam from the input end. Switch between these outputs. 1 7. The device according to item 16 of the patent application scope, wherein the plurality of crests include wedge crests or isosceles crests. 1 8. A method for switching optical paths, including the following steps: Arranging one input end to correspond to many output ends;

安排許多棱鏡，可單獨地***及離開該輸入端與輸出端之間，每一***的稜鏡可使光束經過兩次折射及一次全反射；以及操縱該許多稜鏡的***排列組合使來自該輸入端的光束於該等輸出端之間於切換。 19. 一種切換光路之裝置，包括：Arrange a number of prisms, which can be individually inserted and separated between the input end and the output end. Each inserted chirp can cause the light beam to undergo two refractions and one total reflection; The light beam at the input terminal is switched between the output terminals. 19. A device for switching optical paths, comprising:

第20頁 554185 六、申請專利範圍第一多光纖準直器，含有許多輸入光纖；第二多光纖準直器，含有許多輸出光纖；許多自由空間光路介於該許多輸入光纖與輸出光纖之間； - 至少一相對於該許多自由空間光路為可移動的稜鏡，被***或離開該許多自由空間光路；以及 ^ 許多切換的光路，經過該稜鏡的兩次折射及一次全反射，因而形成於該許多輸入光纖與輸出光纖之間。Page 20 554185 6. The scope of the patent application The first multi-fiber collimator contains many input fibers; the second multi-fiber collimator contains many output fibers; many free space optical paths are between the many input fibers and output fibers ;-At least one chirp that is movable with respect to the many free-space optical paths is inserted into or exits from the many free-space optical paths; and ^ many switched optical paths undergo two refractions and one total reflection of the chirp, thus forming Between the many input fibers and the output fiber.

20. 如申請專利範圍第19項之裝置，其中該稜鏡為楔形稜鏡或等腰稜鏡。 21. 如申請專利範圍第19項之裝置，其中該許多自由空間光路彼此之間具有一夾角在約為0 . 5至3度的範圍。20. The device according to item 19 of the patent application, wherein the ridge is a wedge-shaped ridge or an isosceles ridge. 21. The device of claim 19, wherein the plurality of free-space optical paths have an included angle with each other in a range of about 0.5 to 3 degrees.

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