JPH06332019A - Circuit for connection between switch modules of spatial optical switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an inter-module connecting circuit which can actualize a large-capacity switch of a small size with a small number of elements and connect an optional input to an optional output optical path as to the switch module connecting circuit between the switch modules for the spatial optical switch. CONSTITUTION:A 1st-stage circuit formed of an N(=mXn)-input, N-output switch module 2 which has a two-dimensional input/output surface where (n) layers of (m)-input, (m)-output spatial optical switches 1 are laminated in one direction, a 2nd-stage circuit formed of an N-input, N-output switch module 4 which has a two dimensional input/output surface where (m) layers of (n)-input, (n)-output spatial optical switches 3 are laminated perpendicularly to the direction, and a 3rd-state circuit formed of a switch module 2 are directly connected, in cascade.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connection circuit between switch modules of a spatial optical switch applied to an optical exchange for exchanging optical information from an optical fiber transmission line as it is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a conventional N-input N-output polarization-controlled spatial optical switch that switches the optical path by controlling the polarization of input light.

As shown in the figure, N × N = N ² switch elements SW _{11 to} SW _nn are arranged in a grid pattern in N rows and N columns.
Adjacent switch elements in the same column and the same row are connected to each other to set a path.

In the above, the input fiber I _i (i =
The input light from 1, 2, ..., N) passes through the lens L and is output to the corresponding polarizer P _i (i = 1, 2, ... N). Then, only the light having only the p-polarized component is _transmitted by the polarizer P _i , and each switch element S in the first column is passed.
Input to W _i1 (i = 1, 2, ... N).

Further, each switch element SW in the nth row
The light from _nj (j = 1, 2, ..., N) passes through each lens L, and the corresponding output fibers O _j (j = 1, 2 ,.
.. is output to n).

Each switch element S _ij includes two polarization control elements 82 and 83 formed by using a polarization separator 81 and liquid crystal.
It has the composition which combined. Then, the polarization control of the input light is performed by externally controlling the voltages of the two polarization control elements 82 and 83 provided in each switch element SW _ij , and the optical exchange to a desired output is performed.

The polarization splitter 81 allows the input p-polarized light to pass therethrough, reflects the input s-polarized light, and bends its path. The polarization control element 82 rotates p-polarized light that is input when a voltage is applied from the outside to s-polarized light,
The polarization control element 83 rotates the s-polarized light that is input when a voltage is applied from the outside to p-polarized light.

For example, taking the switch element SW ₁₁ as an example, in order to output the light input to the switch element SW ₁₁ to the switch element SW ₁₂ , p-polarized light is input to the switch element SW ₁₁ . No voltage is applied to the polarization control element 82 of the switch element SW ₁₁ . Then, the input light passes through the polarization splitter 81, and because it is P-polarized light, also passes through the polarization splitter 81 and reaches the switch element SW ₁₂ .

To output the light input to the switch element SW ₁₁ to the switch element SW ₂₁ , the polarization control element 82
A voltage is applied from the outside to make the polarization of the input light s-polarized. The s-polarized light is reflected by the polarization separator 81, and its path is bent downward. Further, the polarization control element 8
A voltage is externally applied to 3 to return the s-polarized light to the p-polarized light. The p-polarized light is input to the switch element SW ₂₁ .

As described above, by applying a voltage to the polarization control elements 82 and 83 of the switch element SW ₁₁ , the light input to the switch element SW ₂₁ goes straight downward and reaches the output O ₁ . That is, by controlling the switch element SW ₁₁ , a path connecting the input I ₁ and the output O ₁ is set. Therefore, by controlling the polarization control element of each switch element from the outside and controlling the polarization of the input light, the desired input can be switched to the output.

[0011]

By the way, the above-mentioned FIG.
In the conventional polarization control type spatial optical switch shown in (1), N ² switch elements are required for exchanging the optical path of N input and N output. Further, since the switch elements SW _ij are arranged in a grid pattern, it is necessary to control two polarization control elements per switch element in setting the connection path. Therefore, when the number of input / output channels N increases, the amount of hardware and the size of the switch become very large, which is a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its problem is that a large-capacity switch can be realized with a small number of elements and a small size, and an arbitrary optical path for input and output can be connected. An object of the present invention is to provide a connection circuit between switch modules of a spatial light switch that can be realized.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, as shown in the principle explanatory diagram (1) of the present invention of FIG. 1, first, the circuit of the first stage is m input m output. The spatial optical switch 1 is formed by an N (= m × n) input N output switch module 2 having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which n layers are laminated in one direction.

The second-stage circuit has an N-input N-output having an n-input n-output spatial optical switch 3 having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which m layers are laminated in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. It is formed by the switch module 4.

