JP2990450B2 - Surface type crossbar light processing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a planar crossbar optical processing apparatus for performing cross-connect or exchange processing of optical signals arranged on a two-dimensional plane while maintaining optical levels.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, technical studies have been actively conducted in various countries around the world for realizing a wideband ISDN mainly for image services, which requires a bandwidth 1000 times or more that of conventional communication for audio signals. It has been done. In order to realize such a broadband ISDN, it is indispensable to realize a cross-connect device or a switching device capable of processing a large number of high-speed signals. Therefore, research for realizing these functions using optical technology is being actively conducted.

When optical technologies are roughly classified, there are three multiplexing systems: wavelength division multiplexing, time division multiplexing, and space division multiplexing. Among them, since the successful development of the μ-LD as a surface light source at AT & T Bell Laboratories, research on the possibility of the space division multiplexing system has been particularly active.

[0004] In the space division multiplexing method, there is a demand for realizing a plane crossbar optical processing apparatus for performing cross-connect or exchange processing of optical signals arranged on a two-dimensional plane while keeping the optical level.

[0005]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of a spatial multiplex division method,
Light signals arranged on a two-dimensional plane are incident on a light beam shift cell composed of liquid crystal and calcite, and the beam is shifted to a predetermined position depending on the presence or absence of a voltage applied to the liquid crystal element,
Or a device having a structure for performing routing so as to guide a predetermined optical signal to a predetermined output position by controlling whether the light travels straight or not [Yamaguchi, NTT, 1990-Shogaku Spring Spring, B-437, 1990] Etc. are known.

[0006]

In the above-described space division optical multiplexing system, for example, in the case of an 8 × 8 switch, four stages, 16 × In the case of 16 switches, light beam shift cells must be connected in multiple stages, such as six stages, and there is a problem that signal loss, the number of controls, and increases in circuit scale cannot be avoided.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem of the prior art, and it is possible to perform a non-blocking cross-connect or exchange process on a signal arranged in a two-dimensional plane with a simple configuration. It is an object of the present invention to provide a surface type crossbar light processing device.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a planar light source comprising a plurality of light emitting units arranged on a two-dimensional plane ,
Diffraction grating for multiple mirrors on one side and multiple optical paths on the other side
And light from each light-emitting part of the surface light source.
A signal enters from between the mirrors and passes through the diffraction grating.
A part of the light is transmitted through and the rest is reflected and enters the mirror.
A plurality of optical paths that are arranged in the vertical direction by repeating the reflection
Vertical direction for distributing and outputting the optical signal from the corresponding diffraction grating
From the optical path changing / distributing section and the vertical optical path changing / distributing section.
Optical signal for controlling passage and blocking of output light corresponding to the optical path of
Signal passing / blocking part, multiple half mirrors on one side, other
A diffraction grating corresponding to a plurality of optical paths is provided on one side,
The output light from the first optical signal passing / blocking unit is
Incident through a mirror, and partially transmitted through the diffraction grating.
Over-outputs and reflects the rest to enter the half mirror.
A plurality of light paths arranged in the horizontal direction by repeating the reflection
Lateral side for distributing and outputting the optical signal from the corresponding diffraction grating
From the optical path changing / distributing section and the horizontal optical path changing / distributing section.
Optical signal for controlling passage and blocking of output light corresponding to the optical path of
Signal passing / blocking unit and the second optical signal passing / blocking unit.
A condensing part for condensing the output light, and condensed by the condensing part
A surface-type light receiver having a light-receiving portion for receiving an optical signal
I have. Also condenses the output light from the second optical signal passing / blocking section
The light condensing part can be configured by an optical star coupler.
Wear. Further, the first and second optical signal passing / blocking portions are
Can be configured by a loop.

