DE10054370A1 - Optical signal distributor element for optical fibre network has light deflected between light conducting core regions contained in different parallel layers - Google Patents

Abstract

The distributor element has a light conducting core which is divided into at least 2 parallel layers, with deflection devices (10,20) for deflection of light between the core regions (1,2) contained in the different layers. An Independent claim for an optical fibre network with a number of optical signal distributor elements is also included.

Description

The invention relates to an optical distributor element for Optical fiber networks according to the preamble of Claim 1, which is a low-loss crossing of Optical fibers, and one of such Optical network composed of distribution elements.

With an arrangement of at least two optical fibers it is necessary that the light-guiding core areas at least partially overlap both optical fibers. This is especially on optical fibers on planar Substrates, i. H. with integrated optical waveguide Networking, the case. Especially with multi-mode Optical fibers with a correspondingly large The core of the light-guiding core has the disadvantage that in the overlap area, at least on one side, no lateral optical guidance is more available, so part of the Light emerges from the light-guiding core areas. This leads to undesirable losses or crosstalk between the different channels of optical Waveguide network.

To avoid this effect, on the one hand it is possible to use the Arrange fiber optics in such a way that Overlap areas such as B. Intersections as far as possible be avoided. However, this is often not complete possible.

In EP 877 264 A2 there is an arrangement of two crossed Optical fiber described that in the intersection area minimized losses. This will make this effect achieved that in the four at the intersection area adjacent sections of the two light-guiding Core areas of the fiber optic web-shaped areas across  provided for the direction of extension of the optical waveguide are. These web-shaped areas have a refractive index which is smaller than the refractive index of the Crossing area and the two light-guiding core area che. This means that there is light in the intersection of the two leading core areas of the optical waveguide a lateral ensures optical guidance, which is the exit of the in the respective optical fibers guided light or crosstalk from the first to the second optical fiber largely prevented.

However, the solution proposed in EP 877 264 A2 points several disadvantages. With two lights crossed in such a way lenleitern for that in an optical fiber led light each at four optical boundary layers Re loss of flexion and scatter. To reduce the wastage It is necessary to minimize the boundary layers as much as possible to produce high optical quality. This is for the in of EP 877 264 A2 necessarily very much narrow bridges inevitably with a high technological Associated effort. Especially in complex optical networks, For example, optical bus systems in which the multiple crossings of the optical fibers do not necessarily would avoid, the proposed solution would not reasonable costs.

The invention is therefore based on the object optical distribution element for fiber optic networks to provide, which allows optical fibers in to cross optical networks with low losses, the optical distribution element as simple and inexpensive should be realizable. In addition, an optical Waveguide network with the properties mentioned Will be provided.

This object is achieved by an optical Distribution element for fiber optic networks with the  Features of claim 1 and an optical waveguide Network with the features of claim 17 solved. Favor te and advantageous embodiments of the invention are in the Subclaims specified.

The optical distribution element has a plurality of Optical fibers, the light-guiding core areas in at least two different layers, the Layers are preferably arranged parallel to one another. According to the invention, the optical distributor element has Means on the light between those in the different Redirect layers of light-guiding core areas.

If there are two optical fibers inside the optical Can be crossed by the network optical distribution elements according to the invention a low loss intersection can be guaranteed because the light-guiding core areas of the two intersecting Waveguides in different, adjacent layers of the optical waveguide network. Thereby that the fiber optic network in different optical "floors" is built, the light-guiding core areas of the intersecting waveguides no overlap areas.

For the light that is guided in the waveguides only those created by the means for redirecting Losses on.

The light-guiding core region preferably has an in a first layer of a guided first waveguide Deflection device on that in this first waveguide led light, at least partially, across Coupling direction of extension of the first waveguide. In the neighboring optical layers is at least one more Optical fiber arranged, the light-guiding Core area has a further deflection device that  light coupled out from the first optical waveguide at least in part in the respective light-guiding Coupled core area of the further waveguide.