The first-stage circuit and the second-stage circuit are directly connected in cascade. According to the second aspect of the present invention, as shown in the principle explanatory diagram (part 2) of the present invention in FIG. 2, first, in the first stage circuit, the spatial optical switch 1 with m inputs and m outputs is unidirectional. The switch module 2 has N (= m × n) inputs and N outputs and has a two-dimensional input / output surface stacked in n layers.

The second stage circuit has an N-input N-output N-input N-output spatial optical switch 3 having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which n layers are laminated in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. It is formed by the switch module 4.

A liquid crystal hologram 6 for diffracting and outputting the input light beam is disposed at the output position of the switch module 2, and an input light beam is diffracted and output at the input position of the switch module 4. A liquid crystal hologram 7 is provided.

Further, in the optical path between the switch module 2 and the switch module 4, there is provided a reflection plate 8 for reflecting the light beam output from the liquid crystal hologram 6 and inputting it to the liquid crystal hologram 7. Then, the first-stage circuit and the second-stage circuit are arranged in parallel and connected via the reflector 8.

In the third aspect of the invention, as shown in the principle explanatory diagram (part 3) of the present invention in FIG.
The circuit in the second stage has a two-dimensional input / output surface in which the spatial light switch 1 with m inputs and m outputs is laminated in one direction in n layers (N (=
m × n) input N output switch module 2.

The second stage circuit has an N input N output having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which the spatial light switch 3 with n inputs and n outputs is laminated in m layers in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. It is formed by the switch module 4.

A liquid crystal hologram 6 for diffracting and outputting the input light beam is disposed at the output position of the switch module 2, and an input light beam is diffracted and output at the input position of the switch module 4. A liquid crystal hologram 7 is provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, as shown in the principle explanatory diagram (part 4) of the present invention of FIG. 4, first, in the circuit of the first stage, the spatial optical switch 1 with m inputs and m outputs is N (= m) having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which n layers are stacked in the direction
Xn) formed by a switch module 2 having N inputs and N outputs.

The second-stage circuit is an N-input N-output switch having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which the n-input n-output spatial optical switch 3 is laminated in m layers in the direction orthogonal to the above direction. Formed in module 4.

Further, there is provided a reflection plate 9 for reflecting the light beam output from the switch module 2 in the orthogonal direction and inputting it to the switch module 4.

[0025]

According to the present invention, for example, a spatial light switch having a structure as shown in FIG. 14 is used to form a switch module having a two-dimensional input / output surface, and the switch modules are connected in a plurality of stages. The optical paths of arbitrary N inputs and N outputs are exchanged.

FIG. 5 is a logical configuration diagram of inter-module connection of the principle configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In the invention described in claims 1 to 3, the connection between the switch module 2 and the switch module 4 is logically as shown in FIG.

That is, for example, j (j = 1, 2, 3, ... M) from the rear of the spatial optical switch 1 of the i (i = 1, 2, 3 ... N) layer from the top of the switch module 2, for example. The) th output * j is connected to the i-th input #i from the top of the spatial optical switch 3 on the j-th layer from the rear of the switch module 4.

In the first aspect of the invention, the first-stage circuit and the second-stage circuit are directly connected in cascade so that the output highway of the switch module 2 becomes the input highway of the switch module 4. Is connected.

As a result, one point of the arbitrary space optical switch 1 in the switch module 2 and the switch module 4
By controlling only one point of the arbitrary spatial light switch 3 in the inside, it is possible to exchange the optical path of an arbitrary N (= m × n) input N output.

In this case, the number of elements is N (= m × n) × (m
+ N), and the size of the switch is m + n, and a small switch can be configured. In the invention according to claim 2, the output beam from the spatial light switch 1 in the switch module 2 is once input to the liquid crystal hologram 6, diffracted, and output to the reflector 8. The beam reflected by the reflector 8 is input to the liquid crystal hologram 7 and diffracted again, and then the switch module 4
Is input to the space optical switch 3.

As described above, since the switch module 2 and the switch module 4 are arranged in parallel and connected via the reflector 8, the total number of elements is reduced and the switch length is further shortened. Therefore, a smaller switch can be configured.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the output beam from the spatial light switch 1 in the switch module 2 is input to the liquid crystal hologram 6, diffracted and output to the liquid crystal hologram 7. The light beam input to the liquid crystal hologram 7 is diffracted again and then input to the spatial light switch 3 in the switch module 4.

The switch modules 2 and 4 are connected in free space by liquid crystal holograms 6 and 7. This is effective when the output highway of the first-stage circuit and the input highway of the second-stage circuit cannot be connected in cascade connection, and the total number of elements is reduced, and a small switch can be configured.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, the output beam from the spatial light switch 1 in the switch module 2 is reflected by the reflector 9 in a direction orthogonal to the beam and is input to the spatial light switch 3 in the switch module 4. It

Each switch module 2 and 4 is provided with a reflector 9
Connected via. This is effective when it is not possible to connect the output highway and the input highway in each circuit in a cascade connection, and the total number of elements is reduced, and a small switch can be configured. In this case, it is not necessary to dispose a liquid crystal hologram.

