A fiber optic amplifier

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of communication equipment. An embodiment of this invention provides an optical fiber amplifier, comprising: an optical fiber, at least a portion of which is an amplifying optical fiber; multiple optical fiber layers, spaced apart along the height direction, each layer carrying the optical fiber and supporting optical fiber connections between adjacent layers; at least one layer is an amplifying optical fiber layer, carrying the amplifying optical fiber and including a heating component and a laser component, the amplifying optical fiber being connected to the laser; and a heat insulation element disposed between the amplifying optical fiber layer and adjacent optical fiber layers. By providing a heat insulation element between the amplifying optical fiber layer and adjacent optical fiber layers, the impact of the heating component of the amplifying optical fiber layer on components in other optical fiber layers is reduced, extending the lifespan of components in other optical fiber layers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of communication equipment, and particularly relates to an optical fiber amplifier. Background Technology

[0002] In long-distance optical fiber communication, fiber loss and dispersion are unavoidable, thus requiring fiber amplifiers to amplify the optical signal. Fiber amplifiers are based on stimulated emission of laser light, achieving amplification by converting the energy of the pump laser into the energy of the signal light.

[0003] The fiber optic amplifier contains electronic components, optical components, amplifying optical fibers, and ordinary transmission optical fibers. In order to ensure the gain effect of the amplifying optical fiber, it is necessary to insulate the amplifying optical fiber. In related technologies, the insulation part of the amplifying optical fiber can easily affect the transmission optical fiber to a certain extent, resulting in a reduction in the service life of the transmission optical fiber. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide an optical fiber amplifier to solve the technical problem of how to reduce the impact of the heat insulation portion of the amplifying optical fiber on the components of other optical fiber layers and extend the service life of the components of other optical fiber layers.

[0005] This invention provides an optical fiber amplifier, comprising: an optical fiber, at least a portion of which is an amplifying optical fiber; multiple optical fiber layers, spaced apart along the height direction, each optical fiber layer carrying the optical fiber and supporting optical fiber connections between adjacent optical fiber layers; at least one optical fiber layer being an amplifying optical fiber layer, which carries the amplifying optical fiber and includes a heating component and a laser component, the amplifying optical fiber being connected to the laser component; and a heat insulation element disposed between the amplifying optical fiber layers and adjacent optical fiber layers.

[0006] Furthermore, the optical fiber layer also includes a transmission optical fiber layer, and the uppermost layer of the multiple optical fiber layers is configured as the transmission optical fiber layer.

[0007] Furthermore, the heat insulation element is arranged along the length direction of the amplifying optical fiber.

[0008] Furthermore, the optical fiber layer is provided with a limiting member, the limiting member having a receiving cavity, and at least a portion of the optical fiber is disposed within the receiving cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, the heating component is disposed within the receiving cavity of the amplifying optical fiber layer.

[0010] Furthermore, the limiting member is arranged circumferentially along the fiber layer.

[0011] Furthermore, the limiting member is detachably connected to the optical fiber layer.

[0012] Furthermore, the limiting member includes two spaced-apart side walls and a bottom connecting the two side walls, the two side walls and the bottom forming an upward-opening receiving cavity.

[0013] Furthermore, a through slot is provided on the optical fiber layer, and at least one sidewall of the limiting member can pass through the through slot so that the optical fiber layer is sleeved on the limiting member.

[0014] Furthermore, the fiber amplifier also includes a fixing member disposed on the side wall, and / or, the fixing member is disposed on the fiber layer.

[0015] This invention provides an optical fiber amplifier, including optical fibers, at least a portion of which are amplifying fibers; multiple fiber layers spaced apart along the height direction, each fiber layer carrying optical fibers and supporting fiber connections between adjacent fiber layers; at least one fiber layer is an amplifying fiber layer, carrying the amplifying fibers and including a heating component and a laser component, the amplifying fibers being connected to the laser; and a heat insulation element disposed between the amplifying fiber layers and adjacent fiber layers. By providing a heat insulation element between the amplifying fiber layers and adjacent fiber layers, the impact of the heating component of the amplifying fiber layer on the components of other fiber layers is reduced, extending the service life of the components in other fiber layers. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber amplifier structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another fiber optic amplifier structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a heat insulation element structure for an optical fiber amplifier provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a limiting component structure for an optical fiber amplifier provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another limiting component structure of the fiber optic amplifier provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an amplifying fiber layer structure of an optical fiber amplifier provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a transmission fiber layer structure of an optical fiber amplifier provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is provided by the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the plate-like structure of the intermediate magnification fiber layer;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber coil arrangement for an amplified optical fiber layer provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an optical fiber coil arrangement for a transmission optical fiber layer provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the housing of an optical fiber amplifier provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of an optical fiber amplifier provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1-Fiber optic cable, 2-Fiber optic layer, 3-Heat insulation element, 11-Amplifying fiber optic cable, 21-Amplifying fiber optic layer, 4-Heating component, 5-Laser component, 22-Transmission fiber optic layer, 12-Transmission fiber optic cable, 6-Limiting component, 61-Side wall, 62-Bottom, 7-Through groove, 8-Fixing component, 611-Inner side wall, 612-Outer side wall, 9-Side plate, 10-Housing, 101-Upper housing, 102-Lower housing. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0032] The specific technical features described in the specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different combinations of specific technical features can form different embodiments and technical solutions. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features in this invention will not be described separately.