[0009]

The operation will be described with reference to FIG .
Having a configuration in which a plurality of light emitting units are arranged on a three-dimensional plane,
The optical signal from each of the light emitting units is changed in the vertical optical path / distribution unit 2
Incident on. This vertical optical path changing / distributing unit 2 is a surface type light
Source 1 mirror and first optical signal passing / blocking unit 3 diffraction
Light from one light-emitting portion of the surface light source 1
A part of the optical signal from the diffraction grating is
1 is transmitted to the optical signal passing / blocking unit 3 side, and the remaining optical signal is
The light is reflected to the mirror side, and a part is zigzag as shown in the figure.
Reflect the excess and the rest. That is, the light signal from one light emitting unit
Numbers can be distributed in multiples in the vertical direction. In addition, vertical
The reflection and transmission of the optical signal indicated by the solid line in the optical path changing / distributing unit 2
Excessive zig-zag path ignores incident and reflected angles
Only the distribution path of the optical signal is shown.
The angle of incidence is selected according to the configuration of the grating, etc.
Is reflected at an angle of total internal reflection with respect to the incident angle. Also the first
The optical signal passing / blocking unit 3 is a vertical optical path changing / distributing unit 2
To selectively pass or block light signals from the
The light enters the change / distribution unit 4. This horizontal optical path change / distribution
A unit 4, a second optical signal passing / blocking unit 5, a light collecting unit 6,
As shown in the upper part with respect to the surface type photodetector 7, the optical signal
Is passed through, and the horizontal optical path changing / distributing unit 4
A half mirror is arranged on one side and a diffraction grating is arranged on the other side.
Zigzag similar to vertical optical path changing / distributing unit 2
A part of the optical signal is transmitted and the remaining part is reflected in a
Distributes the optical signal from the signal passing / blocking unit 3 in the horizontal direction
I do. Also in this case, the path of the optical signal is shown in a simplified manner.
Yes, actually, the optical signal from the first optical signal passing / blocking unit 3
Select the incident angle of the signal, and the transmission angle corresponding to this incident angle
Degree and reflection angle. This horizontal optical path changing / distributing unit 4
These optical signals enter the second optical signal passing / blocking unit 5 and are selected.
The light is selectively passed or cut off and enters the light collector 6. This light collection
The light is condensed by the unit 6 and is incident on the surface type light receiver 7. Therefore,
Any light emitting units arranged on a two-dimensional plane of the surface light source 1
These optical signals are arranged on a two-dimensional plane of the planar light receiver 7.
The light can be selectively incident on an arbitrary light receiving unit. Immediately
In other words, optical signal cross-connect or optical signal exchange processing is performed.
I can.

In the surface type crossbar light processing apparatus of the present invention, a unique position is given to each optical signal arranged in a two-dimensional plane, and the optical path change / distribution and the passing / blocking control in the vertical and horizontal directions are performed. Is performed to guide the optical signals to a predetermined light output position, so that the optical signals arranged on the two-dimensional plane can be cross-connected or switched to the output position on the two-dimensional plane without blocking.

[0011]

