A coupling system for an optical splitter and method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a coupling system of an optical splitter, comprising: a coupling light source and an optical splitter, an input channel of the optical splitter being coupled and connected with the coupling light source; a first optical switch and a double-fiber fiber array, a first channel of the first optical switch being coupled and connected with a first output channel of the optical splitter, a second channel of the first optical switch being coupled and connected with a third power meter, a COM port of the first optical switch being butted with a first input fiber of the double-fiber fiber array, and a second input fiber of the double-fiber fiber array being connected with a fourth power meter; a second optical switch and an N-path fiber array, a second channel of the second optical switch being coupled and connected with a second output channel of the optical splitter, a first channel of the second optical switch being coupled and connected with a first power meter, a COM port of the second optical switch being butted with a first output fiber of the N-path fiber array, and an Nth output fiber of the N-path fiber array being connected with a second power meter. The coupling system and the method thereof improve the coupling efficiency and quickly reach the coupling position meeting the performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical communication technology, and in particular to a coupling system and method for an optical splitter. Background Technology

[0002] A 2*N type optical splitter is a fiber optic splitter device that splits the optical path of a single optical fiber into multiple branch optical paths to facilitate the connection of multiple devices.

[0003] The commonly used scheme for coupling and debugging optical path structure of existing 2*N type optical splitters is:

[0004] 1. The coupled light source emits light through the first channel port of the 1×2 optical switch and is connected to the first and second power meters for zeroing;

[0005] 2. Place the dual-fiber array, optical splitter chip, and N-way fiber array to be coupled in the corresponding positions on the coupling device, and connect the first output fiber and the Nth output fiber of the N-way fiber array to the first power meter and the second power meter, respectively.

[0006] 3. Connect the first channel fiber and the first input fiber of the optical switch using a single fiber alignment device. The coupling device automatically adjusts the position of the dual-fiber fiber array and the N-way fiber array so that the performance indicators monitored by the first power meter and the second power meter meet the requirements. At this time, the first input fiber of the dual-fiber fiber array, the optical splitter chip, and the N-way fiber array are coupled.

[0007] 4. Connect the optical switch to the second channel, and use a single-fiber alignment device to connect the second channel fiber and the second input fiber of the optical switch. The coupling device automatically adjusts the position of the dual-fiber array and the N-way fiber array so that the performance indicators monitored by the first power meter and the second power meter meet the requirements. At this time, the second input fiber of the dual-fiber array, the optical splitter chip, and the N-way fiber array are coupled.

[0008] 5. Connect the optical switch to the first channel and check if the performance indicators displayed by the power meter meet the requirements. If not, use the coupling device to automatically adjust the positions of the dual-fiber array and the N-way fiber array so that the performance indicators monitored by the first and second power meters meet the requirements. Connect the optical switch to the second channel and check if the performance indicators displayed by the power meter meet the requirements. If not, use the coupling device to automatically adjust the positions of the dual-fiber array and the N-way fiber array so that the performance indicators monitored by the first and second power meters meet the requirements.

[0009] Repeat step 5 until the coupling performance of both input channels meets the requirements. Apply UV-curing adhesive to the two-fiber array, optical splitter chip, and N-channel fiber array and cure. Coupling is complete.

[0010] However, the above coupling methods have the following problems:

[0011] It is impossible to monitor the performance indicators of the first and second input channels at the same time. Repeated coupling of the dual-fiber array is required to ensure that the performance indicators of the two channels meet the requirements at the same time. Sometimes, it is even impossible to couple them to a position where the requirements are met simultaneously. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This invention provides a coupling system and method for an optical splitter to solve the technical problems of low debugging efficiency, difficulty in controlling performance indicators, and low reliability in commonly used debugging methods in the prior art.

[0013] To address the aforementioned problems, the first objective of this invention is to provide a coupling system for an optical splitter, comprising:

[0014] A coupled light source and an optical splitter, wherein the input channel of the optical splitter is coupled to the coupled light source;

[0015] A first optical switch and a dual-fiber array, wherein the first channel of the first optical switch is coupled to the first output channel of the optical splitter, the second channel of the first optical switch is coupled to the third power meter, the COM port fiber of the first optical switch is connected to the first input fiber of the dual-fiber array at the first docking point by a fiber optic alignment instrument, and the second input fiber of the dual-fiber array is connected to the fourth power meter.

