Laser sources that generate laser beams are commonly used in many applications, such as testing, measuring, diagnostics, pollution monitoring, leak detection, security, pointer tracking, jamming infrared seeking missile guidance systems, analytical instruments, homeland security and industrial process control.
Often, many systems require multiple laser beams to perform their required functions. Thus, these systems typically require a separate laser source for each of the required laser beams. Unfortunately, providing a separate laser source for each required laser beam can be expensive to manufacture and maintain, and require a significant amount of space. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a compact system that can direct a laser beam from a single laser source in different directions, e.g., toward different optical fiber cables, so that the single laser source can perform the multiple required functions. Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide such a system where the switching of the direction of the beam among the different optical cables can occur at relatively high speed. Further, it would be beneficial to provide such a system that inhibits loss of power during operation.
The present invention is directed toward an optical fiber switch for alternatively redirecting an input beam along a first redirected axis and along a second redirected axis, the input beam being launched along an input axis and directed along a directed axis. In certain embodiments, the optical switch comprises a redirector and a redirector mover. The redirector is positioned in the path of the input beam along the directed axis. The redirector redirects the input beam so that a redirected beam alternatively launches from the redirector (i) along the first redirected axis that is spaced apart from the directed axis when the redirector is positioned at a first position, and (ii) along the second redirected axis that is spaced apart from the directed axis when the redirector is positioned at a second position that is different from the first position. The redirector mover moves the redirector about a movement axis between the first position and the second position. The redirector mover includes a stator component and a rotor component that moves relative to the stator component. The input beam is directed along the directed axis substantially between the stator component and the redirector prior to the input beam being redirected by the redirector.
In some embodiments, at least one of the stator component and the rotor component includes a component aperture. In such embodiments, the input beam can be directed through the component aperture. Additionally, the component aperture can be coaxial with the movement axis. Further, in one embodiment, the movement axis is substantially coaxial with the directed axis, and the redirector is fixedly coupled to the rotor component. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the redirector includes an input reflective surface that is positioned in the path of the input beam along the directed axis and an output reflective surface that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the input reflective surface. In such embodiments, the input reflective surface can be fixedly coupled to the output reflective surface.
In some embodiments, the optical fiber switch further comprises a director having a director reflective surface that directs the input beam from the input axis to the directed axis. In one such embodiment, the optical fiber switch further comprises a window, wherein the input beam passes through the window prior to contacting the director reflective surface, and wherein the director reflective surface is positioned substantially between the stator component and the redirector. Additionally, the director can include a director shaft that extends through the window. Alternatively, in one embodiment, at least one of the stator component and the rotor component can include a component aperture, and the director can include a director shaft that extends through the component aperture. In such embodiment, the director shaft retains the director reflective surface such that the director reflective surface is positioned substantially between the stator component and the redirector. Still alternatively, in one embodiment, the director reflective surface can be secured to the stator component.
In one embodiment, the optical fiber switch further comprises a locking assembly that selectively locks the redirector at the first position and at the second position.
Additionally, the present invention is further directed toward a light source assembly comprising a light source that generates an input beam, and the optical fiber switch as described above that alternatively redirects the input beam along the first redirected axis and the second redirected axis. In one embodiment, the light source assembly further comprises a control system that controls the optical fiber switch to perform individual switching operations within a substantially constant movement time rate regardless of the temperature of the optical fiber switch.
Further, the present invention is also directed toward a method for alternatively redirecting an input beam.
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
Alternatively, the light source assembly 10 can be designed with more or fewer components than are illustrated in
A number of Figures include an orientation system that illustrates an X axis, a Y axis that is orthogonal to the X axis, and a Z axis that is orthogonal to the X and Y axes. It should be noted that these axes can also be referred to as the first, second and third axes.
As an overview, the optical fiber switch 16 is uniquely designed to accurately, selectively, and individually direct the input beam 14 to the various locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D. As a result thereof, a single light source 12 can be used to alternatively provide the input beam 14 to multiple different devices or components. Additionally, the optical fiber switch 16 is uniquely designed to minimize the space requirements for the optical fiber switch 16 and the laser source assembly 10, and to enable higher switching speeds as the input beam 14 is selectively and alternatively directed toward the various locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D. Further, the unique design of the optical fiber switch 16 provides greater flexibility in choosing the redirector mover 20 to quickly and accurately move the redirector 18 so that the input beam 14 is properly directed. Moreover, with the unique optical fiber switch 16 provided herein, the input beam 14 generated by the light source 12 can be selectively directed to the appropriate location 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D with minimal power loss.
