A reaction cell for optical fiber de-cladding, surface treatment and a flow cell for encapsulating the optical fiber module
By designing the fiber fixing block and reaction tank, the problems of strong acid corrosion and easy breakage of the fiber core in the fiber decladding process are solved, realizing high-precision, low-cost and safe fiber processing. It is suitable for fiber testing equipment and, combined with microfluidic technology, protects the integrity of the fiber and ensures operational safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO NOTTINGHAM CHINA BEACONS OF EXCELLENCE RES & INNOVATION INST
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for decladding optical fibers suffer from high corrosiveness from strong acids, poor operational safety, and easy breakage of the fiber core after decladding, making it difficult to protect the integrity of the optical fiber during transport. In addition, the high volatility of the processing solution poses a significant health threat to operators.
A reaction chamber for optical fiber decladding and surface treatment is designed, which adopts an optical fiber fixing block and reaction tank structure. The optical fiber is fixed on the fixing block and fixed by grooves and sealant to avoid direct contact and compression. Combined with a suitable cavity sealing treatment liquid, it can achieve precise treatment and prevent volatilization.
It effectively protects optical fibers from damage, ensures fiber core integrity, reduces operator health risks, improves processing accuracy and safety, and is compatible with flow cells and microfluidic channels to achieve efficient detection.
Smart Images

Figure CN115073022B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of optical fiber surface treatment and application, specifically to a reaction cell for optical fiber decladding and surface treatment, and a flow cell for encapsulating the optical fiber module. Technical Background
[0002] The basic structure of an optical fiber is a concentric glass body composed of a core and a cladding, and it is columnar. In quartz-based optical fibers, the core is composed of high-purity silicon dioxide (SiO2) (quartz glass) and a small amount of dopants such as phosphorus pentoxide and germanium dioxide. The dopants are used to increase the refractive index (n1) of the core. The outer diameter of the optical fiber is generally 125-140 μm, and the core diameter is generally 3-100 μm. Optical fibers are mostly used in some precision testing instruments, especially in sensitive reaction equipment. It is necessary to remove the cladding from the working section of the optical fiber to expose the core to meet the testing requirements of precision instruments. Currently, the common method for removing the cladding from optical fibers is to immerse the fiber section to be treated in a 40% hydrogen fluoride solution for about 30 minutes, and then clean the fiber section multiple times and dry it with an inert gas before subsequent operations.
[0003] However, the aforementioned traditional fiber cladding treatment methods have two major hidden dangers in operation: cladding removal requires the use of highly corrosive strong acids and the fiber core, which is extremely fragile after cladding removal; the use of strong acids requires ensuring operational safety, and because these acids are volatile, the cladding removal operation must be carried out in a fume hood or a relatively closed environment; the diameter of the single-mode fiber core after cladding removal is only 8-10 μm, and it must be ensured that it will not break during the movement and handling of the fiber in subsequent operations, as even slight carelessness may lead to damage or breakage of the fiber core. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application addresses the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art by providing a reaction device capable of precise functionalization. It enables effective processing control of the working segment and effectively protects the fiber core after decladding. It achieves high precision, low cost, ease of operation, and high chemical stability, which is beneficial for improving the integration of optical fiber technology and microfluidic technology. It provides a safe, stable, and reusable reaction pool for optical fiber decladding and surface treatment.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: a reaction tank for optical fiber decladding and surface treatment, the structure including an optical fiber fixing block and a reaction tank; the optical fiber fixing block includes a clamping part located at the upper part and a reaction part located at the lower part, and the sidewalls of the clamping part and the reaction part are provided with grooves for accommodating optical fibers, the optical fibers are encapsulated in the grooves, the optical fibers extend from the grooves to the lower bottom of the reaction part, and the optical fibers at the lower bottom protrude from the lower bottom surface of the reaction part; the reaction tank is provided with a accommodating cavity for accommodating the treatment liquid, and the opening of the accommodating cavity is adapted to the outer contour of the connection between the clamping part and the reaction part.
