Downhole fiber optic connector with independent fiber channel tester.

Abstract

DOWN-WELL FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR WITH INDEPENDENT FIBER CHANNEL TEST APPARATUS. This is a system and method for forming an optical connection. An optical fiber cable includes a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber. The second optical fiber includes a reflective device. An optical device receives the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber. A first signal is observed to verify an optical connection between the first optical fiber and the optical device. The optical fiber cable is extended into the optical device to form a firm pairing between the first optical fiber and the optical device, thereby changing the state of the reflective device. The firm pairing between the first optical fiber and the optical device is determined from the state of the second signal in the second optical fiber.

Description

1 / 17 Downhole fiber optic connector with independent fiber channel tester. BACKGROUND

[0001] In the resource recovery industry, fiber optic cables are used in downhole operations, such as oil well completions, to transmit data between the surface and a downhole location. The downhole assembly of a fiber optic connection includes extending the fiber optic cable to an optical coupler at a downhole location and coupling the fiber optic cable to the optical coupler at the downhole location. Visual confirmation of this coupling requires removing equipment from the oil well, which is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, there is a need to confirm a firm coupling between a fiber optic cable and an optical connector at the downhole location. SUMMARY

[0002] A method for forming an optical connection with a first optical fiber; propagating a first signal in a first optical fiber of a fiber optic cable and a second signal in a second optical fiber of the fiber optic cable, wherein the second optical fiber includes a reflective device; pairing the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber with an optical device; observing, in a processor, the first signal to verify an optical connection between the first optical fiber and the optical device; extending the fiber optic cable into the optical device to form a firm pairing between the first optical fiber and the optical device, wherein the extension of the fiber optic cable alters a state of the reflective device of the second optical fiber when the Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 11 / 120 2 / 17 a firm pairing is formed; and determine, in the processor, the firm pairing between the first optical fiber and the optical device from the state of the second signal in the second optical fiber.

[0003] A system for optical coupling comprising a fiber optic cable comprising a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber, wherein the second optical fiber includes a reflective device; an optical device receptive to the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, wherein a loose pairing between the first optical fiber and the optical device allows an optical connection for a first signal and a tight pairing between the first optical fiber and the optical device coincides with a change in a state of the reflective device; and a processor configured to measure the first signal on the first optical fiber to verify the optical connection between the first optical fiber and the optical device and to measure a state of the second signal on the second optical fiber to determine the tightness of the pairing between the first optical fiber and the optical device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting in any respect. With reference to the attached drawings, similar elements are numbered similarly:

[0005] Figure 1 shows a section of an oil well completion that includes an optical communication link;

[0006] Figures 2A to 2C show an illustrative optical connection system in various paired states; Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, page 12 / 120 3 / 17

[0007] Figure 3 shows an optical connection system that uses a mechanical strain sensor to determine a paired state of an optical fiber;

[0008] Figure 4 shows an optical connection system that uses a frangible reflector to detect a pairing state of the optical connection system;

[0009] Figure 5 shows an optical connection system in which a frangible reflector is arranged in a receptacle;

[0010] Figure 6 shows an optical connection system in which a pairing state is indicated by cutting an optical fiber; and

[0011] Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for testing a pairing state between an optical communication link and an optical device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] This document presents a detailed description of one or more embodiments of the apparatus and method disclosed herein by way of example, but without any limitation with reference to the figures.

[0013] With reference to Figure 1, a section of an oil well completion 100 is shown in one embodiment of the invention. The oil well completion 100 includes a first tubular 102 and a second tubular 104 in an oil well 110. In various embodiments, the first tubular 102 is lowered over the second tubular 104 so as to pair the first tubular 102 with the second tubular 104. The first tubular 102 includes a fiber optic cable 106. The second tubular 104 includes an optical coupler 108. The fiber optic cable 106 couples or is paired with the optical coupler 108 when the first tubular Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 13 / 120 4 / 17 102 is lowered onto the second tubular 104. In the second tubular 104, the optical coupler 108 may be an optical device or may be coupled to another optical device (not shown), such as another fiber optic cable, another optical communication device, etc. In other embodiments, the fiber optic cable 106 may be disposed in the second tubular 104 while the optical coupler 108 is disposed in the first tubular 102. In several embodiments, the fiber optic cable 106 may be lowered into the well independently of the first tubular 102.