There are a number of possible usages for the light source assembly 10 disclosed herein. For example,
With the present invention, the optical fiber switch 16 can be used to direct the beam 14 to the appropriate location 22A, 22B, 22C, 22B to launch the beam 14 from the desired area of the aircraft 28. With this design, the optical fiber switch 16 can be used to control the location 22A, 22B, 22C, 22B on the aircraft 28 from which the beam 14 is launched depending upon the approach direction of the missile 30 so that the beam 14 can effectively track the path of the missile 30.
It should be noted that the light source assembly 10 can be powered by a generator, e.g. the generator for the aircraft 28, a battery, or another power source.
Referring back to
In one embodiment, the light source 12 can include one or more lasers (not shown) that each generate a beam. In the embodiment with multiple lasers, the individual beams are combined to create the input beam 14. Further, in the design with multiple lasers, each laser can be individually tuned so that a specific wavelength of each beam is the same or so that the specific wavelength of one or more of the beams is different from that of each of the other beams. With this design, the number and design of the lasers can be varied to achieve the desired characteristics of the input beam 14 to suit the application for the light source assembly 10. Thus, the light source 12 can be used to generate a narrow linewidth, accurately settable input beam 14.
In one non-exclusive embodiment, the light source 12 includes one or more mid-infrared (“MIR”) lasers (not shown) that each generates a beam having a center wavelength in the MIR range, and one or more non-MIR lasers (not shown) that each generates a beam having a center wavelength that is outside the MIR range, e.g., greater than or less than the MIR range. One example of a suitable MIR laser is a Quantum Cascade laser, and one example of a suitable non-MIR laser is a diode-pumped Thulium-doped fiber laser.
As provided above, the optical fiber switch 16 selectively and alternatively directs the input beam 14 to each of the locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D. In one embodiment, the optical fiber switch 16 includes a switch housing 32, the redirector 18, the redirector mover 20, and a plurality of output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42. In one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the optical fiber switch 16 further includes an input fiber 734 (illustrated in
The switch housing 32 retains the components of the optical fiber switch 16, including the redirector 18, the redirector mover 20, and a portion of the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42. The design of the switch housing 32 can be varied to achieve the design requirements of the optical fiber switch 16.
In certain embodiments, the light source 12 generates the input beam 14 such that the input beam 14 is initially directed along an input axis 34A. In one embodiment, as illustrated in
Moreover, for example, as shown in
The redirector 18 is positioned along the directed axis 344A in the path of the input beam 14 and can be used to alternatively and selectively direct and steer a redirected beam 46 (illustrated with a dashed arrow in the first output fiber 36) to each of the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42. The redirector 18 will be described in more detail below.
The redirector mover 20 selectively moves the redirector 18 so that the input beam 14 can be selectively and alternatively directed to each of the locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D. The design of the redirector mover 20 can be varied to suit the specific requirements of the light source assembly 10 and/or the optical fiber switch 16. In one, non-exclusive embodiment, the redirector mover 20 is a stepper motor that can precisely move the redirector 18 so that the input beam 14 is precisely directed toward each of the locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D. Alternatively, the redirector mover 20 can have a different design.
Additionally, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in
The output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 each alternatively receive the redirected beam 46 and can be used to direct the redirected beam 46 from the optical fiber switch 16 to the respective locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D. The number and design of the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 can be varied to achieve the design requirements of the light source assembly 10. In the embodiment illustrated in
In this embodiment, the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 can be labeled as a first output fiber 36, a second output fiber 38, a third output fiber 40, and a fourth output fiber 42. Further, each of the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 includes a fiber inlet, e.g., the first output fiber 36 includes a first fiber inlet 36B (illustrated, for example, in
Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in
The control system 24 controls the operation of the other components of the light source assembly 10. For example, the control system 24 can include one or more processors and circuits. In certain embodiments, the control system 24 can control the electron injection current to the light source 12, and the control system 24 can control the optical fiber switch 16 to control the position of the redirector 18 and, thus, to control which output fiber 36, 38, 40, 42 is receiving the redirected beam 46.