To a possible compact design of the optical To obtain the distribution element, it is advantageous to To minimize the distance between the different optical layers. This can be achieved in that in neighboring optical layers arranged light-guiding layers only by a common cladding layer from each other are separated. This cladding layer should have at least one have such a width that a crosstalk of the optical Prevents signals between the two optical fibers becomes.

In addition, the neighboring light-guiding core areas prevent that coupled into the sheath layer arranged between them Light due to the lack of lateral optical guidance very divergent and only incomplete due to the others Deflection devices coupled into the other waveguides can be.

Should still be a larger distance between the neighboring ones light-guiding core areas of the waveguides may be necessary it is advantageous that the transition section between the deflection devices compared to the other cladding layer has an increased refractive index, so that a lateral optical guidance of the outcoupled light is granted.

The deflection devices of the preferred embodiments of the optical distribution element have reflection areas. However, it is also conceivable in principle that in the Waveguides guided light by means of optical Coupling in and out grid structures.  

The reflection areas of the deflection devices are included preferably flat. There are curved mirror surfaces can also be used. However, flat areas of reflection show the advantage of being easier to manufacture.

Optical waveguide networks with a plurality Distribution devices according to the invention can be especially as multimode waveguide systems simply manufacture in plastic technology. Doing so first layer of flat plastic, for example Hot stamping with the network of those arranged in this position light-guiding core areas including the corresponding Structured reflection surfaces. The reflection surfaces are then depending on the wavelength used in the waveguides led light with a corresponding mirroring Mistake. Then the plastic material with the higher index of refraction squeegee in the embossed trenches. You can then use a prefabricated one in the same way flat counterpart with further optical fibers and Deflection devices contacted with the first optical layer become.

In a preferred embodiment, the optical Distribution element a flat reflection area of the first Deflection device, which is at an angle of in essentially 45 ° to the direction of extension of the first Waveguide over the entire light-guiding core area of the first waveguide. This makes it possible total light guided in the first optical waveguide Decouple the direction of the neighboring optical layers.

However, it is also possible that the flat Reflection area of the first deflection device only over a section of the light-guiding core area of the extends first waveguide. In this way you achieve that a first portion of that guided in the first waveguide Light is coupled out through the reflective surface and one  second portion continues in the first optical fiber.

Both embodiments described above can be combine each with the following preferred configuration. The optical distribution element points in one to the first Optical waveguide adjacent optical layer a second Optical waveguide with deflection device, this Deflection device also a flat reflection area comprises, which is at an angle of substantially 45 ° to Direction of extension of the second waveguide arranged is. The reflection surface is the second light-guiding core area arranged such that the light coupled out from the first waveguide into the second Optical fiber couples.

As in the description of the previous embodiment specified, the following embodiment can also each with the two previous exemplary embodiments combine with respect to the first deflection device. there has the optical distribution element in one to the first Optical waveguide adjacent optical layer a second and a third optical fiber, the corresponding light-guiding core areas each one Include reflective surface that is essentially with a Angle of 45 ° to the respective extension directions of the second and third waveguide is arranged inclined. The two reflection surfaces is arranged such that a first portion of that from the first optical fiber decoupled light in the second optical fiber and a second portion of the outcoupled light in the third Coupled waveguide. In this way, the first optical fiber introduced optical signal in the Split the second optical layer over two optical fibers.

Leave the first, second and third fiber optic cables in the optical layers arranged in parallel arrange any orientation to each other so that the  advantageous embodiments described above with optical fibers in a variety of spatial Arrangements are realizable.

Because the transition from the first to the second optical position the orientation of the second Free choice of optical fiber in the second optical position leaves, it is possible, for example, in a very small space a strong change in direction of the optical fiber make. This has especially with multi-mode Waveguides have the advantage that unlike Changes in direction caused by the curvature of a waveguide be achieved in one level, no additional Radiation losses due to the deficiency due to the curvature optical guidance can arise.

Such a deflection element is therefore also useful of the present optical invention Distributor element detected.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the optical distribution element in one to the first Optical fiber adjacent layer four each perpendicular mutually arranged waveguides, their light-guiding Core areas as deflection devices one by one each include a substantially 45 ° inclined reflection surface. This four deflection devices are arranged such that the through the first deflection device from the first waveguide decoupled light hits the four reflection surfaces, where the respective portions of the incident decoupled Light can be coupled into the four optical fibers.