[0033] In the following description, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish different objects and do not imply any similarity or connection between them. It should be understood that the directional descriptions "first direction" and "width direction" refer to the directions under normal use conditions.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0035] Fiber optic amplifiers, depending on their location and function in fiber optic lines, generally include repeater amplifiers, preamplifiers, and power amplifiers. Fiber optic amplifiers are created by doping the fiber with rare-earth ions (such as erbium, praseodymium, thulium, etc.) to form fiber optic amplifiers doped with different elements, such as erbium-doped fiber optic amplifiers, praseodymium-doped fiber optic amplifiers, or thulium-doped fiber optic amplifiers. This allows the fiber optic amplifier to operate in different wavelength windows, such as the 1.55μm band and the 1.31μm band. Any scenario using the fiber optic amplifier provided in the embodiments of this invention to amplify optical signals on fiber optic lines at different locations, as well as using rare-earth-doped fibers for application in different wavelength windows, are within the protection scope of the embodiments of this invention. Different usage locations and different doped fiber elements do not affect the structure of the fiber optic amplifier in the embodiments of this application. The fiber optic amplifier provided in the embodiments of this invention will be described exemplarily below.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, it includes: optical fiber 1, optical fiber layer 2, and thermal insulation element 3. At least a portion of the optical fiber is an amplifying optical fiber 11. That is, in this embodiment of the invention, at least the amplifying optical fiber 11 serves as the gain medium of the optical fiber amplifier. Specifically, the core of the optical fiber amplifier is the amplifying optical fiber. The optical fiber amplifier uses rare earth ions (such as erbium, praseodymium, thulium, etc.) doped into the optical fiber as the laser active material, i.e., the gain medium. Under the condition of the gain medium, photons generated by stimulated emission continue to induce stimulated emission, thereby enhancing the photon flux and amplifying the signal light. The amplifying optical fiber can be erbium-doped, praseodymium-doped, or thulium-doped, etc. Different rare earth ions result in different optical fiber gain bandwidths. Optical fibers doped with different elements can be selected as needed. It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention, the number of optical fibers can be one or more, and the length is not limited, as long as it meets the design requirements.

[0037] Fiber optic layer 2 comprises multiple layers spaced apart along the height direction. Fiber optic layer 2 carries fiber optic fibers 1, connecting adjacent fiber optic layers 2. Fiber optic layer 2 is a physical component capable of carrying optical fibers, electronic components, active optical devices, or passive optical devices. For example, the fiber optic layer is a board structure, specifically a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The PCB not only serves as a support for electronic components but also as a carrier for their electrical interconnection. The fiber optic layer is configured as multiple layers, meaning at least two layers. It should be noted that the multiple fiber optic layers are spaced apart along the height direction by a predetermined distance, with a predetermined space between adjacent fiber optic layers. This predetermined space can be configured according to the size of the components installed in the fiber optic layer or the number of optical fibers to be accommodated. The fiber optic layers carry optical fibers; different fiber optic layers can carry different optical fibers and corresponding components as needed. It should be noted that the different optical fibers described here are mainly used to distinguish between amplifying and non-amplifying optical fibers. Optical fibers can be arbitrarily arranged on the fiber optic layer according to the layer's structure. A dedicated cavity can be created in the main space of the fiber optic layer to centrally house the fibers, or the fibers can be routed around electronic or optical components and placed at any location within the layer. The arrangement of fibers on the fiber optic layer is flexible; they can be centrally located or distributed. The connection between fibers carrying light between adjacent fiber optic layers allows for the transmission of optical signals, thus enabling rational arrangement based on the length or number of fibers.