Additionally, in one embodiment, the control system 24 can include circuitry that enables the optical fiber switch 16 to perform individual switching operations within a desired movement time regardless of the temperature and/or environment in which the light source assembly 10 and/or the optical fiber switch 16 is operating. Ambient and/or operating temperature and/or other environmental differences can tend to cause the optical fiber switch 16 to operate, i.e. perform switching operations, at different speeds and/or within different time frames. Accordingly, the control system 24 can actively monitor the temperature, the pressure, and/or the speed/time (e.g., rotation rate) of switching operations, and the control system 24 can use that information to change the current supplied to the redirector mover 20 in order to effectively adjust the torque required to maintain a substantially constant movement time for switching operations between different locations of the redirector 18.
Additionally, the control system 24 can utilize one or more sensors 47 that can be positioned at or near one or more of the locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D. In one embodiment, the sensors 47 can be used as part of a calibration system or operation, where the system is tested to ensure that the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 are connected to the correct switch ports on the optical fiber switch 16. More particularly, the system can be tested to ensure that (i) when the input beam 14 is redirected by the redirector 18 toward a first switch port 49A, the redirected beam 46 travels through the first output fiber 36 and is properly directed toward and/or arrives at the first location 22A; (ii) when the input beam 14 is redirected by the redirector 18 toward a second switch port 49B, the redirected beam 46 travels through the second output fiber 38 and is properly directed toward and/or arrives at the second location 22B; (iii) when the input beam 14 is redirected by the redirector 18 toward a third switch port 49C, the redirected beam 46 travels through the third output fiber 40 and is properly directed toward and/or arrives at the third location 22C; and (iv) when the input beam 14 is redirected by the redirector 18 toward a fourth switch port 49D, the redirected beam 46 travels through the fourth output fiber 42 and is properly directed toward and/or arrives at the fourth location 22D.
To the extent that the redirected beam 46 does not travel through the proper output fiber 36, 38, 40, 42 and does not arrive at the proper location 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, adjustments can be made to ensure that the switch ports 49A, 49B, 49C, 49D, the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 and the respective locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are appropriately linked. In one embodiment, the sensors 47 can provide feedback to the control system 24 as to at what location the redirected beam 46 arrived. In certain embodiments, if the redirected beam arrived at the improper location 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, (i) the attachment of the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42 can be changed to ensure that the redirected beam 46 arrives at the proper location 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D; or (ii) the control system 24 can be calibrated to ensure that the redirected beam 24 is sent through the proper switch port 49A, 49B, 49C, 49D and/or the proper output fiber 36, 38, 40, 42, in order to arrive at the desired location 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D.
Moreover, in one embodiment, the control system 24 can further utilize an interlock system (not illustrated), e.g., a positive electrical and/or mechanical interlock system, which ensures that power is only directed to the light source 12 when the optical fiber switch 16 is accurately aligned (as determined by the measurement system 382 illustrated in
The mounting base 26 provides a rigid platform that supports one or more of the components of the light source assembly 10 and maintains the relative position of the components of the light source assembly 10. In one non-exclusive embodiment, the mounting base 26 includes a plurality of embedded base passageways (not shown) that allow for the circulation of hot and/or cold circulation fluid through the mounting base 26 to maintain the temperature of the mounting base 26 and the components mounted thereon.
As shown, the light source 12 is mounted on the mounting base 26.