[0016] The second optical switch and the N-way fiber array are described. The second channel of the second optical switch is coupled to the second output channel of the optical splitter. The first channel of the second optical switch is coupled to the first power meter. The COM port fiber of the second optical switch is connected to the first output fiber of the N-way fiber array at the second docking point through a fiber optic alignment instrument. The Nth output fiber of the N-way fiber array is connected to the second power meter.

[0017] The coupling light source, the optical splitter, the first optical switch, the dual-fiber array, the second optical switch, the N-way fiber array, and the optical splitter chip are all electrically connected to the computer control system.

[0018] The fourth power meter and the second power meter are respectively used to detect the optical power value of the output optical signal of the coupled light source entering the dual-fiber optical array and the N-way optical array, so as to align and couple the dual-fiber optical array and the N-way optical array with the optical splitter chip according to the optical power value of the output optical signal of the coupled light source.

[0019] Preferably, both the first optical switch and the second optical switch are 1×2 optical switches.

[0020] Preferably, the optical splitter is a 1×2 optical splitter.

[0021] Preferably, the core diameter of the dual-fiber array is in the range of 90-115 μm, the waveguide size of the optical splitter chip is in the range of 6-16 μm, and the numerical aperture of the N-way fiber array is in the range of 0.25-0.4.

[0022] Preferably, the coupling light source is a laser light source.

[0023] A second objective of this invention is to provide a coupling method for a 2*N optical splitter as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0024] S1: Keep the first channel of the first optical switch and the second optical switch connected, connect the COM port fiber of the first optical switch to the second power meter for zeroing, and connect the COM port fiber of the first optical switch to the COM port fiber of the second optical switch at the second pair of nodes through a single fiber alignment instrument. At this time, the first power meter is zeroed.

[0025] S2: Keep the second channels of the first optical switch and the second optical switch connected. At this time, keep the COM port fiber of the first optical switch connected to the COM port fiber of the second optical switch through the single fiber alignment instrument at the second pair of nodes, clear the third power meter, and then connect the COM port fiber of the second optical switch to the fourth power meter for clearing.

[0026] S3: Connect the first channel of the first optical switch and the second optical switch, place the dual-fiber array, optical splitter chip and N-way fiber array to be coupled in the corresponding positions of the coupling device, connect the Nth output fiber of the N-way fiber array to the second power meter, and connect the second input fiber of the dual-fiber array to the fourth power meter.

[0027] S4: Connect the COM port fiber of the first optical switch to the first input fiber of the dual-fiber array at the first connection point using a fiber optic alignment tool, and connect the first output fiber and the COM port fiber of the second optical switch at the second connection point using a fiber optic alignment tool.

[0028] S5: The coupling device automatically adjusts the position of the dual-fiber array and the N-way fiber array to ensure that the performance indicators monitored by the first power meter and the second power meter meet the requirements. At this time, the first input fiber of the dual-fiber array, the optical splitter chip, and the N-way fiber array are coupled.

[0029] S6: Connect the second channels of the first and second optical switches. At this time, fine-tune the position of the dual-fiber array so that the health performance indicators of the third and fourth power meters meet the requirements.

[0030] S7: Apply UV-curing adhesive to the points of the dual-fiber array, optical splitter chip, and N-way fiber array and cure it. Coupling is complete.

[0031] Preferably, in step S3, the computer control system controls the switching of the first optical switch and the second optical switch, so that the optical signal output by the coupled light source reaches the first input channel of the dual-fiber array and the Nth input channel of the N-way fiber array, respectively, to verify whether the first input channel of the dual-fiber array, the Nth input channel of the N-way fiber array, and the first and last output channels of the optical splitter chip are aligned.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has significant advantages and beneficial effects, specifically reflected in the following aspects:

[0033] By setting up a coupling light source, a second optical switch, an optical splitter, and a multi-channel power meter, the optical signals output from the coupling light source and the optical splitter can reach the tail output channels of the N-way fiber array after the coupling of the dual-fiber array and the optical splitter chip is completed. This allows for the detection of whether the output fiber channels of the N-way fiber array are aligned with the head and tail output channels of the optical splitter chip. If any abnormality is found, the dual-fiber array and the N-way fiber array or the optical splitter chip can be adjusted or replaced in time, reducing production costs, improving the coupling and debugging efficiency of the optical splitter chip, simplifying indicator control, and increasing reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the coupling system of a 2*N optical splitter in the existing technical solution;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the coupling system of the 2*N optical splitter in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the coupling method between optical fiber and chip in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 1-Coupled light source; 2-Optical splitter; 3-First optical switch; 4-Dual fiber array; 5-Second optical switch; 6-N-channel fiber array; 7-First power meter; 8-Second power meter; 9-Third power meter; 10-Fourth power meter; 11-Optical splitter chip. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The core components of a planar waveguide optical splitter consist of an optical fiber array (FA) and a planar waveguide optical splitter chip. Its function is as follows: optical signals enter through the input fiber array (FA), the planar waveguide optical splitter chip performs power distribution, and finally, the output fiber array (FA) transmits the distributed power to the desired port.