[0006] By employing the above structure, this application secures the optical fiber to the optical fiber fixing block during the optical fiber cladding process. This eliminates the need for any clamps or fingers to directly act on the fiber during the entire process and subsequent fiber movement; instead, the clamps and fingers act on the fixing block, thus avoiding damage to the fiber and ensuring it will not break or be damaged during cladding and movement. Furthermore, this application features a groove on the side of the fixing block, allowing the fiber to be recessed within it, preventing direct contact with other components or compression of the fiber, thus further protecting its integrity. Additionally, this application places the section requiring decladding on the lower surface of the reaction section, ensuring that only this section contacts the processing liquid in the reaction tank, achieving precise decladding. Moreover, by adapting the opening of the processing liquid containment cavity to the outer contour of the connection between the clamping part and the reaction section, the processing liquid can be effectively sealed during the cladding process, preventing evaporation, reducing health threats to the operator, and improving the decladding effect.
[0007] Furthermore, the optical fiber fixing block has a flat structure, and the optical fiber is located on the side where the narrow side of the optical fiber fixing block is located. With the above structure, during the operation of the optical fiber, the clamp can be held (or manually held) on the side where the long side of the optical fiber fixing block is located. This can increase the clamping area and improve the clamping stability, and will not directly act on the optical fiber, effectively protecting the optical fiber from damage by external forces.
[0008] Furthermore, the reaction section has a three-dimensional trapezoidal structure, and the cross-sectional area at the connection between the reaction section and the clamping section is larger than the area of the bottom of the reaction section. By adopting this structure, the area occupied by the reaction section in the reaction tank can be reduced, ensuring that there is enough treatment liquid in the reaction tank to contact the optical fiber, while saving materials and reducing costs.
[0009] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the reaction section extends to the same length as the working section of the optical fiber; with this structure, the working section of the optical fiber that requires cladding removal can be processed more accurately, while avoiding damage to the cladding of the non-working section.
[0010] Furthermore, the groove is an arc-shaped groove, and the depth of the groove is not less than the diameter of the optical fiber; with this structure, the optical fiber can be completely recessed into the groove and will not protrude from the surface of the groove, effectively protecting the optical fiber and preventing it from being squeezed by external forces.
[0011] Furthermore, the extension length of the reaction section is not greater than the depth of the accommodating cavity; with this structure, it can be ensured that the connection is precisely locked at the opening of the accommodating cavity, sealing the opening to prevent the evaporation of the treatment liquid, and also providing sufficient treatment liquid to wet the fiber optic section that needs to be treated.
[0012] Furthermore, the groove is filled with sealant, which is used to fix the optical fiber. With this structure, the optical fiber is encapsulated and fixed on the optical fiber fixing block, and the fiber can be decladding and moved as a whole, making the operation more convenient.
[0013] Furthermore, the groove is located in the center of its side (narrow side); with this structure, the optical fiber can be fixed in the center, improving the accuracy of optical fiber processing, and also preventing the optical fiber from slipping off from the bottom of the reaction section.
[0014] Furthermore, the clamping part has a length of 20-21mm, a width of 8-9mm, and a height of 8-12mm, while the bottom surface of the reaction part has a length of 9-11mm, a width of 3.00mm, and a height of 4.5-5.5mm, with a trapezoidal inclination angle of 30 degrees. This structure can be well adapted to the reaction groove, effectively processing the fiber cladding and facilitating the clamping operation of the fiber.
[0015] This application also provides a flow cell for encapsulating an optical fiber module. The flow cell includes an upper cover plate and a base that are joined together. The upper cover plate is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating an optical fiber fixing block. The base is provided with a microfluidic channel. The receiving groove is aligned with and communicates with the microfluidic channel. The receiving groove is adapted to the outer contour of the reaction section.