[0038] At least one fiber layer 2 is an amplifying fiber layer 21, which carries an amplifying fiber 11 and includes a heating component 4 and a laser component 5. The amplifying fiber 11 is connected to the laser component 5. The amplifying fiber layer contains at least the basic structural components for amplifying optical signals, such as a laser component and a heating component. Specifically, the amplifying fiber layer carries an amplifying fiber, such as erbium-doped fiber, and the laser component includes at least optical couplers, optical isolators, optical filters, pump laser sources, and other components that can be connected to the erbium-doped fiber to amplify the optical signal. The heating component is used to heat and maintain the temperature of the erbium-doped fiber. Because erbium-doped fiber has a gain spectrum that changes with temperature, a heating component is needed within the erbium-doped fiber amplifier to ensure gain stability across the entire temperature range (-5 to 55°C). The heating component may include heating elements such as heating wires, temperature sensors such as thermistors, and temperature controllers to maintain the temperature characteristics of the erbium-doped fiber. The heating element is positioned close to the amplifying fiber to provide temperature to the fiber.

[0039] The amplifying fiber layer must be at least one layer to house the basic components required for amplifying the optical signal, while the other layers are non-amplifying fiber layers. There can also be two or more amplifying fiber layers. Two or more amplifying fiber layers can be arranged adjacent to each other, or other non-amplifying fiber layers can be placed between two amplifying fiber layers. The number of fiber layers can be determined based on the component layout and the size of the fiber layer area.

[0040] A heat insulation element 3 is disposed between the amplifying fiber layer 21 and the adjacent fiber layer. The heat insulation element is used to isolate the heat generated by the heating component from other components or fiber layers. Specifically, the amplifying fiber layer is equipped with a heating component. Therefore, the heat insulation element is disposed between the amplifying fiber layer and the adjacent fiber layer, which can be either an amplifying fiber layer or a non-amplifying fiber layer. That is, the heat insulation element is disposed between amplifying fiber layers or between an amplifying fiber layer and a non-amplifying fiber layer.

[0041] Specifically, in fiber amplifiers, to effectively utilize the internal space and reduce the size of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, related technologies have changed the heating components of the erbium-doped fiber from a traditional discrete design to a three-dimensional stacked design, with erbium-doped and undoped fibers arranged on upper and lower layers, but the heating components positioned between them. However, the heat generated by the heating components can easily affect the undoped fiber, causing thermal interference over time and impacting its lifespan. In this embodiment of the invention, by placing a heat insulation element between adjacent fiber layers (i.e., between fiber layers), the impact of the heating component of the amplifying fiber layer on components in other fiber layers is reduced, extending the lifespan of components in other fiber layers.

[0042] Along the height direction, multiple fiber optic layers are spaced apart by a predetermined space, and the optical fibers are carried on the fiber optic layers. Thus, unlike placing the heat insulation element between the amplifying and non-amplifying optical fibers, in this embodiment of the invention, the heat insulation element is placed between adjacent fiber optic layers of the amplifying fiber optic layer, and the adjacent fiber optic layers are spaced apart, resulting in a certain distance between the optical fibers of adjacent fiber optic layers. Therefore, the spaced arrangement of multiple fiber optic layers along the height direction in this embodiment of the invention further serves to avoid thermal interference.

[0043] Multiple fiber optic layers are spaced apart along the height direction, and the distance between two adjacent fiber optic layers can be set at a preset distance. In this way, more components and optical fibers can be accommodated. Each fiber optic layer can be used to set up corresponding electronic components or optical devices, so that the components are arranged in an orderly manner, which facilitates process arrangement and product maintenance. This reduces the space occupied by optical fibers, electronic components and optical devices arranged on the same layer.