[0036]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the present invention, for example, a switch module having a two-dimensional input / output surface is constructed by using a spatial light switch having a configuration as shown in FIG. 14 described later, and the switch modules are connected in plural stages. Thus, the optical path of arbitrary N input and N output is exchanged.

The above spatial light switch has one element which must be controlled when setting a certain connection path.
The characteristic is that the loss is equal regardless of which connection path is used. By using such a spatial light switch, it is possible to exchange a large capacity N input N output optical path with a switch of a small size.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a spatial light switch applied to the present invention. The figure shows a 4-input 4-output PI-LOSS (Path-Independent Inserter).
n Loss) shows a polarization controlled spatial light switch with a network configuration.

In general, the PI-LOSS network structure can have N-channel structure by arranging switch elements in N rows and N columns, and is constructed by connecting elements in adjacent rows and columns in a cross connection. The N-channel switch is configured by connecting N stages of liquid crystal switch stages ST, which has the same number of liquid crystal elements as channels, and N-1 stages of routing stages RT, in cascade.

The routing stage RT realizes the cascade connection of the adjacent rows and the adjacent columns. Therefore, if the polarization of the beam is p-polarization, the optical path of the beam goes straight, and if the polarization of the beam is s-polarization, the beam is moved upward or downward by one liquid crystal element. The polarization of the beam is rotated between the two polarization routing elements R _c and R _c to be shifted by the amount and the two polarization routing elements R _c and R _c to p-polarized light and s-polarized light to p-polarized light. , Λ / 2 wave plate R _d .

Each element of the liquid crystal switch stage ST is normally (when not controlled) in a cross state. Then, when connecting the input #i and the output * j, a desired connection path is set by controlling only one element S _ij, which is a control point corresponding to that (i.e., applying a voltage) to be in a bar state. Is possible.

Since the module of FIG. 14 has a 4-channel structure, the liquid crystal switch stages RT are each composed of four elements, and four stages are provided. Also the routing stage RT
Are provided in three stages, and in this example, the polarization routing element R
_A birefringent plate is used for _c .

The first stage liquid crystal switch stage ST is
In order to realize the PI-LOSS network configuration, an element that rotates the polarization of the normal input light (90 degrees) in the direction from the input # 0 to the input # 3 (shown without a horizontal line in the figure) and maintains the polarization of the normal input light ( 0 degree) elements (shown with horizontal lines in the figure) are arranged alternately. Then, the fourth liquid crystal switch stage S
Regarding T, the arrangement of each element is opposite to that of the first liquid crystal switch stage ST with respect to the maintenance and rotation of polarization.
Then, the second and third liquid crystal switch stages ST
Is an element that normally rotates the polarization of the input light.

The element that rotates the polarization of the normal input light is the element that maintains the polarization during control, and the element that maintains the polarization of the normal input light is the element that rotates the polarization during the control. Furthermore, P
In order to realize the I-LOSS network configuration, the λ / 2 wave plate R
_d is not arranged in the optical path directly connecting the input # 0 and the output * 0.

The operation of the above configuration is as follows. All the input light is input as p-polarized light, and the polarization control of the beam is performed by controlling the voltage of each element of the liquid crystal switch stage ST. FIG. 14 shows an example of the connection between the input # 0 and the output * 1 when the element S ₀₁ (shown with a halftone dot) is controlled.

First, the p-polarized input light is input to one element of the first liquid crystal switch stage ST. The polarized light is s-polarized by the element and is input to the routing element R _c in the first stage.
Since the input light is s-polarized light, the optical path is shifted downward by one element, passes through the λ / 2 wave plate R _d , becomes p-polarized light, and is input to the second routing element R _c in the first stage. . Since the input light is p-polarized light, it goes straight and enters one element of the second liquid crystal switch stage ST.

In the second liquid crystal switch stage ST and the routing stage RT, the beam is similarly shifted down by one element,
Input to one element S ₀₁ of the liquid crystal switch stage ST of the third stage.
Since this element is currently under control and is in the bar state, the input light is input to the routing element RT as p-polarized light, and λ /
The light is converted into s-polarized light by the two-wave plate R _d , the optical path is shifted up by one element by the next routing element R _c , and is input to one element of the liquid crystal switch stage ST at the final stage.

The light p-polarized by the element reaches the output * 1 after passing through the final stage routing element R _c . As described above, as shown, by simply controlling the element S ₀₁ ,
It is possible to set a desired connection path. The above shows the case where the input # 0 and the output * 1 are connected, but the desired input and output can be connected by controlling any one element.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a three-stage connection circuit of a switch module to which the inter-module connection of the principle configuration diagram (1) of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is applied.

