High-power fiber optical switch for laser ignition system

An optical switch based on direct fiber coupling for high power transfer has been investigated by simulations and experiments. The switch employs MEMS V-grooves for optical fiber fixture, a miniture cam as the actuator and a stepper motor as the drive source, and thus achieves the fiber alignment by the rotary movement of the cam. The switch model was built by using optical simulation software ZEMAX. The effects of mechanical misalignments on fiber to fiber coupling efficiency were then investigated, showing that the effect of lateral misalignment is most significant. The prototype of this switch has been designed and fabricated. Corresponding tests show that the switch has the high power handling capacity and high isolation required in laser ignition systems.