[0044] This invention provides an optical fiber amplifier, including optical fibers, at least a portion of which are amplifying fibers; fiber layers, comprising multiple layers spaced apart along the height direction, each layer accommodating the optical fibers; at least one layer being an amplifying fiber layer, which houses the amplifying fibers and includes a heating assembly and a laser assembly, the amplifying fibers being connected to the laser; and a heat insulation element disposed between adjacent fiber layers. By placing a heat insulation element between adjacent fiber layers, the impact of the heating assembly of the amplifying fiber layer on components in other fiber layers is reduced, extending the lifespan of components in other fiber layers. By spaced the multiple fiber layers along the height direction, the optical fibers are carried on the fiber layers, increasing the distance between the amplifying fibers on the amplifying fiber layer and the fibers on adjacent fiber layers, further reducing thermal interference. Furthermore, by using multiple fiber layers, the optical fibers and various components can be distributed across different fiber layers, reducing the space occupancy of the optical fibers and various components on the same plane.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, fiber layer 2 also includes a transmission fiber layer 22, with the uppermost layer of the multi-layer fiber structure being the transmission fiber layer 22. The transmission fiber layer 22 carries the transmission fiber 12, which is a non-amplifying fiber, a commonly used fiber for light transmission. Thus, fiber layer 2 includes an amplifying fiber layer 21 and a transmission fiber layer 22. The amplifying fiber layer 21 and the transmission fiber layer 22 can be multi-layered, and they can be interleaved. A heat insulation element 3 is provided between the amplifying fiber layer 21 and the transmission fiber layer 22 to prevent the heat generated by the heating component 4 in the amplifying fiber from affecting the transmission fiber 12 and the electronic components of the transmission fiber layer 22. The uppermost layer of the multi-layer fiber structure, i.e., the top layer of the multi-layer fiber structure, is the transmission fiber layer 22, meaning that at least one amplifying fiber layer 21 is located below the transmission fiber layer 22. Figure 2 As shown in this embodiment, there are two fiber layers along the height direction: the uppermost layer is the transmission fiber layer 22, and the lowermost layer is the amplification fiber layer 21. A heat insulation element 3 is disposed between the amplification fiber layer 21 and the transmission fiber layer 22. The heat insulation element 3 is located at the upper end of the amplification fiber layer 21. It should be noted that "upper end" here refers to the upper end of the entire amplification fiber layer, including all the components and the amplification fiber. By placing the heat insulation element 3 at the upper end of the amplification fiber layer 21, the heating component 4 and the amplification fiber 11 can be covered, providing insulation. Furthermore, by placing the amplification fiber layer 21 below the transmission fiber layer 22 and using the heat insulation element, the amplification fiber is further insulated, maintaining its temperature characteristics and ensuring the desired gain is achieved.

[0046] Furthermore, the heat insulation element 3 is configured as a plate-like structure with the same shape or volume as the optical fiber layer 2. It can be a sheet-like structure covering the entire amplifying optical fiber layer, or it can partially cover the amplifying optical fiber layer, for example, only covering the amplifying optical fiber 11 on the amplifying optical fiber layer 21. The heat insulation element 3 is actually used to isolate the heating component from thermal interference to other components. Thus, the heat insulation element 3 can be positioned according to the location of the heating component 4 or the amplifying optical fiber located close to the heating component 4. The heat insulation element 3 can be made of materials with heat insulation properties, such as glass fiber, asbestos, rock wool, silicates, etc., or novel heat insulation materials such as aerogel felt, vacuum panels, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, the heat insulation element 3 is arranged along the length direction of the amplifying optical fiber 11. It should be noted that the length direction of the amplifying optical fiber 11 is the direction of the maximum dimension of the optical fiber when it extends in any configuration. The length direction of the amplifying optical fiber 11 can be a straight line or a curve. Furthermore, the length direction of the amplifying optical fiber 11 is the winding direction of the amplifying optical fiber 11. That is, the heat insulation element 3 is arranged according to the winding direction and position of the amplifying optical fiber 11.

[0048] Optionally, if the amplifying optical fiber 11 is coiled at any position on the amplifying optical fiber layer 21, the heat insulation element 3 can be configured to have the same coiling direction as the amplifying optical fiber. For example, if the coiling direction of the amplifying optical fiber 11 is curved, then the heat insulation element 3 will also have a curved structure, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the heat insulation element 3 is a closed ring structure. Since the winding direction of the magnifying optical fiber 11 is a straight line, the shape of the heat insulation element 3 is also a straight line.