[0014] The oil well completion 100 additionally includes an optical interrogator 120 and a control unit 122 to operate the optical interrogator, among other things. The control unit 122 includes a processor 124 and a memory storage device 126 which includes various programs 128 that, when accessed by the processor 124, control the operation of the processor 124 to perform various operations on the oil well completion 100, such as determining the firmness of the coupling pairing between the fiber optic cable 106 and the optical coupler 108. The processor 124 can additionally perform various operations based on the determination that the pairing is firm.

[0015] An optical interrogator 120 propagates a diagnostic signal, such as a laser light, downwell along the fiber optic cable 106 to determine a parameter at a well bottom location. In several embodiments, a reflection of the diagnostic signal (referred to here as the reflected signal) from a well bottom element propagates upwell through the fiber optic cable 106 or other optical link back to the optical interrogator 120. The optical interrogator 120 can communicate the signal of Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 14 / 120 5 / 17 diagnostic and the signal reflected to processor 124. Processor 124 can determine the bottom-hole parameter from a difference between the diagnostic signal and the reflected signal.

[0016] Figures 2A to 2C show an illustrative optical connection system 200 in one embodiment of the present invention. The optical connection system 200 shows the optical fiber cable 106 and the optical coupler 108 in various paired states. The optical fiber cable 106 includes a first optical fiber 202 which is an operational optical fiber and a second optical fiber 204 which may be a diagnostic fiber used to diagnose or determine the strength of a connection between the first optical fiber 202 and the optical coupler 108. For illustrative purposes, a third optical fiber 225 is shown paired to the optical coupler 108.

[0017] In several embodiments, the second optical fiber 204 includes an associated reflective device 206 that changes its state when the second optical fiber 204 interacts with, contacts, or is pressed against the optical coupler 108. Since a mechanical interaction of the second optical fiber 204 with the optical coupler 108 coincides with a firm pairing of the first optical fiber 202, observation of the change in the state of the reflective device on the second fiber 204 provides an indication of the paired state of the first optical fiber 204. Alternatively, the second receptacle 212 may have a reflective device that changes its state when the second optical fiber 204 interacts with the second receptacle 212.

[0018] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the second optical fiber 204 includes a hermetic seal 215. The hermetic seal 215 is broken by the second optical fiber 204 to change from an unpaired state to a loosely paired state with the second receptacle 212. In several embodiments, the second fiber Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, page 15 / 120 The 6 / 17 optical fiber 204 can also be used to act as a pressure and / or temperature gauge before and / or after the connection has been made. Additionally, the second optical fiber 204 can be used to determine the strength of a connection among other connections, such as an electrical, hydraulic, optical connection, etc.

[0019] Figure 2A shows the optical fiber cable 106 and the optical coupler 108 in an unpaired state. The optical coupler 108 includes a first receptacle 210 to receive the first optical fiber 202 and a second receptacle 212 to receive the second optical fiber 204. The first optical fiber 202 is shown with an outer ridge 214 on its outer diameter at its pairing end. The first receptacle 210 of the optical coupler 108 is shown with an inner ridge 216 on the surface of its inner diameter. The first optical fiber 203 becomes firmly paired to the optical coupler 108 when the outer ridge 214 of the first optical fiber 202 passes beyond the inner ridge 216 of the first receptacle 210, as shown in Figure 2C. Although not shown, these ridges can also be used for the second optical fiber 204 and the second receptacle 212.Other devices for firmly pairing optical fibers with their respective receptacles can be used in alternative modalities.