[0041] The manufacturing process of a planar waveguide optical splitter is actually the assembly process of these three components. The assembly of these three components requires high-precision adjustment technology, which is the adjustment and connection of optical fibers, also known as core alignment connection.

[0042] The more mature alignment process in existing technologies employs a high-precision alignment system assisted by a microscopic monitoring system to achieve fiber alignment from the input fiber array (FA) to the planar waveguide optical splitter chip, and then from the planar waveguide optical splitter chip to the output fiber array (FA). During this process, the waveguide's conversion signal is used as the basis for judgment and adjustment.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 As shown, the existing 2*N type optical splitter coupling debugging optical path structure cannot simultaneously monitor the performance indicators of the first and second input channels. It is necessary to repeatedly couple the dual-fiber array to ensure that the performance indicators of the two channels meet the requirements at the same time, and sometimes it is even impossible to couple to the position where the requirements are met simultaneously.

[0044] like Figure 2-3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a coupling system for an optical splitter, the coupling system comprising: a coupling light source 1 and an optical splitter 2, a first optical switch 3 and a two-fiber array 4, and a second optical switch 5 and an N-way fiber array 6, wherein:

[0045] Please see Figure 2 As shown, a coupled light source 1 and an optical splitter 2 are connected, with the input channel of the optical splitter 2 being coupled to the coupled light source 1.

[0046] Please see Figure 2 As shown, the first optical switch 3 and the dual-fiber array 4 are connected. The first channel of the first optical switch 3 is coupled to the first output channel of the optical splitter 2. The second channel of the first optical switch 3 is coupled to the third power meter 9. The COM port fiber of the first optical switch 3 is connected to the first input fiber of the dual-fiber array 4 at the first docking point through a fiber optic alignment instrument. The second input fiber of the dual-fiber array 4 is connected to the fourth power meter 10.

[0047] By using the first optical switch 3 to balance the loss values ​​of the two different input terminals, the alignment and leveling of the input terminal FA and the input waveguide of the optical splitter chip 11 can be achieved. This eliminates the need for reverse fiber fusion and reverse coupling debugging when aligning the input terminal FA in conventional solutions, reducing the number of steps and improving efficiency.

[0048] The third power meter 9 and the fourth power meter 10 are respectively zeroed for the input optical fiber led out from the first optical switch 3; and after end face treatment of the output optical fiber of the N-way fiber array 6, it is inserted into the second power meter 8 or the first power meter 7, and the power loss value on the second power meter 8 and the first power meter 7 is adjusted by the precision six-dimensional adjustment frame until it is adjusted to a suitable loss value.

[0049] Please see Figure 2 As shown, the second optical switch 5 and the N-way fiber array 6 are connected. The second channel of the second optical switch 5 is coupled to the second output channel of the optical splitter 2. The first channel of the second optical switch 5 is coupled to the first power meter 7. The COM port fiber of the second optical switch 5 is connected to the first output fiber of the N-way fiber array 6 at the second docking point through a fiber optic alignment instrument. The Nth output fiber of the N-way fiber array 6 is connected to the second power meter 8.

[0050] The coupling light source 1, optical splitter 2, first optical switch 3, dual-fiber array 4, second optical switch 5, N-channel fiber array 6, and optical splitter chip 11 are electrically connected to the computer control system.

[0051] The fourth power meter 10 and the second power meter 8 are used to detect the optical power values ​​of the output optical signal of the coupled light source entering the dual-fiber optical array 4 and the N-way optical array 6, respectively, so as to align and couple the dual-fiber optical array 4 and the N-way optical array 6 with the optical splitter chip 11 according to the optical power values ​​of the output optical signal of the coupled light source 1.

