Arrayed Optical Switches Based On Dual Mode Liquid-crystal Microlens Arrays Controlled Electrically

The explosive growth of optical communication technology makes all optical networks(AONs) possible. As a basic component of AONs, optical switches(OSs) are a kind of vital devices in driving the utilization of AONs. So far, a variety of technologies have been developed in the design of OSs. Different from the traditional OSs, a new kind of arrayed optical switches(AOSs) based on liquid-crystal microlens arrays(LCMAs) is proposed and fabricated by us. In this dissertation, firstly, the dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystal(LC) materials is analyzed, and then the functions of convergence and divergence of the LCMAs are simulated so as to support the coupling effectiveness improvement of LCMAs and fiber arrays for construction AOSs; next, the fabrication processes of the LCMAs are analyzed carefully, and at last, the optical performance of the LCMAs and the AOSs are measured. The main work and innovations of the dissertation are as follows:1. A new kind of simulation system, which combines the principle of Fourier Optics with three dimensional finite difference is proposed creatively for improving the accuracy of calculate results, and decreasing the complexion of the calculation, and calculating the distributions of the space directors of LC molecules and the point spread function of coupling surface.2. Double-sided electrodes including aluminum electrode and ITO electrode are proposed creatively so as to omit the corrosion process and thus simplify the fabrication. With the thickness of the bottom layer is decreased, the applied voltage signals are also decreased, and then the difficulty of couple efficiency is avoided, because of two layers of electrodes needed in coupling process before;3. The key structure of AOSs which combines the LCMAs with fiber arrays is proposed creatively, and a new type of AOSs is produced based on the convergence and divergence effect of LCMAs. Compared with traditional AOSs, our AOSs' structures demonstrate several advantages in both integration level and low-cost.