EXAMPLE Figure 2 shows Sumono the structure of an embodiment of the present invention
In, 11 in planar light source, corresponding to a surface light source 1 of FIG. 1, mu
A light emitting unit 11 ₁ such as an LD (micro light emitting diode) ,
11 _2, is constructed by arranging in a matrix a ... on a two-dimensional plane
ing. Reference numeral 12 denotes an optical path changing / distributing unit, which is a vertical light source shown in FIG.
Corresponds to the road change / distribution unit 2. This optical path changing / distributing unit 1
2, a mirror 22 is provided on one surface of the glass substrate 21;
On the other side, HOE (Holographic Optical Elemen)
diffraction grating 23, which consists of t), such as _1, 23 _2, vertically and horizontally ...
Are arranged in the same direction.
Part of the light is transmitted from the grating, and the rest is reflected toward the mirror.
The light signal reflected by the light is partially transmitted from the diffraction grating, and the rest is
By repeating the reflection to the mirror side, the optical signal is
And output. The optical signal path shown by the solid line
Indicates an outline to indicate that transmission and reflection are repeated.
However, in practice, the transmission angle and reflection angle corresponding to the incident angle
It becomes. Reference numeral 13 denotes an optical gate, which is a first light of FIG.
A plurality of controllable optical gates corresponding to the signal passing / blocking unit 3
DOO element 24 _1, 24 _2, a., The optical path changing and dispensing unit 1
Optical signals are incident from the _second diffraction gratings 23 ₁ , 23 ₂ ,.
It is arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions of the position where it is performed. Another one
Numeral 4 denotes an optical path changing / distributing unit, which changes and distributes the light in the horizontal direction in FIG.
An optical gate is provided on one surface of the glass substrate 25 corresponding to the portion 4.
13 optical gate elements 24 ₁ , 24 ₂ ,.
Are provided with half mirrors 26 ₁ , 26 ₂ ,.
Diffraction grating 27 ₁ made of HOE or the like, 27 _2, a ...
It is arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the optical path is changed and distributed.
The unit 12 distributes and outputs an optical signal in the vertical direction.
However, the optical path changing / distributing section 14 splits the optical signal in the horizontal direction.
And output it. Reference numeral 15 denotes an optical gate.
Corresponding to the second optical signal passing / blocking section 5 and a plurality of controllable
, Etc. of the optical gate elements 28 ₁ , 28 ₂ ,.
7 _1, 27 is ₂ as provided in correspondence. 16 is two-dimensional
The lens array corresponds to the condensing unit 6 in FIG.
16 _1, 16 _2, in which an array of ... in the vertical and horizontal directions
is there. Reference numeral 17 denotes a surface-type light receiver, which corresponds to the surface-type light receiver 7 in FIG.
In response, a surface light receiving element such as a photodiode (PD )
The light receiving sections 17 ₁ and 17 ₂ are arranged vertically and horizontally.
The optical path changing / distributing unit 14, the optical gate 15, and the two-dimensional laser
Lens array 16 and planar light receiver 17 as viewed from above.
A part of the state is schematically illustrated above, and the optical path changing / distributing unit 14 is illustrated.
Of the half mirror 26 optical signal incident to ₅ the diffraction grating 27
₅ and partially transmitted through, the optical gates 15 light gate elements 28
₅ through the lens 16 ₂ of the two-dimensional lens array 16
Path incident on the light-receiving portion 17 ₂ of the surface light-receiving device 17 through
Up and down as viewed from the side and top
1 shows a schematic configuration.

[0012] The surface light source 11, for example from the light emitting portion 11 ₁
The optical signal is transmitted to the optical path changing / distributing unit 1 as shown by the solid arrow.
Then enters the two, and partially transmitted by the diffraction grating 23 _1, the balance being reflected
And it reflects to the mirror 22, enter the diffraction grating 23 ₂
Light, partially transmitted, and the rest reflected and incident on the mirror 22
And each diffraction grating 2 arranged in the vertical direction
3 _1, 23 _2, respectively output from .... Follow
Te, the optical signal from the light emitting portion 11 _1, a plurality to distribution in the longitudinal direction
And output to the optical gate 13.

In the optical gate 13, each optical gate element 2
4 _1, 24 _2, ..., 24 _5, ... longitudinal each diffraction grating 23 _1, 23 2 each optical path changing and dispensing unit _12, ... 23 _5, ... provided corresponding to the light parallel to the exit from the In this way, the passage _and blocking of light from outside can be selectively controlled. Now, assuming that the optical gate element 24 ₅ is controlled to pass light and all other optical gate elements are controlled to block light, the diffraction grating 23 _{5 of the} optical path changing / distributing section 12 is controlled.
Light emitted from the passes through the optical gate device 24 ₅ and is incident on the optical path changing and dispensing unit 14.