[0020] Figure 2B shows the fiber optic cable 106 and the optical coupler 108 in a loosely paired state. The first optical fiber 202 and the second optical fiber 204 are not fully engaged within their respective receptacles. For example, the outer ridge 214 of the first optical fiber 202 has not passed beyond the inner ridge 216 of the first receptacle 210. However, when the first optical fiber 202 is loosely paired with the optical coupler 108, a communication signal 226 can then pass from Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, page 16 / 120 7 / 17 first optical fiber 202 to the third optical fiber 225. In several embodiments, the second optical fiber 204 has approximately the same length as the first optical fiber 202 and extends alongside the first optical fiber 202. Therefore, the first optical fiber 202 becomes tightly paired with the optical coupler 108 simultaneously, or substantially simultaneously, with the second optical fiber 204, becomes tightly paired, or with a change in a state of the reflective device 206 of the second optical fiber 204. In one embodiment, the first optical fiber 202 and the second optical fiber 204 are arranged so that the loose pairing of the first optical fiber 202 with the optical coupler 108 forms a communication route with the optical coupler 108 given that the second optical fiber 204 is almost in a position to change a state of the reflective device 206.Extending the first optical fiber 202 into the optical coupler 108 to form a firm connection simultaneously changes the state of the reflective device 206 of the second optical fiber 204. A diagnostic signal transmitted on the second optical fiber 204 to the optical coupler 108 is generally reflected from a reflective device 206 at the pairing end of the second optical fiber 204 and travels back to the second optical fiber 204 to be read in the optical interrogator 120, provided that the second optical fiber 204 is in a reflective state, as in Figure 2B.

[0021] Figure 2C shows a firmly paired state of the optical fiber cable 106 with the optical coupler 108. Pushing the loosely paired optical fiber cable 106 into the optical coupler 108 forms a firm pairing between the first optical fiber 202 and the optical coupler 108 simultaneously with the change in the state of the reflective device 206 on the second fiber. Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 17 / 120 8 / 17 optical 204. Therefore, the diagnostic signal measurement (along with the communication signal measurement 226) provides information about the firmness of the connection or pairing of the first optical fiber 202 with the optical coupler 108. In various embodiments, the first optical fiber 202 can be a plurality of optical fibers. The first optical fiber 202 and the second optical fiber 204 can be mechanically connected by adhesive tape, plastic molding, conduits, etc.

[0022] The diagnostic signal in the second optical fiber 204 changes its state when the first optical fiber 202 is tightly paired with the first receptacle 210. In particular, the first optical fiber 202 and the second optical fiber 204 are arranged so that the diagnostic signal propagating in the second optical fiber 204 changes from a first state to a second state when the first optical fiber 202 changes from a loosely paired state to a tightly paired state with the first receptacle 210. In various embodiments, the first state may be a reflected signal at a first wavelength, while the second state is a reflected signal at a second wavelength. In other embodiments, the first state may be a present reflected signal, while the second state is a null reflected signal.Therefore, a diagnostic test can be performed on the second optical fiber 204 to determine whether the first optical fiber 202 is loosely paired or tightly paired.

[0023] When the first optical fiber 202 is loosely paired with the optical coupler 108, the passage of the communication signal 226 can be detected. To obtain an indication of the firmness of the pairing between the first optical fiber 202 and the first receptacle 210, the optical interrogator 120 propagates a Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 18 / 120 9 / 17 diagnostic signal 230 along the second optical fiber 204 and observes whether or not there is a reflected signal 232 for the diagnostic signal. In particular, the optical interrogator 120 monitors the reflected signal 232 propagating in the second optical fiber 204 to observe when the reflected signal 232 changes from a first state to a second state to determine if the first optical fiber 202 is firmly paired within the first receptacle 210. The processor 124 determines, from signals received from the optical interrogator 120, whether the first optical fiber 202 is firmly paired to the first receptacle 210 from observing the state of the reflected signal 232. The processor 124 can then perform an operation based on the first optical fiber 202 being in a firmly paired state.For example, processor 124 can instruct optical interrogator 120 to send a signal along the first optical fiber 202 to perform downhole tests, operate downhole devices, etc. Figures 3 to 6 show various mechanisms by which the state of the reflected signal 232 and thus the tightly paired state of the first optical fiber 202 can be determined.