Moreover,
In this embodiment, the optical fiber switch 16 is designed so that the redirected axes 354, 356, 358 are equally spaced apart (e.g., ninety degrees apart). Moreover, in this embodiment, the redirected axes 354, 356, 358 are parallel to the directed axis 344A, and are each offset an equal distance away from the directed axis 344A. In particular, in
Further, as shown in
Moreover, (i) the first output axis 36A is coaxial with the first redirected axis 354 so that when the redirected beam 46 is directed by the redirector 18 along the first redirected axis 354 as shown in
Additionally, the optical fiber switch 16 can include (i) a first coupling lens 360 that is positioned on the first redirected axis 354 between the redirector 18 and the first fiber inlet 36B when the redirector 18 is in the first position 348, the first coupling lens 360 focusing the redirected beam 46 at the first fiber inlet 36B when the redirector 18 is in the first position 348; (ii) a second coupling lens 362 that is positioned on the second redirected axis 356 between the redirector 18 and the second fiber inlet 38B when the redirector 18 is in the second position 350, the second coupling lens 362 focusing the redirected beam 46 at the second fiber inlet 38B when the redirector 18 is in the second position 350; (iii) a third coupling lens 364 that is positioned on the third redirected axis 358 between the redirector 18 and the third fiber inlet 40B when the redirector 18 is in the third position 352, the third coupling lens 364 focusing the redirected beam 46 at the third fiber inlet 40B when the redirector 18 is in the third position 352; and (ii) a fourth coupling lens (not shown) that is positioned on the fourth redirected axis between the redirector 18 and the fourth fiber inlet when the redirector 18 is in the fourth position, the fourth coupling lens focusing the redirected beam 46 at the fourth fiber inlet when the redirector 18 is in the fourth position.
In one embodiment, each coupling lens 360, 362, 364 is a lens (either spherical or aspherical) having an optical axis that is aligned with the respective redirected axis 354, 356, 358. In one embodiment, to achieve the desired small size and portability, each coupling lens 360, 362, 364 has a relatively small diameter. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, each coupling lens 360, 362, 364 has a diameter of less than approximately 10 or 15 millimeters, and a focal length of approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 mm and any fractional values thereof. The materials used for the coupling lens 360, 362, 364 are selected to be effective for the wavelength(s) of the redirected beam 46. The coupling lens 360, 362, 364 can be designed to have a numerical aperture (NA) which matches that of the respective output fiber 36, 38, 40, 42. In one embodiment, each coupling lens 360, 362, 364 is secured to the switch housing 32.
In certain embodiments, each fiber inlet 36B, 38B, 40B includes a facet that is coated with an AR (anti-reflection) material. The AR coating allows the redirected beam 46 to easily enter the respective facet and facilitates the entry of the redirected beam 46 into the respective output fiber 36, 38, 40, 42. This improves the efficiency of the coupling between the respective coupling lens 360, 362, 364 and its corresponding output fiber 36, 38, 40, and reduces the amount of heat that is generated at the respective fiber facet. Further, the AR coating ensures that the majority of the power generated by the light source 12 is transferred to the respective output fiber 36, 38, 40, 42, which improves the overall efficiency of the optical fiber switch 16.
In one embodiment, the AR coating has a relatively low reflectivity at the wavelength(s) of the redirected beam 46. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the AR coating can have a reflectivity of less than approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 percent for the wavelength(s) of the redirected beam 46.
The materials utilized and the recipe for each of the coatings can be varied according to the wavelengths of the redirected beam 46. Suitable materials for the coatings include silicone, germanium, metal-oxides, and/or metal flourides. Further, the recipe for each of the coatings can be developed using the commercially available coating design program sold under the name “The Essential Macleod”, by Thin Film Center Inc., located in Tucson, Ariz.
The redirector mover 20 precisely moves the redirector 18 about a movement axis 366 so that the redirector 18 is alternatively positioned in the first position 348, the second position 350, the third position 352, and the fourth position, so that the redirector 18 can redirect the input beam 14 alternatively along the first redirected axis 354, the second redirected axis 356, the third redirected axis 358, and the fourth redirected axis, respectively. The design of the redirector mover 20 can be varied to suit the specific design requirements of the light source assembly 10 (illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, the first mover component 320A can include one or more coils (not illustrated) and the second mover component 320B can include one or more magnets (not illustrated) that interact with one another to move the redirector 18. More particularly, during use of the redirector mover 20, the control system 24 (illustrated in
It should be noted that the specific labeling of the first mover component and the second mover component is merely for convenience of description, and either mover component can be described as the first mover component and/or the second mover component.