In the optical path changing / distributing section 14, the optical
13 each optical gate element 24_1,24 _2,…, 24_Five,… Against
In response, the half mirror 26_1,26_2,…, 26_Five,...
The diffraction grating 23_FiveThe light emitted from the
Ra 26_FiveAnd enters the optical path changing / distributing unit 14
And the diffraction grating 27_FiveReflected in and arranged horizontally
Reflected by the half mirror and diffraction grating
The optical path is changed to
Emit some of the light. Therefore, beside the optical path changing / distributing unit 14
Multiple light beams emitted in parallel from each diffraction grating
You.

In the optical gate 15, each optical gate element 2
8 _5, 28 _{51, ...,} 28 _53, ... horizontal direction of each grating 27 5 of the optical path changing and dispensing unit 14, _{respectively,} ... be provided corresponding to the light parallel to emitted from the light from the outside, respectively It is possible to selectively control the passage _and cutoff of traffic. Now, through an optical gate element 28 ₅ is light, when all other optical gate device was controlled so as to block light, emitted light from the diffraction grating 27 ₅ of the optical path changing and dispensing unit 14, the light It passes through the gate device 28 _5, the lens array 1
Entering the lens 16 ₂ at 6.

[0016] Lens 16 ₂ the vertical direction of the light gate elements 28 _5, 28 ₆ of the optical gate 15, ... 28 ₈ and transverse direction of the optical gate device 28 _5, 28 _{51, ...,} 28 ₅₃ surface light-receiving light emitted It focused on the light receiving portion 17 ₂ in the vessel 17. Thus the light receiving unit 17 ₂ detects the light passed through the optical gate 28 _5,
Generate an output signal.

[0017] In the optical gate 13 and 15, passage of light of each light gate elements, when changing the control of the shut-off, the output light of the light emitting portion 11 ₁ in the surface light source 11 is different in the surface light-receiving device 17 The light reaches the light receiving section and generates an output signal.

Therefore, according to the surface-type crossbar light processing apparatus shown in FIG. 2, the light gates 13 and 15 are controlled in accordance with the light-emitting position of the light-emitting portion in the surface-type light source 11 so that By receiving light with one of the light-receiving parts, the optical path can be changed arbitrarily for the light from any light-emitting part and finally an optical signal can be guided to the desired light-receiving part, realizing light cross-connect. can do.

FIG. 3 exemplifies the arrangement of the light emitting portions in the surface light source, and shows a case where a 16.times.16 optical cross-connect element is formed. The surface of the surface light source 11 is divided into 16 sections as indicated by broken lines, and one light emitting section is provided in each section. In this case, the position of the light emitting unit in each section is different, and each section is further divided by one.
It is arranged at any one of the six divided positions. For example, the light emitting units (1-1), (2-1),
(3-1),... Have the same interval in the vertical direction, but in the horizontal direction, the position of each element changes sequentially by one unit. Similarly, each light emitting unit (1-1), (1-2), (1-
3),... Have the same horizontal spacing, but in the vertical direction, their positions change one unit at a time for each element.

FIG. 4 shows a vertical optical path change in the optical path changing / distributing section, and the optical path changing / distributing section 12 in FIG.
Is a schematic configuration of the optical path changing / distributing unit 12 of FIG.
It shows the result. Also, the diffraction gratings 23 ₁ , 23 ₂ ,
, And the diffraction gratings 23 ₁₁ , 23 ₂₁ , 23 ₃₁ ,
, And the diffraction gratings 23 ₁₂ , 23 ₂₂ , 23 ₃₂ ,
... are arranged. For example, at the top of the first column
Optical signal inputted to the position of the diffraction grating 23 _1, each of the first column
Are distributed from the diffraction gratings 23 ₁ , 23 ₂ , 23 ₃ ,.
Output. Similarly, the uppermost diffraction grating 23 in the second row
_The optical signal incident on the position ₁₁ is the diffraction grating 23 in the second row.
Are distributed and output from ₁₁ , 23 ₂₁ , 23 ₃₁ ,...
You.