[0024] Figure 3 shows an optical connection system 300 that uses a mechanical strain sensor 302 on the second optical fiber 204 to determine the tightness of the paired state of the first optical fiber 202. The mechanical strain sensor 302 is located at one pairing end of the second optical fiber 204. In an illustrative embodiment, the mechanical strain sensor 302 includes a fiber Bragg grating (FBG). An FBG includes periodically spaced regions that have a refractive index different from the rest of the second optical fiber 204. The wavelength of light reflected by the FBG is Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, page 19 / 120 10 / 17 related to the distance between these regions. As the second optical fiber 204 is inserted into the second receptacle 212, a mechanical tension is applied to the FBG, which causes the reflected signal 232 to change from having a first wavelength (corresponding to an untensioned fiber) to having a second wavelength (corresponding to a tensioned fiber).

[0025] To determine the firmness of the pairing between the first optical fiber 202 and the first receptacle 210, a diagnostic signal 230 is propagated along the second optical fiber 204 from the optical interrogator 120 during the pairing process. The mechanical strain sensor 302 reflects the diagnostic signal 230 as the reflected signal 232. As the first optical fiber 202 is firmly paired with the first receptacle 210, the second optical fiber 204 is pressed against the second receptacle 212 to apply mechanical strain to the mechanical strain sensor 302, which causes a change in the wavelength of the reflected signal 232. The optical interrogator 120 measures the change in wavelength of the reflected signal 232 due to the mechanical strain applied to the mechanical strain sensor 302 when the second optical fiber 204 is pressed against the second receptacle 212 and provides the measured change to the processor 124.Processor 124 can then determine, from the change in wavelength, whether the first optical fiber 202 is firmly paired with the first receptacle 210.

[0026] Figure 4 shows an illustrative optical connection system 400 that uses a frangible reflector 402 to detect the pairing state of the optical connection. When the second optical fiber 204 is in a loosely paired state, a diagnostic signal 230 propagates down the second optical fiber. Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, page 20 / 120 11 / 17 204 is reflected in the frangible reflector 402 so as to produce a reflected signal 232. The optical interrogator 120 receives the reflected signal 232 in order to determine whether the second optical fiber 204 and therefore the first optical fiber 202 are in a loosely paired state.

[0027] As the first optical fiber 202 and the first receptacle 210 are moved into a tight pairing, the second optical fiber 204 is moved into the second receptacle 212 against a breaking element 404, such as a pin or other obstruction. When the frangible reflector 402 breaks, the diagnostic signal 230 is no longer reflected back through the second optical fiber 204. Therefore, when the first optical fiber 202 changes from a loosely paired state to a tightly paired state with the first receptacle 210, the reflected signal from the second optical fiber 204 is lost. The optical interrogator 120 detects the change in the reflected signal 232 from a positively present signal to a null signal to determine if the first optical fiber 202 is tightly paired with the first receptacle 210.

[0028] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the optical connection system 500 in which a frangible reflector 502 is disposed in the second receptacle 212. The frangible reflector 502 is disposed within the second receptacle 212 in such a location that the break of the frangible reflector 502 by the second optical fiber 204 coincides with the firm pairing of the first optical fiber 202 with the first receptacle 210. The change in the reflected signal 232 from a positively present signal to a zero signal indicates that the first optical fiber 202 is firmly paired with the first receptacle 210. Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 21 / 120 12 / 17

[0029] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the optical connection system 500 in which firm pairing is indicated by cutting the second optical fiber 204. The second receptacle 212 may include a cutting device 602 that is activated when the second optical fiber 204 enters the second receptacle 212. The loss of a reflected signal 232 resulting from cutting the second optical fiber 204 can be set to coincide with the firm pairing of the first optical fiber 202 with the first receptacle 210. Therefore, the processor 124 can determine the pairing status of the first optical fiber 202 from a change in the diagnostic signal status.

[0030] Figure 7 shows a flowchart 700 illustrating a method for testing a pairing state between a fiber optic cable and an optical device. In box 702, a communication signal is transmitted along a first optical fiber of the fiber optic cable and a diagnostic signal is transmitted along a second optical fiber of the fiber optic cable. In box 704, the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are paired with an optical device. In box 706, the communication signal is measured to verify an optical connection between the optical fiber and the optical device. In box 708, the fiber optic cable (i.e., the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber) is extended into the optical device so as to establish the pairing of the first optical fiber with the optical device, thus simultaneously affecting the diagnostic signal within the second optical fiber.In box 710, a change in the diagnostic signal is measured in order to determine a firm connection between the optical connection in the first optical fiber and the optical device.