Further, in this embodiment, the redirector 18 is fixedly coupled to and/or is integrally formed with the second mover component 320B, i.e. with the moving component. With this design, movement, e.g., rotation, of the second mover component 320B relative to the first mover component 320A results in the corresponding movement, e.g., rotation, of the redirector 18 about the movement axis 366. Thus, the redirector 18 can effectively function as a periscope-type redirector. In certain embodiments, such as illustrated in
Additionally, in one embodiment, the weight of the redirector 18 can be distributed such that the redirector 18 is balanced about the movement axis 366. With this design, when the optical fiber switch 16 is subjected to outside forces, e.g., vibrations, the balanced weighting of the redirector 18 will inhibit the outside forces from generating a rotational force on the redirector 18 and/or the redirector mover 20. Stated another way, with this design, outside forces, such as vibrations, will produce substantially zero net rotational force on the redirector 18 and/or the redirector mover 20.
As shown in the embodiment illustrated in
Moreover, the component aperture 368 can be coaxial with the directed axis 344A and/or the movement axis 366. With this design, the input beam 14 can be directed along the input axis 34A, into and/or through the component aperture 368, and subsequently directed along the directed axis 344A prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 18. Moreover, as illustrated, the input beam 14 is directed along the directed axis 344A substantially between the first mover component 320A, i.e. the fixed component, and the redirector 18 prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 18. Stated another way, the input beam 14 is directed along the directed axis 344A on an input side of the redirector 18 prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 18.
Additionally, in one embodiment, the optical fiber switch 16 can further include a locking assembly 369 (illustrated in
Moreover, the design of the redirector 18 and the redirector mover 20 enables the optical fiber switch 16 to be more compact because the length of the redirector 18, i.e. the length of the periscope, will depend largely on the size and number of output locations 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D (illustrated in
The design of the redirector 18 can be varied pursuant to the teachings provided herein. In one embodiment, the redirector 18 includes an input reflective surface 370 that is positioned along the directed axis 344A in the path of the input beam 14, and an output reflective surface 372 that is substantially parallel to (in parallel planes) and spaced apart from the input reflective surface 370 along a redirector longitudinal axis 374 (illustrated in
For example, in one embodiment, the redirector 18 can be a monolithic, rectangular shaped prism, with the parallel reflective surfaces 370, 372 (e.g., mirrors) defining the opposed ends of the prism. Further, in this embodiment, in addition to the reflective surfaces 370, 372 that define the opposed ends, the prism includes four sides 378 that extend between the reflective surfaces 370, 372. Alternatively, for example, the redirector 18 can be made from two parallel, spaced apart reflective surfaces 370, 372 that are fixedly secured together.
In certain non-exclusive, alternative embodiments, the redirector 18 can be made of germanium, zinc selenide, silicone, calcium fluoride, barium fluoride or chalcogenide glass. The working surfaces can be coated or uncoated (relying on internal total reflection).
As provided above, in this embodiment, the input beam 14 impinges on the input reflective surface 370 at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees, and the redirected beam 46 exits from the output reflective surface 372 at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees.
Further, as provided above, in certain embodiments, the redirector 18 is rotated about the movement axis 366 that is coaxial with the directed axis 344A (where the input beam 14 impinges the input reflective surface 370) during movement of the redirector 18 between the positions 348, 350, 352. With this design, the input beam 14 impinges at the same location on the input reflective surface 370 irrespective of the position 348, 350, 352 of the redirector 18. In this embodiment, the directed axis 344A is parallel to the Y axis. It should be noted that with this design of the redirector 18, any minor spatial/angular displacement of the redirector 18 (e.g., about the Z axis or about the X axis) shifts the beam 14 in space while preserving the propagation direction. Moreover, small shifts in space while preserving the propagation direction are allowable without losses of power. This allows for looser tolerances in the manufacture of the optical fiber switch 16 and a less expensive to make optical fiber switch 16.