FIG. 5 shows a horizontal optical path change in the optical path changing / distributing section, and the optical path changing / distributing section shown in the lower part of FIG.
14 is an outline of the optical path changing / distributing unit 14 of FIG.
An optical path changing / distributing unit 14 shown in a schematic configuration and shown in the upper part of FIG.
Is a schematic configuration of the optical path changing / distributing unit 14 of FIG.
Part of the process. Also, the diffraction gratings 27 ₁ , 2 in the first row
7 _2,... And, in the second column diffraction grating 27 _11, 27 _21, -
.. and the diffraction gratings 27 ₁₂ , 27 ₂₂ ,..., 4 in the third row
.. Are arranged in a row. For example, 1
Optical signal incident on the position of the rightmost diffraction grating 27 _{1 in} the row
Are the diffraction gratings 27 ₁ , 27 ₁₁ , 27 ₁₂ ,.
・ Distributed from and output. Similarly, the rightmost end of the second line
The optical signal incident on the position of the diffraction grating 27 _{2 in} the second row is
Distributed from each diffraction grating 27 ₂ , 27 ₂₁ , 27 ₂₂ ,.
Output. In other words, it is possible to distribute and output in the horizontal direction.
Wear.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the light cross-connect in the present invention, and shows the surface light source 11 shown in FIG.
5 shows a cross-connect of light when light is emitted from the light emitting unit (1-1).

Generated from the light emitting portion (1-1) of the surface light source 11
The output light obtained in the optical path changing / distributing section 12 is
The output position is changed, and this output light is
The output position is changed in the horizontal direction in the distribution unit 14 and
Input to the lens array 16. In this case, the light emitting unit (1-
The position that the output light from 1) can take in the vertical direction is shown in FIG.
In 6, (1₁-1₁), (1_Two-1₁), (1_Three
-1₁), Controlled by gate 13.
And cannot take any other position. Also, (1
₁-1₁The possible positions of the output light from
At 6 (1₁-1_Two), (1₁-1_Three), ...
(1_Two-1₁) Can be taken in the horizontal direction
The position is (1) in FIG._Two-1_Two), (1_Two-1_Three),
... and (1 _Three-1₁), Output light from the horizontal direction
The possible positions are (1) in FIG._Three-1_Two), (1_Three
-1_Three), Controlled by gate 15.
And cannot take any other position.

Each of these light output positions is a position corresponding to the light emitting portion (1-1) in the section shown by the broken line in FIG. 6, and light from the light emitting portions other than (1-1) is emitted from these light output portions. It is not output to the position. Similarly, the light from each of the other light emitting units is output to a unique position within the section indicated by the broken line, and the light from the other light emitting units is not confused. Therefore, according to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the optical signal on the two-dimensional plane from the surface light source 11 is transmitted to the surface light receiver 17 without blocking even if any optical path control is performed in the gates 13 and 15. Can be cross-connected or switched.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of another embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and reference numeral 18 denotes a 4: 1 optical star coupler.

In FIG. 7, the light from the light emitting portion 11 ₁ in the surface light source 11 is vertically being distributed diffraction grating 23 1 in the optical path changing and dispensing unit _12, 23 _2, it is outputted from .... When the optical gate element 24 ₁ is controlled to pass light in the optical gate 13, the light that has passed through this portion is laterally distributed by the optical path changing / distributing unit 14 and is diffracted by the diffraction gratings 27 _1, 27 _{11. ,} … Output. When the optical gate device 28 ₁ in the optical gate 15 is controlled to pass light, light passing through this portion is input in the optical star coupler 18 to the star coupler 18 _1.

The star coupler 18 _1, the vertical direction to the optical gate device 28 _1, 28 _2, and collects light from a ... 28 _4, transverse to the optical gate device 28 _1, 28 _11, ..., from 28 ₁₃ and condensing light, and inputs the light receiving unit 17 ₁ in the surface light-receiving device 17. Therefore, the light receiving section 17 ₁ is the light emitting section 11 ₁ of the surface light source 11.
And generates an output signal.