In a preferred embodiment, the Deflection devices of the four optical fibers arranged that the associated reflection surfaces in Connect the shape of the roof of a pyramid with a positive fit. This embodiment is particularly simple in  Manufacture because of the pyramidal structure of the Reflection surfaces, for example, by the already mentioned Heat stamping process in one stamping step together with the Realize trenches of the four light-guiding core areas leaves.

However, it is also conceivable that the foregoing described four optical fibers not all in one first optical fiber adjacent position but in different layers. It is possible that each waveguide in a separate layer, or two each Waveguides in pairs in a separate layer or else three waveguides are combined in one layer.

In the embodiments described above, the four optical fibers arranged perpendicular to each other. How already mentioned, however, it is easily possible that Any waveguide within the assigned layers to orientate, so that a high degree of design freedom for the design of an optical waveguide network achieved the optical distribution elements according to the invention becomes.

As already shown, the optical distribution element is preferably designed as an integrated optical component. However, the principle of the invention is also in a Hybrid structure made up of separate distribution elements Optical fibers can be implemented.

From the combination of the preferred described above Embodiments can be varied optical Build waveguide networks. In particular networks for Splitting an optical bus between two, four or more Output channels are easy to create.

The invention is described below with reference to the Figures explained in more detail using several exemplary embodiments.

Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section through a first embodiment of the optical distribution element,

Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross section through a second embodiment of the optical distribution element,

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of crossed light. Waveguide in Fig. 2 and / or 3 illustrated optical distribution elements, the first and second light-guiding region are arranged perpendicular to each other,

Figure 4 is a schematic cross section through a third embodiment of the optical distributor element with a 1:. 2 division into two different optical layers,

Figure 5 is a schematic cross section through a fourth embodiment of the optical distributor element with a 1:. 2 Distribution in a optical position,

Figure 6 is a schematic cross section through a fifth embodiment of the optical distributor element with a 1:. 3 divided into two different optical layers,

Fig. 7a is a schematic representation of three optical fiber is arranged with the illustrated in FIG. Optical distribution element 4, the first light-guiding region perpendicular to the second and third light-guiding region,

FIG. 7b is a schematic representation of two optical waveguides with the positioned illustrated in FIG. Optical distribution element 5, wherein the first light-guiding region perpendicular to the second light-guiding region,

Fig. 7c shows a schematic representation of three optical fiber is arranged with the illustrated in FIG. Optical distribution element 6, the first light-guiding region perpendicular to the second and third light-guiding region,

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of five waveguides in a sixth embodiment of the optical distribution element with a 1:. 4 divided into a single optical position,

Figure 9 is a schematic cross-section through a seventh embodiment of the optical distribution element with a 1:. 2 and 1: 4 split into several optical layers,

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of an optical waveguide network having a 1: 2 division of an optical bus using, in Figure 7a illustrated optical distributor element.

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of an optical waveguide network with a 1:.. 4 division of an optical bus using the 7a and 7c shown optical distribution elements in the Figure,

Figure 12 is a schematic representation of an optical waveguide network including a 1:.. 4 division of an optical bus using the optical distribution element shown in Figures 8 and

Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of an optical 4 to 4 distribution network using the in Fig. 1 and Fig. Illustrated optical distribution elements 2.

In Fig. 1 the cross-section through a first embodiment of the optical distribution element of the invention. The multi-layer structure of the distributor element can be seen. A cladding layer 6 is arranged on a substrate cladding layer 6 ', in which the light-guiding core region 1 of the first waveguide is embedded. The light-guiding core region 1 of the first waveguide is closed off by a deflection device 10 , which comprises a flat reflection region which is arranged at an angle of 45 ° to the direction of extent of the first light-guiding core region 1 .

The arrows shown in FIG. 1 are intended to clarify that light which is guided in the first waveguide and hits the deflection device 10 is coupled out into the cladding layer 6 perpendicular to the direction of extension of the first waveguide.

