全光通信中的光开关技术

Technology of optical switch in all optical communication

光开关是实现全光交换的核心器件,光开关的研究已成为全光通信领域研究的焦点。本文首先对光开关的原理进行归纳,总结光开关的应用范围。对传统机械式光开关、微电子机械式光开关、热光开关进行了进一步地划分,分析了它们的结构形式和性能特点。设计了光开关性能评价指标体系,对常见的4种光开关进行了定性与定量对比,指出不同类型光开关的优点和不足之处。最后依据全光通信网的发展趋势,指出大容量、高速、透明、低损耗是光开关的重点发展方向。

Optical switch is the kernel device of all optical switching.Currently the study on optical switch has become the focus of all optical communication. This paper summarized the principle of optical switch, analyzed the application of optical switch. The traditional mechanical, micro electro-mechanical system （MEMS） and thermo-optic switch were further divided, and their characteristics were pointed out. Then an evaluation system was put forward for optical switch assessment, by comparing the qualitative and quantitative of the four common optical switches,the advatages and inadequacics of different types of optical switches were pointed out. Finally,according to the trend of all optical communication, the large-scale array, high speed, transparent and low loss optical switch is the key development of direction.