[0016] Using the above structure, this application provides a flow cell that can encapsulate an optical fiber module. This flow cell allows for the integral insertion and installation of the optical fiber fixing block prepared in this application, and can be well integrated with the microfluidic channel. It eliminates the need to disassemble the optical fiber from the fixing block; instead, the entire assembly is directly installed on the top cover, thus preventing damage to the optical fiber. Simultaneously, it effectively integrates with the microfluidic channel, realizing the fabrication of the flow cell. Furthermore, it aligns and interconnects the processed optical fiber working section with the microfluidic channel, improving the sensing capability of the combined optical fiber and microfluidic technologies. Moreover, and most importantly, this optical fiber fixing block not only… This design not only facilitates the effective cladding treatment of the working section and ensures good compatibility with the reaction tank, guaranteeing the processing effect of the working section, but also effectively protects the optical fiber from damage. Furthermore, it allows the entire fiber-protecting fixing block to be moved into the flow cell, achieving a similarly good compatibility with the flow cell. In other words, a single fiber fixing block can effectively protect the optical fiber from damage, accurately remove the cladding to obtain the working section, and seamlessly integrate with the flow cell and achieve effective communication with the microfluidic channel, ultimately resulting in a microfluidic flow cell structure with good sensing capabilities that can be detected.
[0017] Furthermore, at least two receiving slots are provided, and the at least two receiving slots are arranged side by side along the width direction of the upper cover plate; by adopting the above structure, the sensing capability after the combination of fiber optic technology and microfluidic technology can be improved, and multi-point sensing can be realized.
[0018] Furthermore, the accommodating slots are provided in four places, and the four accommodating slots are arranged side by side along the width direction of the upper cover plate.
[0019] Furthermore, the optical fibers within the optical fiber fixing blocks on the receiving slot can be a single interconnected optical fiber (series), individually connected independent optical fibers, or interconnected in parallel. This structure enables the series, parallel, or individual connection of multiple fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), thereby achieving precise detection. The optical fiber fixing blocks placed on the flow cell in this application can be designed according to actual needs. For example, some designs require all sensing units (the part fixed at the bottom of the module) to be connected together. In this case, the optical fibers on multiple optical fiber fixing blocks can be set as a single connected fiber or interconnected in parallel (i.e., before cladding processing, the optical fibers to be series-connected are set as a single fiber, and each optical fiber fixing block occupies a segment of it. After processing, the entire block is moved to the flow cell; parallel connections are similar, with the corresponding connection method completed before cladding processing). Other designs require individual modules to be connected separately, in which case the optical fibers of the fixing block can be set independently without connection to others. Therefore, this modular optical fiber fixing block offers great freedom in series and parallel connections, expanding the application range of the module. There are no restrictions on the connection method (series or parallel) of the modules, allowing for various connection methods to meet different detection needs.
[0020] Furthermore, the input end of the optical fiber in the optical fiber fixing block is connected to a light source, and the output end is connected to a spectrometer. The output end of the spectrometer is connected to a computer for data collection and processing. With the above structure, signal transmission within the microfluidic channel can also be realized, and the working section below the optical fiber fixing module can be a regular optical fiber section or an FBG (fiber Bragg grating).
[0021] Furthermore, the optical fiber within the optical fiber fixing block is connected to the demodulator, which is electrically connected to the computer. This structure allows for the timely collection and processing of signals detected by the optical fiber, yielding the final detection result. This connection method is only applicable to FBGs (Fiber Bragg Gratings).
[0022] Furthermore, the microfluidic channels are S-shaped along the transverse area of the base, and the inlet and outlet of the microfluidic channels are located on the same side of the base. With the above structure, a sufficiently long microfluidic channel can be arranged in a limited area, and the addition and extraction of the medium inside the microfluidic channel can be performed through the inlet and outlet on the same side, which is more convenient.
[0023] The fiber fixing block, reaction tank, and flow cell described in this application can be made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). This material has excellent chemical stability and can come into contact with hydrofluoric acid (which is also the only material that can be used as a container in hydrofluoric acid experiments) to ensure the stability of fiber processing. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1This application presents a schematic diagram of the structure of the fiber optic fixing block.
[0025] Figure 2 This application presents a schematic diagram of the structure of the reaction tank.
[0026] Figure 3 This application presents a schematic diagram of the structure after the fiber optic fixing block and the reaction tank are assembled.