As shown in the figure, the circuit 11 in the first stage and the circuit 13 in the third stage are the spatial optical switch 1 with m inputs and m outputs.
Is formed by a switch module 2 having N (= m × n) inputs and N outputs having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which n layers are laminated in one direction.

The second-stage circuit 12 is an N-input N-output switch module having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which the n-input and n-output spatial optical switch 3 is laminated in m layers in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. 4 is formed.

The circuit 11 of the first stage and the circuit 12 of the second stage use the output highway of the circuit 11 of the first stage as the input highway of the circuit 12 of the second stage, and the circuit 12 of the second stage. And the circuit 13 of the third stage are directly connected in cascade with the output highway of the circuit 12 of the second stage as the input highway of the circuit 13 of the third stage.

FIG. 7 is a logical configuration diagram of the first embodiment of FIG. In the figure, the connection logic between the first-stage circuit 11 and the second-stage circuit 12 is the same as that shown in FIG.
That is, for example, i (i = 1, 1) from above the switch module 2
For example, the j-th (j = 1,2,3 ... m) th output * j from the rear of the spatial light switch 1 of the (2,3 ... n) th layer is
The spatial optical switch 3 on the jth layer from the rear of the switch module 4 is connected to the i-th input #i from the top.

The logic of connection between the second-stage circuit 12 and the third-stage circuit is opposite to the logic of connection between the first-stage circuit and the second-stage circuit. Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, any spatial optical switch 1 in the switch module 2
, 1 point of the arbitrary spatial optical switch 3 in the switch module 4, and 1 point of the arbitrary spatial optical switch in the switch module 2 by controlling only 3 points in total. = M × n) It is possible to replace the optical path of the input N output.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by directly connecting small-scale switches in three stages as a switch module, the number of switch elements can be reduced even with a large-capacity switch, and the switch size can be small. Can be converted. Then, by using the connection circuit having the above configuration, the exchange of the optical paths of N inputs and N outputs can be realized with a switch of a small size.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a three-stage connection circuit of a switch module to which the intermodule connection of the principle configuration diagram (part 2) of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 is applied.

As shown in the figure, the circuit 11 in the first stage and the circuit 13 in the third stage are spatial optical switches 1 with m inputs and m outputs.
Is formed by a switch module 2 having N (= m × n) inputs and N outputs having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which m layers are laminated in one direction.

The circuit 12 of the second stage is an N-input N-output switch module having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which the n-input and n-output spatial optical switch 3 is laminated in m layers in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. 4 is formed.

Liquid crystal holograms 16 and 18 for diffracting and outputting the input light beam are respectively arranged at the output positions of the first-stage switch module 2 and the second-stage switch module 4. Liquid crystal holograms 17 and 19 for diffracting an input light beam and outputting the diffracted light beam are respectively arranged at the input position of the switch module 4 of the third stage and the input position of the switch module 2 of the third stage.

Further, a reflection plate 21 for reflecting the light beam output from the liquid crystal hologram 16 to be input to the liquid crystal hologram 17, and a reflection plate 22 for reflecting the light beam output from the liquid crystal hologram 18 and input to the liquid crystal hologram 19. Are arranged.

Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, the output beam from the spatial light switch 1 in the first-stage switch module 2 is once input to the liquid crystal hologram 16 and is diffracted to be reflected by the reflection plate 21. Is output to. The beam reflected by the reflection plate 21 is input to the liquid crystal hologram 17 and diffracted again, and then the second-stage switch module 4
Is input to the space optical switch 3.

The output beam from the spatial light switch 3 in the second-stage switch module 4 enters the liquid crystal hologram 18, is diffracted, and is output to the reflector 22. Then, the beam reflected by the reflection plate 22 is input to the liquid crystal hologram 19, diffracted again, and then input to the spatial light switch 1 of the switch module 2 in the third stage.

That is, the first-stage switch modules 2 and 2
The switch module 4 of the second stage, the switch module 4 of the second stage, and the switch module 2 of the third stage are respectively arranged in parallel, and are connected via the reflection plates 21 and 22.

The logical structure of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
The logical configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as with the first embodiment, even with a large capacity switch, it is possible to reduce the number of switch elements and reduce the switch size. In this case, since the switches are arranged in parallel, the switch length can be further shortened. Then, by using the connection circuit having the above configuration, the exchange of the optical paths of N input and N output can be realized with a small switch.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the third embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a three-stage connection circuit of a switch module to which the inter-module connection of the principle configuration diagram (Part 4) of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 is applied. As shown in the figure, each of the first-stage circuit 11 and the third-stage circuit 13 has an N-dimensional input / output surface in which m spatial light switches 1 having m inputs and m outputs are laminated in m layers in one direction. The switch module 2 has (= m × n) inputs and N outputs.