On the cladding layer 6, a further cladding layer 6 closes "on to which the light-guiding core region 2 of the second optical fiber is embedded, wherein the light-guiding core region 2 is arranged parallel to the light-guiding core region. 1, the light-guiding core region 2 is also completed with a deflection device 20, which has a flat reflection area which is arranged at an angle of 45 ° to the direction of extent of the light-guiding core area 2 .

The further cladding layer 6 ″ with the embedded light-guiding core region 2 is arranged on the cladding layer 6 in such a way that the light coupled out of the first waveguide strikes the deflection device 20 of the second light-guiding core region 2 through the cladding layer 6 and is coupled into the second waveguide.

For reasons of better representation, the two light-guiding core areas 1 , 2 in FIG. 1 run parallel to one another. In practice, however, the design option is exploited in such a way that the light-guiding core region 2 can be oriented as desired within the cladding layers 6 ″ about an axis along the direction which is predetermined by the light coupled out from the first waveguide.

FIG. 2 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the optical distributor element in cross section, which essentially has the same structure as the optical distributor element shown in FIG. 1. The same reference numerals have therefore been used for the same features.

In contrast to FIG. 1, the cladding layer 6 between the two light-guiding core regions 1 , 2 is thicker. In addition, the cladding layer 6 in the region between the two deflection devices 10 , 20 comprises a light-guiding transition region 7 which has a higher refractive index than the cladding layer 6 .

In this embodiment, the light from the first waveguide is coupled into the transition waveguide formed by the light-guiding transition region 7 and the surrounding cladding layer 6 . This transition waveguide ensures the lateral optical guidance of the outcoupled light as it passes through the thicker cladding layer 6 .

Fig. 3 shows the top view of two intersecting optical fibers. The one optical waveguide with the light-guiding core region 8 runs in a straight line; the other optical waveguide has three sections with the light-guiding core regions 1 , 2 and 1 '.

In the first section, the light-guiding core area 1 runs in a common first plane parallel to the light-guiding core area 8 . At one end of the first light guiding core region 1 is 1 or 2, an optical distribution element of FIG. With deflection devices 10, 20 are arranged, with the associated second light guiding core region 2 extends in a direction parallel to the first plane perpendicular to the light-guiding core regions 1, 8. That the light-guiding region 2 is arranged in a different optical position is to be made clear by the broken line.

In this second section, the light-guiding core area 8 of one waveguide intersects with the light-guiding core area 2 of the other waveguide in different planes, so that the light-guiding core areas 2 , 8 do not overlap.

At the other end of the light-guiding core area 2 there is a further optical distributor element with deflection devices 10 , 20 according to FIGS. 1 and / or 2, with a transition to the third section with the light-guiding core area 1 ', which in turn is parallel in the same plane runs to the light-guiding region 8 .

In FIG. 4, a further embodiment of the optical distribution element is shown in cross-section. This is a 1: 2 distributor element, ie an optical input signal running into the element is split into two output signals, the two output waveguides running in different optical positions.

The structure corresponds essentially to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the reflection surface of the deflection device 10 extends only over a partial section of the light-guiding core region 1 . In addition, the light-guiding core area 1 does not end at the deflection device 10 but continues in a straight line.

Therefore, a first portion of the light guided in the first waveguide is decoupled by the deflection device 10 , while the remaining portion of the light continues to be guided in the first optical waveguide.

Fig. 5 shows the cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the optical distribution element. This is also a 1: 2 distribution element, but the two output waveguides run in a common optical position.

The structure corresponds essentially to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, two light-guiding core areas 2 , 3 with deflection devices 20 , 30 are embedded in the further cladding layer 6 ″ of the second optical layer. The two light-guiding core areas 2 , 3 are arranged such that a first portion of the light coupled out of the first waveguide falls on the reflection surface of the deflection device 20 and a second portion falls on the reflection surface of the deflection device 30 and is coupled into the second and third waveguides.

