OPTICALLY CONTROLLED OPTICAL PATH SWITCHING TYPE DATA DISTRIBUTION DEVICE AND DISTRIBUTION METHOD

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optically controlled optical path switching type data distribution device and a distribution method for an optical packet communication system.

SOLUTION: An optically controlled optical path switching type data distribution device is provided with: one or more thermal lens forming elements which emit converged signal light in a converged state, emit the signal light while enlarging its aperture angle, or emit the signal light at a normal aperture angle, depending on presence/absence of irradiation with control light of one kind of specified wavelength, by using thermal lenses based upon distribution of refractive indexes which are reversibly generated owing to rise in temperature in an area wherein a light absorbing layer film absorbs the control light with one kind of specified wavelength and its peripheral area; and mirrors which are provided behind the respective thermal lens forming elements respectively, and which have holes and reflection means, through the holes of which signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming elements are made to pass depending on presence/absence of irradiation with the control light of one kind of specified wavelength or where the optical paths are changed by reflection of the reflecting means.

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