Additionally, as illustrated in
The redirector guide 380 guides the movement of the redirector 18 relative to the input beam 14 and the output fibers 36, 38, 40, 42. As one non-exclusive embodiment, the redirector guide 380 includes one or more bearings that allow the redirector 18 to be rotated about the movement axis 366, while inhibiting all other movement of the redirector 18. For example, as illustrated in
In
The measurement system 382 monitors the rotational position of the redirector 18 and provides feedback to the redirector mover 20 so that the redirector mover 20 can accurately position the redirector 18. In one, non-exclusive embodiment, the measurement system 382 is a rotary encoder. Additionally, in one embodiment, the optical fiber switch 16 can further utilize an electronic or optical index position that further enhances the ability to provide precise positional calibration for the redirector mover 20 and the redirector 18.
Additionally,
As noted above, the locking assembly 369 selectively locks the redirector mover 20 and/or the redirector 18 (illustrated in
As illustrated, the second mover component 320B, i.e. the rotor component, can include the plurality of grooves 369A that are spaced apart around the circumference of the second mover component 320B. More particularly, the plurality of grooves 369A are positioned around the circumference of the second mover component 320B such that one of the grooves 369A is substantially aligned with the locking arm 369B for each of the positions of the redirector 18. Stated another way, when the redirector mover 20 selectively and alternatively positions the redirector 18 in the first position 348, the second position 350, the third position 352, and the fourth position, in each position 348, 350, 352, the grooves 369A are positioned such that the locking arm 369B can be moved so that a portion of the locking arm 369B is positioned within one of the grooves 369A.
During use, the locking arm 369B is selectively movable by an arm mover 369F (e.g. a solenoid or other type of actuator) between (i) a disengaged position 369D (illustrated as solid lines in
It should be noted that a locking assembly 369, such as illustrated and described herein, can be applicable with any of the embodiments of the optical fiber switch 16 provided in the present application.
Additionally, it should be noted that use of the locking assembly 369, as illustrated and described herein, provides certain benefits to the optical fiber switch 16 and/or to the light source assembly 10 (illustrated in
Further, in the embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, the coupler 484 can be substantially tubular shaped
With the design as illustrated herein, movement, e.g., rotation, of the second mover component 420B relative to the first mover component 420A again results in the corresponding movement, e.g., rotation, of the redirector 418 about the movement axis 366. Moreover, as illustrated, the input beam 14 is again directed along the directed axis 444A substantially between the first mover component 420A, i.e. the fixed component, and the redirector 418 prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 418. Stated another way, the input beam 14 is directed along the directed axis 444A on an input side of the redirector 418 prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 418.
However, in this embodiment, the input axis 434A is substantially perpendicular to the movement axis 366 of the redirector 418. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in
Additionally, to enable the input beam 14 to necessarily contact the director reflective surface 488, the coupler 484 includes one or more coupler windows 490 or openings (only two are illustrated in
Further, in this embodiment, the director reflective surface 488 is secured to or otherwise mounted on a director shaft 492. Stated another way, the director shaft 492 retains the director reflective surface 488. Moreover, in this embodiment, the director shaft 492 extends through a component aperture 468 in the second mover component 420B, which extends substantially the entire length of the second mover component 420B. The director shaft 492 is further fixedly secured to a director support surface 494 that is positioned spaced apart from the second mover component 420B. With this design, the director reflective surface 488 is consistently maintained at the proper angle relative to the input axis 434A so as to properly and accurately direct the input beam 14 along the directed axis 444A prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 418.
As with the previous embodiment, by directing the input beam 14 along the directed axis 444A, which is coaxial with the movement axis 366, and by positioning the redirector mover 420 on the input side of the redirector 418 as illustrated and described herein, various design advantages can be realized. For example, the diameter of the redirector mover 420 is no longer a limitation on the length of the redirector 418, i.e. the length of the periscope, which enables the optical fiber switch 416 to be more compact, reduces the inertia of the redirector 418 during switching operations, enables higher switching speeds to be achieved, and provides increased flexibility in choosing the redirector mover 420.
Further, in the embodiment illustrated in
Similar to the embodiment illustrated in
Additionally, to enable the input beam 14 to necessarily contact the director reflective surface 588, the coupler 584 includes one or more coupler windows 590. With this design, as the input beam 14 is directed along the input axis 534A, the input beam 14 passes through one of the coupler windows 590 prior to contacting the director reflective surface 588. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the second mover component 520B can include one or more component windows (not illustrated), and the input beam 14 can pass through one of the component windows prior to contacting the director reflective surface 588.