In FIG. 6, the cross-sectional view is shown of an optical distributor element containing 1 the function of: said distributor element 3. The structure corresponds essentially to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the light-guiding core region 1 is designed as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. As a result, the input signal carried in the first waveguide is divided between the two waveguides arranged in the second optical position and the first waveguide continued in the first optical position.

FIG. 7a shows the top view of an optical distributor element shown in FIG. 4, the light-guiding core regions 2 , 3 being arranged perpendicular to the light-guiding core region 1 .

The dashed representation of the light-guiding core region 1 clearly shows that the associated first waveguide runs in a different optical position than the waveguides belonging to the light-guiding core regions 2 , 3 .

FIG. 7b shows the top view of an optical distributor element shown in FIG. 5, the light-guiding core region 2 being arranged perpendicular to the light-guiding core region 1 .

FIG. 7c shows the top view of an optical distributor element shown in FIG. 6, the light-guiding core regions 2 , 3 being arranged perpendicular to the light-guiding core region 1 .

In FIG. 8, a sixth embodiment of the optical distribution element is shown from the top. This distributor element comprises an input waveguide with the light-guiding core region 1 in a first optical position and four output waveguides with the light-guiding core regions 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 in a second optical position arranged parallel to the first. This element therefore represents a 1: 4 distribution element.

The four light-guiding core areas 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 are arranged in a cross shape with respect to one another, the associated deflection devices 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 being arranged in a form-fitting manner in the structure of a pyramid roof.

FIG. 9 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment of the optical distributor element, which essentially corresponds to a cross-sectional illustration along the light-guiding core region 1 of the distributor element shown in FIG. 8. In contrast to the optical distributor element shown in FIG. 8, the light-guiding core regions 2 , 3 and 4 , 5 are each arranged in different optical positions. The light-guiding regions 3 , 5 are not shown in FIG. 9 for drawing reasons, since they are each perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

In Figs. 10 to 13 different optical waveguide networks are shown or a plurality of the above-described optical distribution elements using. The waveguides shown in dashed lines are each in a first optical position, the waveguides shown in solid lines are each arranged in a second optical position.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic illustration of an optical waveguide network with a 1: 2 division of an optical bus using the optical distributor element 11 shown in FIG. 7a.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of an optical waveguide network having a 1: 4 division of an optical bus using the optical distribution element 11 shown in Figures 7a and using the distributor element 12 shown in Figure 7c...

FIG. 12 shows a schematic illustration of an optical waveguide network with a 1: 4 division of an optical bus using the optical distributor element 13 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic illustration of an optical 4 to 4 distribution network using the optical distribution elements 14 shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, which serve as deflection elements in this network between the two optical layers. The inputs A, B, C, D of this optical distribution network are in a first and the outputs A ', B', C ', D' in a second optical position.

The invention is not limited in its execution the exemplary embodiments described above. Essential for the invention is that means for redirecting Light between those arranged in the different layers provided light-guiding core areas of optical fibers are or optical networks by means of such optical Distribution elements are composed.  

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first light-guiding core area

2

second light-guiding core area

3

third light-guiding core area

4

fourth light-guiding core area

5

fifth light-guiding core area

6

cladding layer

6

'' Substrate cladding layer

6

"further coat layers

7

light-guiding transition area

8th

intersecting light-guiding core area

10

first deflection device

11

Optical 1: 2 distribution element in one layer

12

Optical 1: 3 distributor element in two layers

13

Optical 1: 4 distribution element in one layer

14

optical distribution element as a deflection element

20

second deflection device.

30

third deflection device

40

fourth deflection device

50

fifth deflection device
A, B, C, D inputs of the optical distribution network
A ', B', C ', C' outputs of the optical distribution network

Claims (17)