As described above, also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the light gates 13 and 15 are controlled in accordance with the light emitting position of the light emitting section of the surface light source 11 so that any one of the surface light receivers 17 is controlled. Light can be received by the light receiving section. As described above, the optical path can be arbitrarily changed with respect to the input light at an arbitrary position, and an optical signal can be finally guided to a desired output position, and cross-connection of light can be realized.

The above passage of light signals definitive to the embodiments, shielding
Optical gates 13 and 15 for controlling disconnection are already known.
Optical amplifiers of various configurations can be provided. That is,
By controlling the gain of the pump, the equivalent
Over and off can be controlled. In this case, change the optical path
.Distribution output by repeating reflection and partial transmission at the distribution unit
The optical signal is attenuated, but the light
The signal is sent to an optical amplifier that operates as optical gates 13 and 15.
The signal can be amplified and output. Therefore, light path change
・ Large surface crossbar light by increasing the number of distribution stages in the distribution unit
The processing device can be easily configured.

[0030]

As described above, according to the surface type crossbar light processing apparatus of the present invention, the optical signal arranged in a two-dimensional plane is given a unique position to change / distribute the optical path and pass / block. Is controlled to guide the optical signal input to a predetermined optical output position, so that the optical signal input on the two-dimensional plane can be cross-connected or switched in a non-blocking manner and output to a predetermined optical output position. The surface type crossbar optical processing device of the present invention has a simple configuration and is easy to miniaturize, and thus greatly contributes to the realization of the space division multiplexing method for optical signals.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of light emitting units in the surface light source.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a vertical optical path change in an optical path changing / distributing unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a change in an optical path in a horizontal direction in an optical path changing / distributing unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating light cross-connect in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 plane light source 2 vertical optical path changing / distributing section 3 first optical signal passing / blocking section 4 horizontal optical path changing / distributing section 5 second optical signal passing / blocking section 6 condensing section 7 planar light receiver

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-7916 (JP, A) JP-A-3-202815 (JP, A) JP-A-61-77490 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int .Cl. ⁶ , DB name) H04Q 3/52

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A surface type light source comprising a plurality of light emitting portions arranged on a two-dimensional plane , a plurality of mirrors on one surface, and a
Providing a plurality of diffraction gratings corresponding to optical paths on the surface,
Optical signals from each light emitting section of the surface light source are input from between the mirrors.
And partially transmits and outputs through the diffraction grating, and
Part is reflected on the mirror, and the reflection is repeated.
From the diffraction grating corresponding to a plurality of optical paths arranged in the vertical direction.
A vertical optical path changing / distributing section for distributing and outputting the optical recording signal; and a path for output light corresponding to the optical path from the vertical optical path changing / distributing section.
A first optical signal passing / blocking unit for controlling over / blocking , a plurality of half mirrors on one side, and a plurality of optical paths on the other side;
Corresponding diffraction gratings are provided, and the first optical signal
The output light from the over / off section enters through the half mirror.
And partially transmits and outputs through the diffraction grating, and
Part of the light reflected on the half mirror, and the reflection is repeated.
The diffraction grating corresponding to a plurality of optical paths arranged in a horizontal direction
A horizontal optical path changing / distributing section for distributing and outputting the optical signal from the optical path;
A second optical signal transmitting and blocking unit for controlling the over-blocking, and a condensing unit that condenses the output light from the second optical signal transmitting and locking part, light condensed by the condenser unit Has a light receiving part for signal input
Planar crossbar optical processing apparatus characterized by comprising a surface light-receiving device for. 2. An output from the second optical signal passing / blocking unit.
The condensing part that condenses the power light is composed of an optical star coupler.
The surface type crossbar light processing device according to claim 1, wherein 3. The first and second optical signal passing / blocking units.
2. An optical amplifier comprising:
A surface type crossbar light processing apparatus as described in the above.