Further, the director reflective surface 588 is mounted on a director shaft 592 that extends through one of the coupler windows 590 of the coupler 584. In this embodiment, since the director shaft 592 extends through one of the coupler windows 590, i.e. through a slot in one of the coupler windows 590, the coupler window 590 provides a limitation on the extent of rotation that may be achieved with the coupler 584. Accordingly, a corresponding limitation exists on the extent of rotation of the redirector 518 that is coupled to the redirector mover 520 via the coupler 584. Therefore, the coupler window 590 needs to be sufficiently large about a perimeter of the coupler 584 so as to not too greatly limit the extent of rotation of the redirector 518. Moreover, the director shaft 592 is fixedly secured to a director support surface 594 that is positioned spaced apart from the second mover component 520B. With this design, the director reflective surface 588 is consistently maintained at the proper angle relative to the input axis 534A so as to properly and accurately direct the input beam 14 along the directed axis 544A prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 518.
As with the previous embodiments, by directing the input beam 14 along the directed axis 544A, which is coaxial with the movement axis 366, and by positioning the redirector mover 520 on the input side of the redirector 518 as illustrated and described herein, various design advantages can be realized. For example, the diameter of the redirector mover 520 is no longer a limitation on the length of the redirector 518, i.e. the length of the periscope, which enables the optical fiber switch 516 to be more compact, reduces the inertia of the redirector 518 during switching operations, enables higher switching speeds to be achieved, and provides increased flexibility in choosing the redirector mover 520.
Further, in the embodiment illustrated in
Similar to the embodiments illustrated in
Additionally, to enable the input beam 14 to necessarily contact the director reflective surface 688, the coupler 684 includes one or more coupler windows 690. With this design, as the input beam 14 is directed along the input axis 634A, the input beam 14 passes through one of the coupler windows 690 prior to contacting the director reflective surface 688.
Further, the director reflective surface 688 is mounted on the second mover component 620B, which in this embodiment, as noted above, is in a fixed position. To more effectively maintain the fixed position of the second mover component 620B, and thus the director reflective surface 688, the second mover component 620B is fixedly secured to a director support surface 694. With this design, the director reflective surface 688 is consistently maintained at the proper angle relative to the input axis 634A so as to properly and accurately direct the input beam 14 along the directed axis 644A prior to the input beam 14 being redirected by the redirector 618.
As with the previous embodiments, by directing the input beam 14 along the directed axis 644A, which is coaxial with the movement axis 366, and by positioning the redirector mover 620 on the input side of the redirector 618 as illustrated and described herein, various design advantages can be realized. For example, the diameter of the redirector mover 620 is no longer a limitation on the length of the redirector 618, i.e. the length of the periscope, which enables the optical fiber switch 616 to be more compact, reduces the inertia of the redirector 618 during switching operations, enables higher switching speeds to be achieved, and provides increased flexibility in choosing the redirector mover 620.
However, in this embodiment, the optical fiber switch 716 further includes an input fiber 734. The input fiber 734 is an optical fiber that transfers and directs the input beam 14 from the light source 12 (illustrated in
Additionally, as shown in
Further,
Moreover, as with the previous embodiments, by directing the input beam 14 along the directed axis 744A, which is coaxial with the movement axis 366, and by positioning the redirector mover 720 on the input side of the redirector 718 as illustrated and described herein, various design advantages can be realized. For example, the diameter of the redirector mover 720 is no longer a limitation on the length of the redirector 718, i.e. the length of the periscope, which enables the optical fiber switch 716 to be more compact, reduces the inertia of the redirector 718 during switching operations, enables higher switching speeds to be achieved, and provides increased flexibility in choosing the redirector mover 720.
While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of an optical fiber switch 16 have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/780,575, filed May 14, 2010, which is currently pending. As far as permitted, the contents of application Ser. No. 12/780,575 are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, this application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/390,260, filed Oct. 6, 2010 and entitled “OPTICAL SWITCH”. As far as is permitted, the contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/390,260 are incorporated herein by reference.
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