The circuit 12 in the second stage is an N-input N-output switch module having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which the n-input and n-output spatial optical switch 3 is laminated in m layers in the direction orthogonal to the above direction. 4 is formed.

The output surface of the first-stage switch module 2 and the input surface of the third-stage switch module 2 are not interrupted, and their own input surface and output surface are not interrupted. The switch module 4 is arranged. Further, the reflection plate 23 that reflects the light beam output from the first-stage switch module 2 in the orthogonal direction and inputs the light beam to the second-stage switch module 4, and the light output from the second-stage switch module 4. A reflecting plate 24 for reflecting the beam in the orthogonal direction and inputting it to the switch module 2 in the third stage is arranged.

Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, the output beam from the spatial light switch 1 in the first-stage switch module 2 is reflected in the orthogonal direction by the reflecting plate 23 and then is output in the second-stage. The beam input to the spatial light switch 3 in the switch module 4 and output from the spatial light switch 3 in the second-stage switch module 4 is reflected in the orthogonal direction by the reflecting plate 24, and then in the third-stage switch module 2. Input to the spatial light switch 1 of.

The logic of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the position at the time of the input from the first stage to the second stage and the input from the second stage to the third stage is reversed by the reflecting plate.

In this embodiment, as described above, the reflection plates 23, 2
The switch modules of the respective stages are connected via 4. The present embodiment also has the same effect as the first embodiment. In this case, it is not necessary to install the liquid crystal hologram. This embodiment is effective when the output highway and the input highway cannot be connected in cascade in each circuit.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a four-stage connection circuit of a switch module to which the inter-module connection of the principle configuration diagram (3) of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 is applied.

As shown in the same figure, the switch module group 31 on the input side is a two-dimensional input / output in which spatial light switches 1 with m inputs and m outputs as shown in FIG. A switch module 2 having N (= m × n) inputs and N outputs and a spatial optical switch 3 having n inputs and n outputs are laminated in m layers in a direction orthogonal to the above-mentioned two-dimensional input / output surface. Switch module 4 with N input and N output
The switch module 5 having mn input and mn output, which is configured by connecting to and, is formed by stacking n pieces in the vertical or horizontal direction.

The switch module 5 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and any of the two-stage connection circuits between the modules shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 can be used. The switch module group 32 on the output side is formed by stacking n switch modules 5 with mn input and mn output in the same direction as the switch module group 31 on the input side.

Then, the input side switch module group 3
Liquid crystal holograms 36 for diffracting and outputting the input light beam are arranged at all the output positions of 1, and the input light beam is diffracted at all the input positions of the switch module group 32 on the output side. A liquid crystal hologram 37 for outputting is arranged.

Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, the beam output from the switch module 5 on the input side is once input to the liquid crystal hologram 36, diffracted and output to the liquid crystal hologram 37. The beam input to the liquid crystal hologram 37 is diffracted again and then input to the output side switch module 5. The beam travels in the switch module 5 as described above.

FIG. 11 is a logical configuration diagram of the fourth embodiment. In the figure, each switch module group 31, 32
The logic in each switch module 5 therein is similar to the logic shown in FIG. Therefore, the logic of connection between the switch module group 31 and the switch module group 32 will be described.

For example, in the i-th (i = 1,2,3 ... n) switch module 5 from the rear of the switch module group 31, for example, the j-th layer from the rear (j = 1,2,3.
..M) n-input n-output spatial optical switch 3 output, for example, k-th output from above * k (k = 1,2,3 ... n)
Is connected to the i-th input #i from the top of the m-input m-output spatial optical switch 1 in the j-th layer from the top in the k-th switch module 5 from the rear of the switch module group 32.

One point of each of the m input m output space optical switch 1 and the n input n output space optical switch 3 in the switch module group 31 and the arbitrary m input m output space in the switch module group 32. By controlling only a total of four points, one point each of the optical switch 1 and the n-input n-output spatial light switch 3, an arbitrary N ′ (= m × n ² )
The N'output optical path can be exchanged.

Further, according to this embodiment, since small-scale switches are connected in four stages as a module, it is possible to reduce the number of switch elements and the size of the switch even for a large-capacity switch. . Then, by using the connection circuit having the above configuration, the exchange of the optical paths of N ′ (m × n ² ) input and N ′ output can be realized with a switch of a small size.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a five-stage connection circuit of a switch module to which the intermodule connection of the principle configuration diagram (part 3) of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 is applied.

As shown in the figure, the switch module group 31 on the input side is a two-dimensional input module in which the spatial optical switch 1 with m inputs and m outputs as shown in FIG. N (= m × n) input N output switch module 2 having an output surface, and n input n output spatial optical switch 3
Is an mn input mn output switch module 5 configured by connecting an N input N output switch module 4 having a two-dimensional input / output surface stacked in m layers in a direction orthogonal to the above Alternatively, it is formed by stacking n pieces in the left-right direction.