[0027] Figure 4 This application presents a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover plate of the flow tank.
[0028] Figure 5 This application presents a schematic diagram of the structure of the flow cell base.
[0029] Figure 6 This application presents a schematic diagram of the flow cell structure.
[0030] Figure 7 This application presents a schematic diagram of the structure of a local location where the fiber optic fixing block is combined with the flow cell.
[0031] As shown in the attached diagram: 1. Fiber optic fixing block, 11. Clamping part, 12. Reaction part, 2. Reaction groove, 21. Receiving cavity, 3. Groove, 4. Fiber optic cable, 5. Top cover plate, 51. Receiving groove, 6. Base, 7. Microfluidic channel, 71. Inlet, 72. Outlet. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.
[0033] Furthermore, it should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or it may be fixed via another intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it may be fixed via another intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "set on" another component, it can be set directly on the other component or it may be fixed via another intermediate component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0034] As attached Figure 1-3 As shown, this application discloses a reaction chamber for optical fiber decladding and surface treatment. The structure includes an optical fiber fixing block 1 and a reaction tank 2. The optical fiber fixing block 1 includes a clamping part 11 at the upper part and a reaction part 12 at the lower part. The sidewalls of the clamping part 11 and the reaction part 12 are provided with grooves 3 for accommodating optical fibers. An optical fiber 4 is encapsulated within the grooves 3, extending from the grooves to the lower bottom of the reaction part 12, with the lower bottom portion of the optical fiber 4 protruding from the lower bottom surface of the reaction part. The reaction tank 2 is provided with... The receiving cavity 21 for containing the treatment liquid has an opening that matches the outer contour of the connection between the clamping part 11 and the reaction part 12 (i.e., the size of the opening of the receiving cavity is comparable to the outer contour formed by the connection, so that when the optical fiber fixing block is inserted into the receiving groove, the opening can be sealed here; the lower half of the reaction part is narrower, so that it can be more convenient to immerse in the treatment liquid; the upper top surface of the reaction part is equal to the bottom surface of the clamping part, and is completely matched with the opening of the reaction part, so that it can play a sealing role).
[0035] Using the above structure, in the fiber cladding process, the fiber is encapsulated and fixed to the fiber fixing block. This eliminates the need for the clamp to act directly on the fiber during the entire process or fiber movement; instead, the clamp acts on the fiber fixing block. Therefore, damage to the fiber from the clamp is avoided, ensuring that the fiber will not break or be damaged during decladding and movement. Furthermore, the fiber fixing block can be directly clamped or manually clamped without direct contact with the fiber or causing any pulling, thus improving the fiber's stability and preventing damage. In addition, this application provides [features / features] on the side of the fiber fixing block. A groove is provided, allowing the optical fiber to be recessed within it, eliminating the need for direct contact or compression with other components, thus effectively protecting the integrity of the optical fiber. Furthermore, this application places the working section requiring decladding on the lower surface of the reaction section, ensuring that only this section contacts the processing liquid within the reaction tank, achieving high precision in decladding. Moreover, by adapting the opening of the processing liquid accommodating the outer contour of the connection between the clamping section and the reaction section, the processing liquid can be effectively sealed during the cladding process, preventing evaporation, reducing the health impact on operators, and improving the cladding treatment effect.
[0036] As attached Figure 1As shown, the fiber fixing block 1 described in this application has a flat structure, and the fiber 4 is located on the side of the narrow side (i.e., the non-clamping surface) of the fiber fixing block 1, that is, on the non-clamping surfaces on both sides of the clamping part. With the above structure, during the operation of the fiber, the clamp (or manually) can be clamped on the side of the long side of the fiber fixing block, which can increase the clamping area and improve the clamping stability, and will not directly act on the fiber, effectively protecting the fiber from damage by external forces.