[0049] Optionally, the amplifying optical fiber 11 is centrally housed within a box-like structure, and the heat insulation element 3 can be configured as a plate-like or sheet-like structure similar to the box-like structure, covering the upper layer of the box. Arranging the heat insulation element along the length of the amplifying optical fiber saves on material usage while still meeting the requirements for heat preservation and insulation of the amplifying optical fiber.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the fiber layer 2 is provided with a limiting member 6, which has a receiving cavity S, within which at least a portion of the optical fiber 2 is disposed. The limiting member 6 includes at least two side walls 61 to restrict the width direction of the optical fiber. It should be noted that the receiving cavity S can be formed by the limiting member 6 itself, or by the limiting member 6 cooperating with a plate-like structure of the fiber layer 2. At least a portion of the optical fiber is disposed within the receiving cavity S; that is, according to the needs of the fiber layer 2, after a portion of the optical fiber is disposed in the receiving cavity S, another portion of the optical fiber extends out of the fiber layer and connects to the optical fiber on the adjacent fiber layer. The limiting member 6 can be as follows: Figure 4 The closed ring shape shown can also be as follows: Figure 5The structure shown is open at both ends. The structure of the limiting member 6 is also set according to the length direction of the optical fiber 1. The limiting member 6 is set on both sides of the optical fiber 1 along the width direction of the optical fiber 1 to restrict the optical fiber from spreading out in the width direction. Here, "spreading out" means that the optical fiber 1 is not confined within the receiving cavity S of the limiting member 6, but pops out to the outside of the limiting member, occupying other space in the optical fiber layer.

[0051] Optionally, the limiting member 6 formed by the two side walls 61 has a hollow structure at the bottom. The two side walls 61 are connected to the plate-like structure of the optical fiber layer 2 to form a U-shaped structure. The U-shaped structure is a cavity S with a certain depth. Placing the optical fiber 1 in the cavity S can effectively limit the winding of the optical fiber 1 along the length direction of the optical fiber, so that the position of the optical fiber 1 in the optical fiber amplifier is orderly.

[0052] Optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the limiting member 6 is a solid structure. The limiting member 6 includes two spaced-apart side walls 61 and a bottom 62 connecting the side walls 61. The side walls 61 and the bottom 62 form an upward-opening receiving cavity S. Thus, the limiting member 6 has a U-shaped structure, which is readily available and convenient for mass production. The independent U-shaped structure of the limiting member and its detachable connection to the fiber optic layer facilitate product installation and subsequent maintenance.

[0053] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the invention, the limiting member 6 of the amplifying fiber layer 21 can be structurally matched with the heat insulation element 3, and the heat insulation element 3 can cover the upper end of the amplifying fiber in the limiting member 6. For example, the limiting member 6 of the amplifying fiber layer 21 is... Figure 4 When the structure shown is used, Figure 4 The bottom shape of the limiting member 6 in the middle is similar to Figure 3 The structure of the heat insulation element 3 is similar.

[0054] In another embodiment, the limiting member 6 is the aforementioned box-shaped structure. Placing the optical fiber within the receiving cavity S of the box-shaped structure effectively limits the space occupancy of the optical fiber 1 in the amplifier. Furthermore, the amplifying optical fiber layer 21 is disposed on the limiting member 6 to limit the placement position of the amplifying optical fiber 11, and the transmission optical fiber layer 22 is provided with the limiting member 6 to limit the placement position of the transmission optical fiber 12. The specific structure of the limiting member 6 is not limited and may include, but is not limited to, those described above. Figure 4 , Figure 5 or Figure 7 Any structure in the present invention, any structure that can limit the optical fiber width on both sides, is included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the limiting member 6 is arranged circumferentially along the fiber layer 2. The limiting member 6 is arranged correspondingly to the length direction of the fiber 1 on the fiber layer 2. The fiber 1 can be coiled at any position on the fiber layer 2, bypassing the components on the fiber layer 2. In order to facilitate the neatness and orderliness of the fiber layer 2 and the arrangement of components on the fiber layer 2, in this embodiment, the limiting member 6 is arranged circumferentially along the fiber layer 2. It should be noted that the circumferential arrangement here can mean that the limiting member 6 is arranged around the four sides of the fiber layer 2, that is, the limiting member 6 occupies the area of ​​the fiber layer 2, i.e., as shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown; alternatively, the limiting member 6 can be disposed around the outer perimeter of the fiber layer 2, meaning the limiting member 6 does not occupy the area of ​​the fiber layer 2. It should be noted that when the limiting member 6 is disposed around the perimeter of the fiber layer 2, the bottom 62 of the limiting member 6 can be a plate-like structure of the fiber layer 2, or it can be disposed separately, meaning the bottom 61 of the limiting member 6 is superimposed on the fiber layer 2. By distributing the limiting member 6 along the circumference of the fiber layer 2, and thus distributing the fiber 1 along the circumference of the fiber 2, the planar space of the fiber layer 2 can be fully utilized, reducing the space occupancy rate when using a portion of the space on the fiber layer to centrally distribute the fiber. The following is an example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 For example, the way the limiting member 6 is set along the circumference of the optical fiber layer 2 is illustrated.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, a limiting member 6 is circumferentially disposed on the amplifying fiber layer 21, wherein the heating component 4 is disposed within the receiving cavity S of the amplifying fiber layer 21. The heating component 4 is disposed in the amplifying fiber layer 21 to heat the amplifying fiber 11. Thus, the closer the heating component 4 is to the amplifying fiber 11, the more beneficial it is to heating the amplifying fiber 11 and stabilizing its temperature characteristics. As discussed above, the fiber 1 is disposed in the receiving cavity S of the limiting member 6, that is, the amplifying fiber 11 is disposed within the receiving cavity S of the limiting member 6 of the amplifying fiber layer 21. The heating component 4 can be disposed within the receiving cavity S or close to the receiving cavity S on the outside of the receiving cavity S. For example, the heating component 4 can be disposed on the side wall 61 of the receiving cavity S or at the bottom of the receiving cavity S.