[0031] Some modalities relating to the aforementioned disclosure will be presented below: Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 22 / 120 13 / 17

[0032] Embodiment 1: A method for forming an optical connection with a first optical fiber; propagating a first signal in a first optical fiber of a fiber optic cable and a second signal in a second optical fiber of the fiber optic cable, wherein the second optical fiber includes a reflective device; pairing the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber with an optical device; observing, in a processor, the first signal to verify an optical connection between the first optical fiber and the optical device; extending the fiber optic cable into the optical device to form a firm pairing between the first optical fiber and the optical device, wherein the extension of the fiber optic cable alters a state of the reflective device of the second optical fiber when the firm pairing is formed;and to determine, in the processor, the firm pairing between the first optical fiber and the optical device based on the state of the second signal in the second optical fiber.

[0033] Mode 2: The method, as in any previous mode, where the second optical fiber extends alongside the first optical fiber.

[0034] Modality 3: The method, as in any previous embodiment, which additionally includes pairing the first optical fiber with a first receptacle of the optical device and pairing the second optical fiber with a second receptacle of the optical device.

[0035] Mode 4: The method, as in any previous mode, involves pairing the second optical fiber with the optical device by breaking a hermetic seal on the optical device.

[0036] Mode 5: The method, as in any previous mode, where the extension of the fiber optic cable into the optical device applies mechanical tension to the reflective device. Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 23 / 120 14 / 17 of the second optical fiber, and the method additionally includes measuring the mechanical stress on the reflective device.

[0037] Mode 6: The method, as in any previous mode, where the extension of the fiber optic cable into the optical device includes breaking the reflective device of the second optical fiber.

[0038] Mode 7: The method, as in any previous mode, involves extending the fiber optic cable into the optical device and cutting the second fiber optic cable.

[0039] Embodiment 8: A system for optical coupling comprising a fiber optic cable comprising a first fiber optic and a second fiber optic, wherein the second fiber optic includes a reflective device; an optical device receptive to the first fiber optic and the second fiber optic, wherein a loose pairing between the first fiber optic and the optical device allows an optical connection for a first signal and a tight pairing between the first fiber optic and the optical device coincides with a change in a state of the reflective device; and a processor configured to measure the first signal on the first fiber optic to verify the optical connection between the first fiber optic and the optical device and to measure a state of the second signal on the second fiber optic to determine the tightness of the pairing between the first fiber optic and the optical device.

[0040] Mode 9: The system, as in any previous mode, where the second signal changes from the first state to the second state when the first optical fiber changes from a loosely paired state to a tightly paired state with the optical device. Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 24 / 120 15 / 17

[0041] Mode 10: The system is the same as in any previous mode, where the second optical fiber extends alongside the first optical fiber.

[0042] Mode 11:0 system as in any previous mode, wherein the first optical fiber is paired with a first receptacle of the optical device and the second optical fiber is paired with a second receptacle of the optical device.

[0043] 12:0 system mode, as in any previous mode, wherein the optical device includes a hermetic seal breakable by the second optical fiber after the first optical fiber has been paired with the optical device.

[0044] Modality 13: The system, as in any previous embodiment, where the reflective device is a deformable mechanical stress sensor due to the pairing of the second optical fiber with the optical device.

[0045] Modality 14: The system, as in any previous embodiment, where the reflective device includes a breakable frangible reflector due to the pairing of the second optical fiber with the optical device.

[0046] Mode 15: The system, as in any previous mode, where the optical device includes a cutting edge that cuts the second optical fiber to indicate a firm pairing of the first optical fiber with the optical device.

[0047] The use of the terms "a," "an," "the," and similar references in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) should be interpreted as encompassing both the singular and the plural, except where otherwise indicated in the present invention or clearly contradicted by the context. Additionally, it should be considered that the terms Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, page 25 / 120 16 / 17 first, second and similar terms in the present invention do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are instead used to distinguish one element from another. The modifier about used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (for example, it includes the degree of error associated with measuring the specific quantity).