[0037] As attached Figure 1 As shown, the reaction section 12 described in this application has a three-dimensional trapezoidal structure (i.e., the upper part is connected to the clamping part, and its large bottom surface is the bottom surface of the clamping part, gradually decreasing downwards), and the cross-sectional area at the connection between the reaction section 12 and the clamping part 11 is larger than the area of the bottom of the reaction section 12; by adopting this structure, the area occupied by the reaction section in the reaction tank can be reduced, ensuring that there is enough treatment liquid in the reaction tank to contact the optical fiber, while saving materials and reducing costs.
[0038] As an example, the bottom extension length of the reaction section 12 described in this application is equal to the length of the working section of the optical fiber 4 (i.e., the length of the optical fiber that needs to have its cladding removed so that the fiber core is exposed and the sensing capability is improved). With this structure, the working section of the optical fiber that needs to have its cladding removed can be processed more accurately, and damage to the cladding of the non-working section can be avoided.
[0039] As an example, see attached Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the groove 3 described in this application is an arc-shaped groove, and the depth of the groove 3 is not less than the diameter of the optical fiber 4 (that is, to ensure that the optical fiber does not protrude from the surface of the groove after being placed in the groove, so that the optical fiber is completely recessed in the groove and does not protrude). With this structure, the optical fiber can be completely recessed in the groove and will not protrude from the surface of the groove, effectively protecting the optical fiber and preventing it from being squeezed by external forces.
[0040] As an example, the extension length of the reaction section 12 described in this application is not greater than the depth of the accommodating cavity 21; that is, the height of the reaction section is less than the depth of the accommodating cavity. With this structure, it can be ensured that the connection is precisely locked at the opening of the accommodating cavity, sealing the opening and preventing the evaporation of the treatment liquid. The accommodating cavity of this application has a square structure, and the reaction section has a three-dimensional trapezoidal structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Because the reaction section does not contact the bottom wall of the accommodating cavity, there is enough treatment liquid to fill between the two, and sufficient treatment liquid can also be provided to wet the fiber optic section that needs to be treated.
[0041] As an example, the groove 3 described in this application is provided with a sealant, which is used to fix the optical fiber (that is, after the optical fiber is placed in the groove, the groove is filled with the sealant, thereby sealing the optical fiber in the groove to fix its position. The sealant can be any curing adhesive, such as resin glue, which can play a role in sealing the optical fiber and does not affect the performance of the optical fiber). With this structure, the optical fiber is encapsulated and fixed on the optical fiber fixing block, and the decladding and movement of the optical fiber are carried out as a whole, making the operation more convenient.
[0042] As attached Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the groove 3 described in this application is located in the center of its side (i.e., in the middle of the side width extension direction); by adopting this structure, the optical fiber can be fixed in the center, improving the accuracy of optical fiber processing, and also preventing the optical fiber from slipping off the bottom of the reaction part.
[0043] As an example, the clamping part 11 described in this application has a length of 20-21 mm, a width of 8-9 mm, and a height of 8-12 mm. The bottom surface of the reaction part 12 has a length of 9-11 mm, a width of 3.00 mm, and a height of 4.5-5.5 mm, with a trapezoidal inclination angle of 30 degrees. This structure can be well adapted to the reaction groove, effectively process the fiber cladding, and facilitate the clamping operation of the fiber.
[0044] As attached Figure 4-7 As shown, this application also provides a flow cell for encapsulating an optical fiber module. The flow cell includes an upper cover plate 5 and a base 6 that are connected to each other. The upper cover plate 5 is provided with a receiving groove 51 for accommodating an optical fiber fixing block. The base 6 is provided with a microfluidic channel 7. The receiving groove 51 and the microfluidic channel 7 are aligned and interconnected. The receiving groove 51 is adapted to the outer contour of the reaction part 12 (that is, the reaction part can be inserted into the receiving groove in a completely fitting manner).
[0045] As an example, see attached Figure 4 , 6 As shown, at least two receiving slots 51 are provided in this application, and the at least two receiving slots 51 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the upper cover plate; by adopting the above structure, the sensing capability after the combination of fiber optic technology and microfluidic technology can be improved, and multi-point sensing can be realized.
[0046] As an example, see attached Figure 4 , 6 As shown, the accommodating slot 51 described in this application is provided with four slots, and the four accommodating slots are arranged side by side along the width direction of the upper cover plate 5.