[0052] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 As shown, in the embodiments of the present invention, both the first optical switch 3 and the second optical switch 5 are 1×2 optical switches.

[0053] By adding an 1x2 optical switch and an optical power meter to the optical path structure, the second input fiber from the optical switch can be zeroed by reference on different optical power meters, thus ensuring the accuracy of loss monitoring and debugging. This avoids the situation where using only one optical power meter causes the zeroed output fiber to overwhelm the reference value of the already zeroed second input fiber, leading to the failure of zeroing the second input fiber and affecting the accuracy of monitoring loss values.

[0054] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the optical splitter 2 is a 1×2 optical splitter.

[0055] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 As shown, in the embodiments of the present invention, the core diameter of the dual-fiber array 4 ranges from 90 to 115 μm, the waveguide size of the optical splitter chip 11 ranges from 6 to 16 μm, and the numerical aperture of the N-way fiber array 6 ranges from 0.25 to 0.4.

[0056] Specifically, please refer to Figure 2 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling light source is a laser light source.

[0057] By using a coupled light source and a multi-channel power meter, the power data of the optical signal can be read in real time during coupling, so as to achieve precise coupling between the dual-fiber array 4, the N-way fiber array 6 and the optical splitter chip 11. After successful coupling, the first optical switch 3 is controlled to switch the optical path. By using the coupled light source and the optical splitter 2 in conjunction with the multi-channel power meter, the loss data of optical signals of different wavelengths in a certain band in each channel of the optical splitter chip 11 can be tested. In this way, the optical performance indicators of each channel and the isolation between different channels can be accurately measured.

[0058] Please see Figure 3 As shown, another embodiment of the present invention also provides a coupling method for a coupling system of a 2*N optical splitter, the coupling method specifically including the following steps:

[0059] S1: The first channels of the first optical switch 3 and the second optical switch 5 are both connected. The COM port fiber of the first optical switch 3 is connected to the second power meter 8 and zeroed. The COM port fiber of the first optical switch 3 is connected to the COM port fiber of the second optical switch 5 through a single fiber alignment instrument at the second pair of nodes. At this time, the first power meter 7 is zeroed.

[0060] S2: The second channels of the first optical switch 3 and the second optical switch 5 are both connected. The COM port fiber of the first optical switch 3 is connected to the COM port fiber of the second optical switch 5 through a single fiber alignment instrument at the second pair of nodes. The third power meter 9 is zeroed. Then the COM port fiber of the second optical switch 5 is connected to the fourth power meter 10 and zeroed.

[0061] S3: Connect the first channel of the first optical switch 3 and the second optical switch 5, place the dual-fiber array 4, the optical splitter chip 11, and the N-way fiber array 6 to be coupled in the corresponding positions of the coupling device, connect the Nth output fiber of the N-way fiber array 6 to the second power meter 8, and connect the second input fiber of the dual-fiber array 4 to the fourth power meter 10.

[0062] S4: Connect the COM port fiber of the first optical switch 3 to the first input fiber of the dual-fiber fiber array 4 at the first docking point using a fiber optic alignment tool, and connect the first output fiber of the dual-fiber fiber array 4 and the COM port fiber of the second optical switch 5 at the second docking point using a fiber optic alignment tool.

[0063] S5: The coupling device automatically adjusts the position of the dual-fiber array 4 and the N-way fiber array 6 so that the performance indicators monitored by the first power meter 7 and the second power meter 8 meet the requirements. At this time, the first input fiber of the dual-fiber array 4, the optical splitter chip 11, and the N-way fiber array 6 are coupled.

[0064] S6: Connect the second channels of the first optical switch 3 and the second optical switch 5. At this time, fine-tune the position of the dual-fiber array 4 so that the performance indicators of the third power meter 9 and the fourth power meter 10 meet the requirements.

[0065] S7: The dual-fiber array 4, optical splitter chip 11, and N-channel fiber array 6 are cured by UV irradiation with adhesive, and the coupling is completed.

[0066] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present invention, in step S3, the computer control system controls the switching of the first optical switch 3 and the second optical switch 5, so that the optical signal output by the coupled light source 1 reaches the first input channel of the dual-fiber array 4 and the tail input channel of the N-way fiber array 6 respectively, in order to verify whether the first input channel of the dual-fiber array 4, the tail input channel of the N-way fiber array 6 and the first and tail output channels of the optical splitter chip 11 are aligned.