[0048] The teachings of this present disclosure can be used in a variety of well operations. These operations may involve the use of one or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids residing in a formation, a wellbore, and / or well equipment such as a production line. Treatment agents may be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof. Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, signalers, flow improvers, etc. Illustrative well operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing, stimulation, signaler injection, cleaning, acidification, steam injection, water injection, cementing, etc.

[0049] Although the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various alterations may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a specific situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 26 / 120 17 / 17 The invention is not limited to the specific embodiment presented as the best contemplated way to carry out the present invention, but the invention includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, in the drawings and description, exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, and although specific terms may have been employed, they are used, unless otherwise stated, in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation; therefore, the scope of the invention is not thus limited. Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 27 / 120

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Method for forming an optical connection with a first optical fiber (202) characterized by: propagating a first signal (226) in a first optical fiber (202) of an optical fiber cable (106) and a second signal (230) in a second optical fiber (204) of the optical fiber cable (106), wherein the second optical fiber (204) includes a reflective device (206); pairing the first optical fiber (202) and the second optical fiber (204) with an optical device (108); observing, in a processor, the first signal (226) to verify an optical connection between the first optical fiber (202) and the optical device (108); extend the optical fiber cable (106) into the optical device (108) to form a firm pairing between the first optical fiber (202) and the optical device (108), wherein the extension of the optical fiber cable (106) alters a state of the reflective device (206) of the second optical fiber (204) when the firm pairing is formed;and determine, in the processor, the firm pairing between the first optical fiber (202) and the optical device (108) from the state of the second signal (230) in the second optical fiber (204).; 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second optical fiber (204) extends alongside the first optical fiber (202).

3. Method according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising pairing the first optical fiber (202) with a first receptacle (210) of the optical device (108) and pairing the second optical fiber (204) with a second receptacle (212) of the optical device (108).

4. Method according to claim 1, characterized by pairing the second optical fiber (204) with the optical device (108) by breaking a hermetic seal (215) of the optical device (108).

5. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the extension of the optical fiber cable (106) into the optical device (108) applying a mechanical tension to the reflective device (206) of the second optical fiber (204), the method further comprising measuring the mechanical tension in the reflective device (206).

6. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension of the optical fiber cable (106) into the optical device (108) includes breaking the reflective device (206) of the second optical fiber (204).

7. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension of the optical fiber cable (106) into the optical device (108) includes cutting the second optical fiber (204).

8. Optical coupling system characterized by comprising: an optical fiber cable (106) that includes a first optical fiber (202) and a second optical fiber (204), wherein the second optical fiber (204) includes a reflective device (206); an optical device (108) receptive to the first optical fiber (202) and the second optical fiber (204), wherein a loose pairing between the first optical fiber (202) and the optical device (108) allows an optical connection for a Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, page.29 / 120 3 / 4 first signal (226) and a firm pairing between the first optical fiber (202) and the optical device (108) coincides with a change in a state of the reflective device (206); and a processor configured to measure the first signal (226) on the first optical fiber (202) to verify the optical connection between the first optical fiber (202) and the optical device (108) and to measure a state of the second signal (230) on the second optical fiber (204) to determine a firmness of the pairing between the first optical fiber (202) and the optical device (108).

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the second signal (230) changes from the first state to the second state when the first optical fiber (202) changes from a loosely paired state to a tightly paired state with the optical device (108).

10. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the second optical fiber (204) extends alongside the first optical fiber (202).

11. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the first optical fiber (202) pairs with a first receptacle (210) of the optical device (108) and the second optical fiber (204) pairs with a second receptacle (212) of the optical device (108).

12. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the optical device (108) includes a hermetic seal (215) breakable by the second optical fiber (204) after pairing the first optical fiber (202) with the optical device (108). Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 30 / 120 4 / 4 13. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the reflective device (206) is a mechanical stress sensor (302) deformable due to the pairing of the second optical fiber (204) with the optical device (108).

14. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the reflective device (206) is a frangible reflector (402) breakable due to the pairing of the second optical fiber (204) with the optical device (108).

15. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the optical device (108) includes a cutting edge (602) that cuts the second optical fiber (204) to indicate a firm pairing of the first optical fiber (202) with the optical device (108). Petition 870220046959, dated 05 / 30 / 2022, p. 31 / 120

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