[0047] As attached Figure 5As shown, the microfluidic channel 7 described in this application is S-shaped along the transverse area of the base 6 (a complete microfluidic channel with one inlet and one outlet, wherein the medium is injected through the inlet and flows out through the outlet, and the working section of the optical fiber senses and detects the flowing medium, and the required signal is collected by the demodulator; the length extension direction of the working section of the optical fiber in this application is consistent with the length extension direction of the microfluidic channel it is aligned with, so as to detect the medium signal more accurately), and the inlet 71 and outlet 72 of the microfluidic channel 7 are located on the same side of the base 6; with the above structure, a sufficiently long microfluidic channel can be arranged in a limited area, and the addition and extraction of the medium inside the microfluidic channel can be carried out through the inlet and outlet on the same side, which is more convenient.
[0048] As one embodiment: the clamping part of the fiber fixing block has a length of 20.77mm, a width of 8.77mm, and a height of 10.00mm; the reaction part has a length of 10.00mm, a width of 3.00mm, and a height of 5.00mm; the trapezoidal tilt angle is 30 degrees; the radius of the bottom surface chamfer is 5.00mm; the fiber groove radius is 1.00mm; the working section of the fiber has a length of 10.00mm and a diameter (fiber core) of 8μm; the diameter of the fiber part is 125μm; the fiber is fixed at the center of the reaction part, and both ends extend from the side of the fixing block into the groove.
[0049] Optical fiber cuboid reaction tank: outer length 30.50mm, outer width 18.50mm, outer height 9.00mm; inner length 20.50mm, inner width 8.50mm, inner height 7.00mm (dimensions of the accommodating cavity); place the optical fiber fixing block into the reaction tank, 2mm away from the bottom wall of the accommodating cavity (it should just fit snugly at this position); solution volume capacity in the reaction tank:
[0050] [348.5 μL~679.61 μL].
[0051] A schematic diagram of the microchannel is attached. Figure 6 As shown: After the fiber cladding treatment reaction is completed, the fiber fixing block is cleaned, and then the entire fiber fixing block is inserted into the receiving groove of the microchannel cover plate. The flow cell cover plate and the base are then aligned and fixed with screws to form a complete microchannel design, constituting the flow cell.
[0052] After the fiber optic fixing block of this application is manufactured, the processed fiber optic cable forms an integral structure with the fixing block and is then inserted into the receiving groove of the upper cover plate. Multiple fiber optic fixing blocks are connected in series on the microfluidic channel.
[0053] The fiber fixing block, reaction tank, and flow cell described in this application can be made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). This material has excellent chemical stability and can come into contact with hydrofluoric acid (which is also the only material that can be used as a container in hydrofluoric acid experiments) to ensure the stability of fiber processing.
[0054] As an example, the optical fiber 4 in the optical fiber fixing block 1 on the receiving slot 51 described in this application can be a single optical fiber connected to each other (i.e., multiple optical fiber fixing blocks are connected in series through a single optical fiber), an independent optical fiber connected separately (not requiring connection to other optical fiber fixing blocks), or an optical fiber connected in parallel (i.e., multiple optical fiber fixing blocks are connected in parallel through optical fibers). Using the above structure, this structure of the present application enables the series, parallel, or individual connection of multiple FBGs, thereby achieving accurate detection results. The optical fiber fixing blocks placed on the flow cell in this application can be designed according to actual needs. For example, some designs require all sensing units (the part fixed at the bottom of the module) to be connected together, in which case the optical fibers on multiple optical fiber fixing blocks can be set as a single connected fiber, or connected in parallel to each other. Other designs require individual modules to be connected separately, in which case the optical fiber of that optical fiber fixing block can be set separately without connection to others. Therefore, this modular optical fiber fixing block of the present application has a high degree of freedom in series and parallel connection, expanding the application range of the module. There are no restrictions on the connection method of the modules (series or parallel), and multiple connection methods can be achieved to meet different detection needs.