[0057] In this embodiment, the heating component 4 is positioned at the bottom of the receiving cavity S on the amplifying fiber layer 21. Thus, the amplifying fiber 11 is positioned circumferentially along the receiving cavity S of the limiting member 6 within the amplifying fiber layer 21 and is in contact with the heating component 4, allowing the heating component 4 to directly conduct heat to the amplifying fiber 11, resulting in faster heat transfer. The heat insulation element 3 covers the amplifying fiber 11 positioned circumferentially along the amplifying fiber layer 21, thus forming a heat insulation structure for the amplifying fiber 11, effectively insulating the amplifying fiber and ensuring product performance and reliability. This heat insulation structure avoids the problem in related technologies where the amplifying fiber is concentrated in a box-like structure occupying a large space within the fiber layer, which is detrimental to the arrangement of other electronic components or optical devices. The heat insulation structure formed using this method reduces space occupancy, allowing more amplifying fibers 11 to be accommodated in the space between adjacent fiber layers.

[0058] like Figure 7 As shown, this illustrates a different configuration where the limiting member 6 is circumferentially disposed on the transmission fiber layer 22. In some embodiments, the fiber amplifier further includes a fixing member 8, which is disposed on the fiber layer 2. Figure 7 In this configuration, the fixing member 8 is positioned in the middle of the fiber layer 2. The fixing member 8 can limit and fix the fiber 1 coiled in the middle of the fiber layer 2, preventing the fiber from being scattered. Utilizing the unused middle position of the fiber layer to arrange the fiber makes full use of the space and increases the coiling area of ​​the fiber. Similarly, the fixing member 8 can be positioned in the middle of the amplification fiber layer 21.

[0059] Furthermore, the fastener 8 is disposed on the side wall, that is, the fastener 8 is as follows: Figure 7 The middle edge is disposed at the upper end of the side wall 61 perpendicular to the direction of the limiting member 6, and is used to press the optical fiber and prevent the optical fiber from popping out in the limiting member 6.

[0060] Furthermore, a side plate 9 is provided on any side of the transmission fiber layer 22 for extending and extending the pigtail. The side plate 9 is detachably connected to the transmission fiber layer 22, or it can be pre-installed on the transmission fiber layer 22.

[0061] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the transmission fiber layer 22 can be a hollow structure, and related components can be installed on the physical part of the transmission fiber 22 after being set by the limiting member 6.

[0062] Furthermore, the limiting member 6 is detachably connected to the optical fiber layer 2. Figure 6 , Figure 7This is achieved by splicing the limiting component 6 with the fiber layer 2. A slot or connector can be provided on the fiber layer 2 for the limiting component 6 to connect to it, or the limiting component 6 and the fiber layer 2 can be connected by screws. Correspondingly, positioning holes are provided on both the limiting component 6 and the fiber layer 2. Thus, depending on the coiling direction of the fiber 1, the connection position of the limiting component 6 changes accordingly, ensuring that the coiling direction of the fiber 1 is not restricted by the limiting component 6 being fixed on the fiber layer. In actual installation, the coiling direction and position of the fiber 1 can be adjusted according to the available space on the fiber layer.