1. Optical distribution element for optical fiber networks, which has a plurality of optical fibers, the light-guiding core regions run in at least two different layers, the layers being preferably arranged parallel to one another, characterized by means ( 10 , 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 ) for Deflecting light between the light-guiding core regions ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) of the optical waveguides arranged in the different layers. 2. Optical distribution element according to claim 1, characterized in that
that a first deflection device ( 10 ) decouples the light guided in the light-guiding core region ( 1 ) of a first optical waveguide running in a first position, at least in part transversely to its direction of extension, and
that the light-guiding core region ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) of at least one further optical waveguide, which runs in a different position than the first optical waveguide, is each assigned a further deflection device ( 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 ) which at least deflects the deflected light partially couples into the respective light-guiding core area ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) of the further optical waveguide. 3. Optical distribution element according to claim 2, characterized in that the area between two light-guiding core areas ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) running in different positions serves as a cladding area ( 6 ) of both optical fibers and that this cladding area ( 6 ) is at least as wide that there is no disturbing crosstalk between the two optical fibers. 4. Optical distribution element according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the transition region ( 7 ) between the first deflection device ( 10 ) and the further deflection devices ( 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 ) has a lateral optical guide of the deflected light. 5. Optical distribution element according to claim 4, characterized in that the deflection devices ( 10 , 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 ) have reflection regions which reflect the light guided in the optical waveguides. 6. Optical distribution element according to claim 5, characterized in that the reflection areas of the deflection devices ( 10 , 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 ) are flat. 7. Optical distribution element according to claim 6, characterized in that the flat reflection region of the first deflection device ( 10 ) is arranged at an angle of substantially 45 ° to the direction of extension of the first optical waveguide and extends across its entire light-guiding core region ( 1 ) decouple all of the light guided in the first optical waveguide substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the first optical waveguide. 8. Optical distribution element according to claim 6, characterized in that the flat reflection area of the first deflection device ( 10 ) is arranged at an angle of essentially 45 ° to the direction of extension of the first optical waveguide and extends transversely over a section of the light-guiding core area ( 1 ), in order to couple out part of the light guided in the first optical waveguide substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the first optical waveguide. 9. Optical distribution element according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that in a second adjacent position with a second optical waveguide the flat reflection area of the second deflection device ( 20 ) is arranged at an angle of substantially 45 ° to the direction of extension of the second optical waveguide, and couples the light coupled out from the first optical waveguide into the light-guiding core region ( 2 ) of the second optical waveguide. 10. Optical distribution element according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the optical distribution element in a second adjacent position has a second and a third optical waveguide with corresponding light-guiding core regions ( 2 , 3 ), the flat reflection regions of the second and third deflection device ( 20 , 30 ) of the second and third optical fibers are each arranged essentially at an angle of 45 ° to the direction of extension of the second and third optical fibers in such a way that a first part of the light coupled out of the first optical fiber into the second optical fiber and a second part of the light from the couples the first optical waveguide outcoupled light into the third optical waveguide. 11. Optical distribution element according to claim 10, characterized in that the second optical waveguide and the third optical waveguide in the region of the deflection devices ( 20 , 30 ) have the same direction of extension. 12. Optical distribution element according to claim 10, characterized in that the second optical waveguide and the third optical waveguide in the region of the deflection devices ( 20 , 30 ) are arranged substantially perpendicular to one another. 13. Optical distribution element according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that
that four optical waveguides, each running perpendicular to one another, with four further light-guiding regions, each of which, as further deflection devices ( 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 ), have a flat reflection region inclined by essentially 45 °, are arranged in a position adjacent to the first optical waveguide,
that the light decoupled from the first optical waveguide by the first deflecting device ( 10 ) strikes the further deflecting devices ( 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 ) of the four optical waveguides and couples them proportionately into the four optical waveguides. 14. Optical distribution element according to claim 13, characterized in that the four flat reflection areas of the deflection devices ( 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 ) are positively connected to form a pyramid structure. 15. Optical distribution element according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that four optical fibers each running perpendicular to one another, which as further deflection devices ( 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 ) each have a flat reflection region inclined by essentially 45 °, in different to the first Layers of optical waveguide are arranged in parallel in such a way that the light coupled out of the first optical waveguide by the first deflecting device ( 10 ) strikes the deflecting devices ( 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 ) of the four optical waveguides and in each case couples them proportionally into the four optical waveguides. 16. Optical distribution element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized records, that the optical fiber as an integrated optical Waveguides are formed. 17. Optical waveguide network with a variety optical distribution elements according to at least one of the preceding claims.