[0055] As an example, the input end of the optical fiber 4 in the optical fiber fixing block 1 described in this application is connected to a light source, and the output end is connected to a spectrometer. The output end of the spectrometer is connected to a computer for data collection and processing. With the above structure, signal transmission in the microfluidic channel can also be realized. Moreover, the working section below the optical fiber fixing module uses a common optical fiber section, which is more adaptable and does not require specific types such as FBG.
[0056] As one embodiment, the optical fiber 4 in the optical fiber fixing block 1 described in this application is connected to a demodulator (fiber grating demodulator), and the demodulator is electrically connected to a computer; thus forming a complete detection device. After connecting the optical fiber to the demodulator, the target to be tested can be detected, and the detection signal can be transmitted to the computer in a timely manner. The signal detected by the optical fiber can be collected and processed in a timely manner to obtain the final detection result.
[0057] The specific operation process is as follows: (1) First, place the optical fiber in the groove of the side wall of the optical fiber fixing block (located in the side wall that does not need to be clamped, as shown in the attached figure, which is the side wall where the wide or narrow side is located), and fix the optical fiber with sealant so that it will not move. The length of the optical fiber at the bottom does not have a groove, but directly protrudes from the surface of the bottom of the fixing block for processing; (2) Add the solution required for cladding removal to the accommodating cavity of the reaction tank: such as using hydrofluoric acid (HF) to etch the working section or fiber Bragg grating (FBG); then put the lower end (reaction part) of the optical fiber fixing block into the accommodating cavity, and ensure that the optical fiber at the bottom of the fixing block is wetted by the solution. After being put in, the device can just lock and seal the opening of the accommodating cavity, achieving overall sealing. The internal solution will not leak / evaporate, effectively protecting the optical fiber part in contact with the solution to achieve precise functional reaction; (3) After the reaction is completed, remove the optical fiber fixing block from the reaction tank and perform After cleaning, the fiber optic fixing block is embedded in the receiving groove of the microchannel; the upper cover plate of the flow cell and the base containing the microfluidic microchannel are fixed together with screws (specifically, four through holes are set at the four corners of the upper cover plate, and four threaded holes are set on the corresponding base, and the two are connected through the above-mentioned through holes, threaded holes and bolts), forming a flow cell with a complete encapsulated fiber optic module (fiber optic fixing block); the input end of the fiber in the fiber optic fixing block is connected to a light source, and the output end is connected to a spectrometer. The output end of the spectrometer is connected to a computer for data collection and processing (this can be a regular fiber optic cable, and the working section on it is also a regular fiber optic cable after cladding treatment); or the clad FBG on the fiber optic fixing block is connected to a demodulator, and the demodulator is connected to a computer for the transmission and collection of detection data; while the medium flows in the microfluidic channel and contacts the working section of the fiber optic cable at the bottom of the fiber optic fixing block to achieve reaction and transmit the reaction signal to the demodulator.Using the above structure, this application provides an optical fiber fixing block and a flow cell that can encapsulate an optical fiber module (optical fiber fixing block). This flow cell allows for the integral insertion and installation of the optical fiber fixing block prepared in this application, and it can be well integrated with the microfluidic channel. It eliminates the need to disassemble the optical fiber from the fixing block; instead, the entire block is directly installed on the top cover of the flow cell, preventing contact, damage, or breakage of the optical fiber, especially the decladding working section (fiber core). Therefore, this integral optical fiber fixing module does not damage the optical fiber. Simultaneously, it can effectively integrate with the microfluidic channel, realizing the fabrication of the flow cell. Furthermore, it aligns and connects the processed optical fiber working section with the microfluidic channel, improving the sensing capability of the combined optical fiber and microfluidic technologies. Most importantly, this optical fiber fixing block not only facilitates the effective cladding treatment of the working section (processing the optical fiber section requiring decladding as much as possible, minimizing the impact on other areas, and improving the processing accuracy and precision of the working section), but also achieves good compatibility with the reaction tank, ensuring the working section's... The processing effect is excellent; it can also effectively protect the optical fiber from external damage, and the fixing block for protecting the optical fiber can be moved as a whole into the flow cell, achieving good adaptation with the flow cell. That is, a single optical fiber fixing block can effectively protect the optical fiber from damage, accurately remove the cladding to obtain the working section, and can be integrally inserted into the flow cell and effectively connected with the microfluidic channel, ultimately obtaining a microfluidic flow cell structure with good sensing capabilities for detection. Existing technologies mostly focus on removing the optical fiber cladding, but rarely pay attention to how to effectively protect the optical fiber itself during the cladding removal process to prevent damage to the optical fiber caused by clamping during movement. They also rarely pay attention to the impact of the toxicity and volatility of the processing liquid on the cladding removal and the health of operators, and rarely pay attention to how the processed optical fiber can be easily and quickly adapted to the flow cell to meet the needs of different detection (series, parallel or individual connection). The technical solution of this application successfully solves the above-mentioned technical problems.