The switch module 5 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and any of the two-stage connection circuits between the modules shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 can be used. Also,
The switch module group 32 on the output side is formed by stacking n switch modules 5 with mn input and mn output in the same direction as the switch module group 32 on the input side.

Further, the input side switch module group 3
A switch module group 33 consisting of n switch modules 4 is arranged between the switch module group 1 and the switch module group 32 on the output side.

At all output positions of the switch module group 31, all input and output positions of the switch module group 33, and all input positions of the switch module group 32,
Liquid crystal holograms 36, 38, 39 and 37 for diffracting the input light beam and outputting the same are respectively provided.

Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, the beam output from the n-input n-output spatial optical switch 3 of the switch module 5 on the input side once enters the liquid crystal hologram 36 and is diffracted. It is output to the liquid crystal hologram 38. The beam input to the liquid crystal hologram 38 is
The light is diffracted and input to the spatial light switch 3 having n inputs and n outputs of the switch module 4.

The output beam from the n-input n-output spatial light switch 3 is input to the liquid crystal hologram 39, diffracted and input to the liquid crystal hologram 37. The light input to the liquid crystal hologram 37 is diffracted and is output to the switch module 5 on the output side.
M input m output spatial light switch 1 is input. The beam travels in the switch module 5 as described above.

FIG. 13 is a logical configuration diagram of the fifth embodiment. In the figure, each switch module group 31, 32
The logic in each switch module 5 therein is similar to the logic shown in FIG. Therefore, the logic of connection between the switch module group 31 and the switch module group 33 and the logic of connection between the switch module group 33 and the switch module group 32 will be described.

For example, in the i-th (i = 1, 2, 3 ... N) switch module 5 from the rear of the switch module group 31, for example, the j-th layer from the rear (j = 1, 2, 3 ...
..M) n input n output switch 3 from above, for example, k
The nth (k = 1,2,3 ... n) output * k is from the upper side of the spatial light switch 3 of the n + nth output of the j + (k−1) mth layer from the rear of the switch module group 33. Connected to i-th input #i.

Further, the i-th output * i from the upper side of the n-input n-output spatial optical switch 3 on the j + (k-1) mth layer from the rear of the switch module group 33 is the i-th output from the rear of the switch module group 32. From the rear of the m-input m-output spatial optical switch on the k-th layer from the top of the switch module 5
Connected to the th input #j.

Each one point of the arbitrary m-input m-output space optical switch 1 and the n-input n-output space optical switch 3 in the switch module group 31 and the arbitrary n-input n-output space optical switch in the switch module group 33. By controlling only one point of the optical switch 3 and one point of each of the arbitrary m input m output space optical switch 1 and the n input n output space optical switch 3 in the switch module group 32, It is possible to exchange the optical path of any N '(= m × n ² ) input N'output.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since small-scale switches are connected in five stages as a module, it is possible to reduce the number of switch elements and reduce the switch size even with a large-capacity switch. .

By using the connection circuit having the above structure, the optical path of N '(= m × n ² ) input and N'output can be exchanged with a switch of a small size. Further, although not particularly shown, in addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, the two-stage connection between the modules directly connected in cascade as shown in FIG. 1 and the module through the reflectors arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. 2 stages connection between modules, 2 stages connection between modules via a liquid crystal hologram as shown in FIG. 3, and 2 stages connection between modules via a reflector as shown in FIG. (K = 2, 3, 4, 5 ...
・) Switch module connection circuit can also be configured.
In this case, a switch with a larger capacity can be realized with a smaller number of elements and a smaller size.

[0093]

According to the invention described in claim 1, m input m
A switch module in which n layers of output spatial optical switches are laminated in one direction is used in the first stage circuit, and a switch module in which n layers of n input and n outputs spatial optical switches are laminated in m layers in the direction orthogonal to the above direction Since they are connected to the eye circuit by directly connecting them in cascade, the total number of elements is reduced and the size can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the circuit of the first stage and the circuit of the second stage are arranged in parallel via the reflection plate and connected. Therefore, in addition to the above, the length of the switch is further increased. Can be shortened.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the first-stage circuit and the second-stage circuit are connected via the liquid crystal hologram, in addition to the above, even in the case where they cannot be connected in cascade, it is optional in free space. Can be connected to.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since a reflection plate for reflecting the output light from the first-stage circuit in the orthogonal direction and inputting it to the second-stage circuit is provided, in addition to the above, No need for liquid crystal holograms for connections in free space.

