Cross-connect switch using 1D arrays of beam steering elements

摘要

An optical cross-connect including two deflector arrays optically separated by an angle-to-offset (ATO) element, wherein each deflector array includes a plurality of deflectors aligned in an array direction, each deflector array having a switching direction substantially perpendicular to the corresponding array direction, the array direction of the two deflector arrays being substantially perpendicular. Beam shaping optics convert light transmitted towards the first deflector array to have an elliptical cross-section at the first deflector array, thus providing a relatively simple and compact optical cross-connect.

主权项

1. An optical cross-connect comprising:
an input port array and an output port array, the input port array including a first input port for launching a beam of light; a first deflector array optically disposed between the input port array and the output port array, the first deflector array including a first plurality of individually controllable deflectors aligned in a first array direction, each deflector in the first plurality of individually controllable deflectors having a switching direction substantially perpendicular to the first array direction; a second deflector array optically disposed between the first deflector array and the output port array, the second deflector array including a second plurality of individually controllable deflectors aligned in a second array direction, the second array direction substantially perpendicular to the first array direction, each deflector in the second plurality of individually controllable deflectors having a switching direction substantially perpendicular to the second array direction; first beam shaping optics optically disposed between the input port array and the first deflector array and second beam shaping optics optically disposed between the output port array and the second deflector array, the first beam shaping optics for shaping the beam of light and providing a first elliptical beam spot at the first deflector array, a major axis of the first elliptical beam spot substantially parallel to the switching direction of the first deflector array; and an angle-to-offset element optically disposed between the first and second deflector arrays, the angle-to-offset element having an optical axis and at least one focal length, wherein each of the first and second deflector arrays is disposed substantially at a focal plane of the angle-to-offset element such that the angle-to-offset element directs the beam of light from the first deflector array to the second deflector array and provides a second elliptical beam spot on the second deflector array, the second elliptical beam spot having a major axis substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the first elliptical beam spot.