[0067] After alignment, apply a certain pressure for curing, or apply a certain pressure above the strip chip during curing. This ensures the thickness of the soft adhesive and the flatness of the strip chip surface.

[0068] While the present invention has been disclosed above, its scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A coupling system for an optical splitter, characterized in that, include: A coupled light source and an optical splitter, wherein the input channel of the optical splitter is coupled to the coupled light source; A first optical switch and a dual-fiber array, wherein the first channel of the first optical switch is coupled to the first output channel of the optical splitter, the second channel of the first optical switch is coupled to the third power meter, the COM port fiber of the first optical switch is connected to the first input fiber of the dual-fiber array at the first docking point by a fiber optic alignment instrument, and the second input fiber of the dual-fiber array is connected to the fourth power meter. The second optical switch and the N-way fiber array are described. The second channel of the second optical switch is coupled to the second output channel of the optical splitter. The first channel of the second optical switch is coupled to the first power meter. The COM port fiber of the second optical switch is connected to the first output fiber of the N-way fiber array at the second docking point through a fiber optic alignment instrument. The Nth output fiber of the N-way fiber array is connected to the second power meter. The coupling light source, the optical splitter, the first optical switch, the dual-fiber array, the second optical switch, the N-way fiber array, and the optical splitter chip are all electrically connected to the computer control system. The fourth power meter and the second power meter are used to detect the optical power values ​​of the output optical signal of the coupled light source entering the dual-fiber optical array and the N-way optical array, respectively, so as to align and couple the dual-fiber optical array and the N-way optical array with the optical splitter chip according to the optical power values ​​of the output optical signal of the coupled light source.

2. The coupling system of the optical splitter according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first optical switch and the second optical switch are 1×2 optical switches.

3. The coupling system of the optical splitter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical splitter is a 1×2 optical splitter.

4. The coupling system of the optical splitter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The core diameter of the dual-fiber array ranges from 90 to 115 μm, the waveguide size of the optical splitter chip ranges from 6 to 16 μm, and the numerical aperture of the N-way fiber array ranges from 0.25 to 0.

4.

5. The coupling system of the optical splitter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The coupling light source is a laser light source.

6. A coupling method for a coupling system of an optical splitter as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Keep the first channel of the first optical switch and the second optical switch connected, connect the COM port fiber of the first optical switch to the second power meter for zeroing, and connect the COM port fiber of the first optical switch to the COM port fiber of the second optical switch at the second pair of nodes through a single fiber alignment instrument. At this time, the first power meter is zeroed. S2: Keep the second channels of the first optical switch and the second optical switch connected. At this time, keep the COM port fiber of the first optical switch connected to the COM port fiber of the second optical switch through the single fiber alignment instrument at the second pair of nodes, clear the third power meter, and then connect the COM port fiber of the second optical switch to the fourth power meter for clearing. S3: Connect the first channel of the first optical switch and the second optical switch, place the dual-fiber array, optical splitter chip and N-way fiber array to be coupled in the corresponding positions of the coupling device, connect the Nth output fiber of the N-way fiber array to the second power meter, and connect the second input fiber of the dual-fiber array to the fourth power meter. S4: Connect the COM port fiber of the first optical switch to the first input fiber of the dual-fiber array at the first connection point using a fiber optic alignment tool, and connect the first output fiber and the COM port fiber of the second optical switch at the second connection point using a fiber optic alignment tool. S5: The coupling device automatically adjusts the position of the dual-fiber array and the N-way fiber array to ensure that the performance indicators monitored by the first power meter and the second power meter meet the requirements. At this time, the first input fiber of the dual-fiber array, the optical splitter chip, and the N-way fiber array are coupled. S6: Connect the second channels of the first and second optical switches. At this time, fine-tune the position of the dual-fiber array so that the health performance indicators of the third and fourth power meters meet the requirements. S7: Apply UV-curing adhesive to the points of the dual-fiber array, optical splitter chip, and N-way fiber array and cure it. Coupling is complete.

7. The coupling method of the optical splitter coupling system according to claim 6, characterized in that: In steps S3 and S4, the computer control system controls the switching of the first optical switch and the second optical switch, so that the optical signal output by the coupled light source reaches the first input channel of the dual-fiber array and the tail input channel of the N-way fiber array, respectively, to verify whether the first input channel of the dual-fiber array, the Nth output channel of the N-way fiber array, and the first and tail output channels of the optical splitter chip are aligned.

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