That is, according to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, a small-scale switch is used as a switch module, and by connecting them, a large-capacity switch can be realized with a small number of elements and a small size. It will be possible. Then, the exchange of the large-capacity N-input N-output optical path can be realized with a small switch.

Furthermore, if a multistage inter-module connection circuit is constructed by arbitrarily combining a plurality of the inventions described in claims 1 to 4, it is possible to realize a switch having a larger capacity with a smaller number of elements and a smaller size. Becomes

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle configuration diagram (1) of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a principle configuration diagram (2) of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a principle configuration diagram (3) of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a principle configuration diagram (No. 4) of the present invention.

5 is a logical configuration diagram of the principle configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a logical configuration diagram of the first embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a logical configuration diagram of the fourth embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a logical configuration diagram of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 12. FIG.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a spatial light switch applied to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional polarization control type spatial optical switch.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 m input m output spatial optical switch 21 switch module in which n 1 is laminated in layers 3 3 n input n output spatial optical switch 4 2 m in layer laminated switch module 5 2 and 4 connected switch modules 6, 7, 16, 17, 18, 19, 36, 37, 38,
39 Liquid crystal hologram 8, 9, 21, 22, 23, 24 Reflector plate 31, 32, 33 Switch module group

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A two-dimensional input / output surface, in which a large-capacity switch is realized by using a free space optical switch, in which spatial optical switches (1) with m inputs and m outputs are laminated in one direction with n layers. A switch module (2) having N (= m × n) inputs and N outputs, and a spatial optical switch (3) having n inputs and n outputs stacked in m layers in a direction orthogonal to the above-described two-dimensional input. A switch module (4) having N inputs and N outputs having an output surface, wherein the switch module (2) and the switch module (4) are directly connected in cascade connection. Connection circuit between switch modules of optical switch. 2. A two-dimensional input / output surface in which n optical input m output spatial optical switches (1) are laminated in one direction in n layers when a large-capacity switch is realized by using a free space optical switch. A switch module (2) having N (= m × n) inputs and N outputs, and a liquid crystal hologram (6) arranged at an output position of the switch module (2) for diffracting and outputting an input light beam, An N-input N-output switch module (4) having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which an n-input n-output spatial optical switch (3) is laminated in m layers in a direction orthogonal to the direction, and the switch module ( Liquid crystal hologram (7) arranged at the input position of 4) for diffracting and outputting the input light beam, and liquid crystal hologram (7) for reflecting the light beam output from the liquid crystal hologram (6) to the liquid crystal hologram (7). A reflection plate (8) for applying a force, wherein the switch module (2) and the switch module (4) are arranged in parallel and connected via the reflection plate (8) Connection circuit between switch modules of optical switch. 3. A two-dimensional input / output surface in which n spatially optical switches (1) each having m inputs and m outputs are laminated in one direction in an n-layer when a large-capacity switch is realized by using a free space optical switch. A switch module (2) having N (= m × n) inputs and N outputs, and a liquid crystal hologram (6) arranged at an output position of the switch module (2) for diffracting and outputting an input light beam, An N (= m × n) input N output switch module (4) in which an n-input n-output spatial optical switch (3) has a two-dimensional input / output surface in which m layers are stacked in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. And a liquid crystal hologram (7) disposed at the input position of the switch module (4) and diffracting and outputting the input light beam, wherein the light beam output from the liquid crystal hologram (6) is Lcd hologra A switch-to-switch-module connection circuit for a spatial optical switch, characterized in that the switch module (2) and the switch module (4) are connected to a switch module (7). 4. A two-dimensional input / output surface in which n layers of spatial optical switches with m inputs and m outputs are laminated in one direction in the case of realizing a large-capacity switch using free space optical switches. A switch module (2) having N (= m × n) inputs and N outputs, and a spatial optical switch (3) having n inputs and n outputs stacked in m layers in a direction orthogonal to the above-described two-dimensional input. N-input N-output switch module (4) having an output surface, and a reflector (9) for reflecting the light beam output from the switch module (2) in a direction orthogonal to and inputting the light beam to the switch module (4). And the switch module (2) and the switch module (4) are connected via the reflection plate (9). . 5. A spatial optical switch (1) having m inputs and m outputs, which has a two-dimensional input / output surface in which n layers are laminated in one direction.
A switch module (2) having (= m × n) inputs and N outputs is arranged in the first stage, and m spatial light switches (3) having n inputs and n outputs are laminated in m layers in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. The N-input N-output switch module (4) having a dimensional input / output surface is arranged in the second stage, the switch module (2) is arranged in the third stage, and the switch modules (2, 4) of the respective stages are arranged. , 2) is connected by the inter-module connection according to claim 1 and the optical path of any N input N output is exchanged, and a switch module connection circuit for a spatial optical switch. 6. An N-type spatial light switch (1) having m inputs and m outputs and having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which n layers are laminated in one direction.