[0063] Specifically, Figure 8 As shown, a through slot 7 is provided on the optical fiber layer 2, and at least one side wall 61 of the limiting member 6 can pass through the through slot 7 so that the optical fiber layer 2 is sleeved on the limiting member. According to... Figure 4 In the annular limiting member 6 structure, both side walls 61 of the limiting member 6 can pass through the optical fiber layer 2. Therefore, the through groove 7 on the optical fiber layer 2 needs to be provided in two layers, inner and outer, to correspond to the two side walls 61 of the limiting member 6. In this embodiment, the side wall 61 of the limiting member 6 near the inner side of the annular structure passes through the through groove 7, while the other side wall 61 of the limiting member is restricted to the outer ring of the optical fiber layer 2. Thus, the bottom of the limiting member 6 is superimposed on the optical fiber layer 2. On the enlarged optical fiber layer 21, the part where the bottom of the limiting member 6 is superimposed on the optical fiber layer 2 can be provided with a heating component 4, making the heat preservation structure compact. The cooperation between the through groove 7 and the side wall 61 restricts the movement direction of the limiting member 6, so that the optical fiber layer 2 is firmly sleeved on the limiting member 6. When disassembly is required, the limiting member 6 can simply be removed from the optical fiber layer 2. Disassembly is convenient and installation is stable. It should be noted that the width of the through groove 7 is not less than the width of the side wall 61 of the limiting member 6, so that the side wall 61 can pass through the through groove 7.

[0064] Furthermore, the side wall 61 of the limiting member 6 is provided with an opening R, through which the optical fiber 1 can extend. Specifically, in such a case... Figure 4 , Figure 7 In the ring-shaped limiting member 6 shown, the two side walls 61 are respectively the inner side wall 611 located inside the ring structure and the outer side wall 612 located outside the ring structure. The inner side wall 611 has an opening R, which allows the optical fiber 1, when disposed in the limiting member 6 with a certain thickness, to be wound along the opening R of the inner side wall 611 to a free position on the optical fiber layer 2, for example, the middle position of the optical fiber layer 2. The outer side wall 612 also has an opening R, which allows the optical fiber to extend from or into another optical fiber layer, or the optical fiber of another optical fiber layer to extend into or into the optical fiber layer of that layer. Figure 4 and Figure 7 In the middle, the opening R of the inner side wall 611 and the opening R of the outer side wall 612 are staggered to prevent the optical fiber 1 from spreading out in the limiting member 6.

[0065] like Figure 9The diagram shows the winding pattern of the amplifying optical fiber on the amplifying optical fiber layer, which is either loop-shaped or figure-eight-shaped. After being configured as required, the amplifying optical fiber extends from the R-port. For example... Figure 10 The diagram shows the winding pattern of the transmission optical fiber on the transmission optical fiber layer. This winding pattern can be the same as or different from that of the amplifying optical fiber. The transmission optical fiber can extend from or enter through the R-port. Thus, the amplifying optical fiber and the transmission optical fiber can be connected through the R-port. It should be noted that the amplifying optical fiber layer 21 and the transmission optical fiber layer 22 are arranged as upper and lower layers. To facilitate orderly fiber winding, the fiber extension or entry point of each layer is located on the same side. For example, if the fiber of the transmission optical fiber layer 22 extends from the side where side plate 7 is located, then the fiber extension point of the amplifying optical fiber is the same as the side where the side plate is located. This allows for combination... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, the fiber optic amplifier also includes a housing 10, specifically comprising an upper housing 101 and a lower housing 102. The upper housing 101 is located at the top layer of the fiber optic amplifier, and the lower housing 102 is located at the bottom layer. The housing 10 forms a large accommodating space to accommodate multiple fiber layers, optical fibers, and corresponding components. The upper housing 101 and lower housing 102 are fitted together to provide sealed protection for the internal structure of the fiber optic amplifier.