Claims
1. A reaction cell for optical fiber decladding and surface treatment, characterized in that: The device includes an optical fiber fixing block and a reaction tank. The optical fiber fixing block includes a clamping part located at the upper part and a reaction part located at the lower part. The sidewalls of the clamping part and the reaction part are provided with grooves for accommodating optical fibers. The optical fibers are encapsulated in the grooves and extend from the grooves to the lower bottom of the reaction part, with the optical fibers at the lower bottom protruding from the lower bottom surface of the reaction part. The reaction tank is provided with a receiving cavity for accommodating the treatment liquid. The opening of the receiving cavity is adapted to the outer contour of the connection between the clamping part and the reaction part. The groove contains a sealant for fixing the optical fiber; the groove is located in the center of its side surface; the groove is arc-shaped and its depth is not less than the diameter of the optical fiber; the extension length of the reaction section is not greater than the depth of the accommodating cavity; the optical fiber fixing block has a flat structure, and the optical fiber is located on the side surface where the narrow side of the optical fiber fixing block is located.
2. The reaction cell for optical fiber decladding and surface treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reaction section has a three-dimensional trapezoidal structure, and the cross-sectional area at the connection between the reaction section and the clamping section is larger than the area of the bottom of the reaction section.
3. The reaction cell for optical fiber decladding and surface treatment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The length of the bottom surface of the reaction section is equal to the length of the working section of the optical fiber.
4. The reaction cell for optical fiber decladding and surface treatment according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The clamping part is 20-21mm long, 8-9mm wide, and 8-12mm high. The bottom surface of the reaction part is 9-11mm long, 3.00mm wide, and 4.5-5.5mm high, with a trapezoidal inclination angle of 30 degrees.
5. A flow cell for encapsulating an optical fiber module, characterized in that: The flow cell includes an upper cover plate and a base that are joined together. The upper cover plate is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the optical fiber fixing block as described in any one of claims 1-3. The base is provided with a microfluidic channel. The receiving groove is aligned with and communicates with the microfluidic channel, and the receiving groove is adapted to the outer contour of the reaction section.
6. The flow cell for encapsulating an optical fiber module according to claim 5, characterized in that: At least two receiving slots are provided, and the at least two receiving slots are arranged side by side along the width direction of the upper cover plate; the microfluidic channels are distributed in an S-shape in the transverse plane of the base, and the inlet and outlet of the microfluidic channels are located on the same side of the base; the optical fiber fixing block, reaction tank and flow cell are all made of polytetrafluoroethylene.
7. The flow cell for encapsulating an optical fiber module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The accommodating slots are provided in four rows, arranged side by side along the width of the upper cover plate. The optical fibers within the optical fiber fixing blocks on each accommodating slot are either connected in series via a single optical fiber, or do not require connection to other optical fiber fixing blocks, or are connected in parallel via optical fibers. The input end of the optical fiber within each optical fiber fixing block is connected to a light source, and the output end is connected to a spectrometer. The output end of the spectrometer is connected to a computer for data collection and processing. Alternatively, the optical fiber within each optical fiber fixing block is connected to a demodulator, and the demodulator is electrically connected to the computer.
Citation Information
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