(= M × n) The switch module (2) having N inputs and N outputs is arranged in the first stage, and the spatial optical switch (3) having n inputs and N outputs is laminated in m layers in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. A switch module (4) of N input and N output having a typical input / output surface is arranged in the second stage, the switch module (2) is arranged in the third stage, and the switch module (2) of the first stage is arranged. ) And the output position of the switch module (4) of the second stage, liquid crystal holograms (16, 18) for diffracting and outputting the input light beam are respectively arranged, and the switch module of the second stage A liquid crystal hologram (17, 1) that diffracts the input light beam and outputs it to the input position of (4) and the input position of the switch module (2) of the third stage.
9) are respectively arranged, and further, the light is output from the liquid crystal hologram (18) and a reflector (21) that reflects the light beam output from the liquid crystal hologram (16) and inputs the light beam to the liquid crystal hologram (17). A reflection plate (22) for reflecting a light beam and inputting it to the liquid crystal hologram (19) is arranged, and the switch modules (2, 4, 2) at each stage are connected by the inter-module connection according to claim 2. , A switch inter-switch module connection circuit of a spatial optical switch, characterized in that optical paths of arbitrary N inputs and N outputs are exchanged. 7. An N-type spatial light switch (1) having m inputs and m outputs, which has a two-dimensional input / output surface in which n layers are laminated in one direction.
(= M × n) The switch modules (2, 2) of the first and third stages of input N output and the spatial optical switch (3) of n input n output are m in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. It has a two-dimensionally stacked input / output surface and does not block the output surface of the first-stage switch module (2) and the input surface of the third-stage switch module (2) and N-input N-output second-stage switch module (4), which is arranged without blocking its input surface and output surface, and light output from the first-stage switch module (2) A reflection plate (2) for reflecting the beam in a direction orthogonal to and inputting the beam to the switch module (4) of the second stage.
3) and a reflection plate (24) for reflecting the light beam output from the second-stage switch module (4) in the orthogonal direction and inputting the light beam to the third-stage switch module (2).
A space characterized in that the switch modules (2, 4, 2) at the respective stages are connected by the inter-module connection according to claim 4, and the optical paths of arbitrary N inputs and N outputs are exchanged. Connection circuit between switch modules of optical switch. 8. An N-type spatial light switch (1) having m inputs and m outputs and having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which n layers are laminated in one direction.
(= M × n) Input N output switch module (2) and n input n output spatial optical switch (3) have a two-dimensional input / output surface in which m layers are stacked in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. An input side switch module group (31) formed by stacking n switch modules (5) each of which is formed by connecting to an N input N output switch module (4), and all of the switch module groups (31) A liquid crystal hologram (36) arranged at the output position of the above for diffracting and outputting the input light beam and the switch module (5) are formed by stacking n switch modules in the same direction as the switch module group (31). A switch module group (32) on the output side and a liquid crystal hologram (37) arranged at all input positions of the switch module group (32) to diffract and output the input light beam. When, and wherein the input side and the output side of the switch module group (31,3
2) is connected by the module connection according to claim 3,
An inter-switch-module connection circuit for a spatial optical switch, characterized in that an optical path of an arbitrary N '(= m × n ² ) input N'output is exchanged. 9. An N having a two-dimensional input / output surface in which a spatial light switch (1) having m inputs and m outputs is laminated in n layers in one direction.
(= M × n) Input N output switch module (2) and n input n output spatial optical switch (3) have a two-dimensional input / output surface in which m layers are stacked in a direction orthogonal to the above direction. An input side switch module group (31) formed by stacking n switch modules (5) each of which is formed by connecting to an N input N output switch module (4), and all of the switch module groups (31) A liquid crystal hologram (36) arranged at the output position of the above for diffracting and outputting the input light beam and the switch module (5) are formed by stacking n switch modules in the same direction as the switch module group (31). A switch module group (32) on the output side and a liquid crystal hologram (37) arranged at all input positions of the switch module group (32) to diffract and output the input light beam. A switch module group (33) composed of the n switch modules (4) arranged between the switch module group (31) and the switch module group (32); and the switch module group (32 ) Are arranged at all the input positions of d) to diffract and output the input light beam, and liquid crystal holograms (38) arranged at all the output positions of the switch module group (33) to diffract the input light beam. And a liquid crystal hologram (39) for outputting as a switch module group (31, 32, 33).
Was connected by connection between module according to claim 3, wherein, any N '(m × n ²⁾ Input N' switch module between connection circuits of the spatial optical switch, characterized in that the exchange of the optical path of the output. 10. A k-stage (k-stage) by arbitrarily combining a plurality of inter-module connections according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
= 2,3,4,5, ...), and a switch module connection circuit for a space optical switch, characterized in that the optical paths of arbitrary N inputs and N outputs are exchanged.