[0067] like Figure 12 As shown, the fiber optic amplifier provided in this embodiment of the invention can be disassembled from bottom to top into a lower housing 102, a limiting member 6 of one structure, an amplifying fiber layer 21, a heat insulation element 3, a transmission fiber layer 22, a limiting member 6 of another structure, and an upper housing 101. Combined with... Figure 4 As shown, the limiting component located on the amplifying fiber layer is a hollow ring structure, with a bottom, sidewalls, and four arc-shaped inner walls. Connectors, pump lasers, and various fiber-exiting electronic components, as well as non-fiber-exiting electronic components, are disposed on the amplifying fiber layer. The plate-like structure of the amplifying fiber layer is ring-shaped, matching the annular inner sidewalls of the limiting component on the amplifying fiber layer. Combined with... Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the four corners of the plate-like structure of the amplifying fiber layer have arc-shaped through slots that match the arc-shaped inner sidewalls of the four corners of the limiting components on the amplifying fiber layer. The annular area formed by the four arc-shaped through slots and the periphery of the plate-like structure of the amplifying fiber layer can densely arrange heating components, such as thermistors. An internal connector, pump laser, and various fiber-output electrical components are located on the front side of the amplifying fiber layer; the remaining areas, including the back side, can accommodate other non-fiber-output electronic components and positioning openings. Combined with... Figure 11As shown, the bottom of the lower housing has an annular groove that matches the annular shape of the limiting component on the amplifying fiber layer. The mounting holes on the amplifying fiber layer and the pump laser match the mounting holes on the bottom of the lower housing. A thermal insulation element can be installed on the annular portion of the limiting component, providing insulation and heat preservation. The lower housing, the limiting component, and the amplifying fiber layer together form the lower fiber coiling area, combined as shown in the diagram. Figure 9 As shown, the electrical components and amplifying fibers on the amplifying fiber layer can be wound in a loop or figure-eight pattern and exit from the same end as the side plate component. Simultaneously, they can enter the upper fiber coiling area, i.e., the transmission fiber layer. The upper fiber coiling area includes the transmission fiber layer, limiting components on the transmission fiber layer, and the side plate component. The transmission fiber layer has external connectors, external positioning pins, and a pair of internal connectors that match the internal connectors of the amplifying fiber layer. The limiting component on the transmission fiber layer can be a ring-shaped groove with all optical components arranged in a strip-like area in the middle. The side plate has an angled fiber outlet. Screws are used for mounting the limiting component and the side plate. The limiting component and the amplifying fiber layer have positioning holes that match the corresponding screw holes on the lower housing. The fiber in the lower fiber coiling area extends from one end of the R-port and enters the transmission fiber layer from the other end. After installation, the upper fiber coiling area is installed above the lower fiber coiling area, and the side plate and lower housing are fixed in place, thus securing the upper and lower housings together. The housing adopts a concave-convex structure to avoid straight gaps during installation, and also avoids excessive spacing between the housing and the fiber layer and related components, thus ensuring the overall shielding performance of the fiber amplifier.

[0068] By layering amplification and transmission fiber layers and using a coiled fiber arrangement, the routing of all fibers is organically arranged in layers. Both the amplification and transmission fiber layers are detachable, facilitating process installation and subsequent maintenance. The stacked fiber layers provide more space for electronic and optical components. For example, other electronic components can be placed in positions where the amplification and transmission fiber layers do not interfere with each other. This embodiment of the invention effectively increases the arrangement space for electronic and optical components.

[0069] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical fiber amplifier, characterized in that, include: The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing, the upper housing being disposed at the top layer of the fiber optic amplifier and the lower housing being disposed at the bottom layer of the fiber optic amplifier, and the housing forming an accommodating space; Optical fiber, at least in part, is an amplifying optical fiber; The fiber optic layer has multiple layers, which are spaced apart along the height direction. The fiber optic layer is used to carry the optical fiber and to carry the optical fiber connection between two adjacent fiber optic layers. The fiber optic layer is accommodated in the accommodating space. At least one of the optical fiber layers is a transmission optical fiber layer, which carries the transmission optical fiber; at least one of the optical fiber layers is an amplification optical fiber layer, which carries the amplification optical fiber and is provided with a heating component and a laser component, and the amplification optical fiber is connected to the laser component. The optical fiber layer is provided with a limiting member, the limiting member having a receiving cavity, at least a portion of the optical fiber is disposed in the receiving cavity, the limiting member is disposed along the circumferential direction of the optical fiber layer, and the heating component is disposed in the receiving cavity of the amplifying optical fiber layer and is disposed at the bottom of the receiving cavity; A heat insulation element is disposed between the amplifying fiber layer and the adjacent fiber layers. The heat insulation element is disposed along the length direction of the amplifying fiber. The limiting member of the amplifying fiber layer matches the structure of the heat insulation element. The heat insulation element covers the upper end of the amplifying fiber.

2. The fiber optic amplifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The topmost layer of the multi-layered optical fiber is configured as the transmission optical fiber layer.

3. The fiber optic amplifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting component is detachably connected to the optical fiber layer.

4. The fiber optic amplifier according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting member includes two spaced-apart side walls and a bottom connecting the two side walls, the two side walls and the bottom forming an upward-opening receiving cavity.

5. The fiber optic amplifier according to claim 4, characterized in that, The optical fiber layer is provided with a through slot, and at least one sidewall of the limiting member can pass through the through slot so that the optical fiber layer is sleeved on the limiting member.

6. The fiber optic amplifier according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fiber amplifier further includes a fixing member disposed on the side wall, and / or, the fixing member is disposed on the fiber layer.

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