High extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector comprises: inserting the core of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber into the core through hole of the core insert; injecting 353ND glue into the core through hole to complete the cat's eye direction adjustment of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber; applying UV glue at the exit of the core through hole and irradiating with a UV lamp to pre-fix the core; leaving the core insert with the pre-fixed core to stand for a first preset time at a first preset temperature; performing gradient temperature rise baking on the core insert after standing for the first preset time to complete the fixation of the core and the core. The high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector applies this method. The manufacturing method of the high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of the present invention can reduce the influence of stress on the optical fiber when the glue is cured, and improve the extinction ratio.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of optical fiber joints, and in particular to a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber joint, and also to a method for manufacturing the high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber joint. Background Art

[0002] The basic structures of common fiber optic connectors include FC connectors, LC connectors, and SC connectors. When installing the optical fiber, the inner hole between the optical fiber and the connector is filled with glue to fix the optical fiber. Since the optical fiber is too thin and easily brittle, a connector core is usually required to fix the optical fiber, facilitate the subsequent grinding of the end face of the optical fiber, and the subsequent connection with other devices and equipment.

[0003] The existing polarization-maintaining optical fiber has a panda-eye stress rod to maintain the transmission of single polarized light through the optical fiber, which can well maintain the single polarization effect. When the polarization-maintaining optical fiber is installed in the optical fiber connector, the cat's eye of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber needs to be in the slow axis or fast axis with the key of the connector. When the polarization-maintaining optical fiber is fixed with glue, 353ND glue is usually used for fixing. Since the cat's eye of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber needs to be in the slow axis or fast axis with the key of the connector, it needs to be heated and cured on site after the position is turned, otherwise the alignment will be disordered. The heating temperature is generally 85°C, and the glue is dried from liquid to solid in a short time of about 10 minutes. However, the glue is cured in a short time, which will make the stress applied by the glue to the polarization-maintaining optical fiber uneven, thereby reducing the polarization maintenance effect of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber. At the same time, the single product station requires a long time of work.

[0004] Therefore, a more optimized optical fiber connector manufacturing process needs to be considered. Summary of the invention

[0005] The first object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector, which can reduce the influence of stress on the optical fiber during glue curing and improve the extinction ratio.

[0006] The second object of the present invention is to provide a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector which reduces the influence of stress on the optical fiber during the curing of the glue and improves the extinction ratio.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned main purpose, the method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector provided by the present invention includes: inserting the core of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber into the core through hole of the ferrule; injecting 353ND glue into the core through hole to complete the adjustment of the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber; applying UV glue at the outlet of the core through hole and irradiating it with a UV lamp to pre-fix the core; leaving the ferrule with the pre-fixed core to stand at a first preset temperature for a first preset time; and gradiently heating and baking the ferrule after standing for the first preset time to complete the fixation of the core and the ferrule.

[0008] As can be seen from the above scheme, the method for making a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of the present invention injects 353ND glue into the core through hole, applies UV glue at the exit of the core through hole to pre-fix the core, and then stands for a first preset time at a first preset temperature, so that the glue can slowly release stress, so that the optical fiber is more evenly stressed by the glue, and the extinction ratio of the optical fiber head is better maintained, achieving a high extinction ratio effect. Moreover, during baking, gradient temperature rise baking curing is used to further reduce the influence of glue stress and improve the performance of the product.

[0009] In a further scheme, the step of gradiently heating and baking the insert after standing for a first preset time includes: baking the insert at a second preset temperature for a second preset time after standing for a first preset time, and then baking the insert at a third preset temperature for a third preset time, wherein the second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature, and the third preset temperature is higher than the second preset temperature.

[0010] It can be seen that when the core insert that has been left to stand for the first preset time is subjected to gradient temperature baking, the influence of the glue stress can be further reduced by gradually increasing the baking temperature.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the first preset temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, the second preset temperature ranges from 55°C to 65°C, and the third preset temperature ranges from 80°C to 90°C.

[0012] It can be seen that the first preset temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, which can keep the glue in liquid state for a long time and better and more evenly wrap the optical fiber, so that the stress of the glue on the optical fiber is more uniform. At the same time, the second preset temperature ranges from 55°C to 65°C, and the third preset temperature ranges from 80°C to 90°C, which can make the glue cure better.

[0013] In a further solution, the first preset time ranges from 40 hours to 48 hours, the second preset time ranges from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours, and the third preset time ranges from 5.5 hours to 6.5 hours.

[0014] It can be seen that the first preset time ranges from 40 hours to 48 hours, which allows the glue to remain stationary for a long time and releases a more uniform stress on the optical fiber. At the same time, the second preset time ranges from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours, and the third preset time ranges from 5.5 hours to 6.5 hours, which can ensure the baking time of each stage and is conducive to curing.

[0015] In a further solution, the step of adjusting the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber includes: adjusting the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber to be parallel, perpendicular or at a 45-degree angle to the direction of the KEY.

[0016] It can be seen that adjusting the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining fiber to be parallel, perpendicular, or at a 45-degree angle to the direction of the KEY key can meet the polarization requirements of light.

[0017] In a further solution, after the step of fixing the fiber core and the ferrule is completed, the method further includes: performing end face grinding on the fiber core inserted into the fiber core through hole of the ferrule.

[0018] It can be seen that end surface grinding of the fiber core inserted into the fiber core through hole of the ferrule can facilitate subsequent connection with other devices and equipment.

[0019] In a further solution, after the step of performing end face grinding on the fiber core inserted into the fiber core through hole of the ferrule, the method further includes: completing the test of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector.

[0020] It can be seen that after the end face of the fiber core inserted into the fiber core through hole of the ferrule is polished, the test of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector is completed to ensure the yield of the product.

[0021] In order to achieve the above-mentioned second purpose, the high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector provided by the present invention includes a polarization-maintaining optical fiber and a ferrule, the core of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber is inserted into the core through hole of the ferrule, and the polarization-maintaining optical fiber is made by the above-mentioned high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector manufacturing method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an embodiment of a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a structural cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the ferrule in an embodiment of a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of the present invention in which the cat's eye direction is parallel to the direction of the KEY key.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of the present invention, in which the cat's eye direction is perpendicular to the direction of the KEY key.

[0027] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of the present invention, in which the cat's eye direction and the direction of the KEY key are at a 45-degree angle.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of the present invention.

[0029] The present invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] High extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector example:

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector includes a polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1, a ferrule 2 and a nut 3. The ferrule 2 is provided with a core through hole 21. The core 11 of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 is inserted into the core through hole 21 of the ferrule 2. The core 11 is fixed in the core through hole 21 by glue. In order to protect the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 and prevent it from breaking, a protective cover 4 is provided at the insertion end of the core through hole 21. The protective cover 4 wraps the position of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 and the insertion end of the core through hole 21.

[0032] Depend on Figure 3 It can be seen that the core 11 of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 has a stress rod 111, also known as a "cat's eye", and a KEY key 22 is arranged on the periphery of the core 2. In order to meet the polarization requirements of light in the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1, the cat's eye direction of the stress rod 111 needs to be set at a preset angle with the direction of the KEY key 22. In this embodiment, see Figure 4 , the cat's eye direction X of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 is parallel to the direction Y of the KEY key 22. Figure 5 , the cat's eye direction X of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 is perpendicular to the direction Y of the KEY key 22. Figure 6 The cat's eye direction X of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 is at an angle of 45 degrees to the direction of the KEY key 22 .

[0033] The following describes a method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector according to this embodiment.

[0034] See also Figure 7 When manufacturing the high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of this embodiment, firstly, step S1 is performed to insert the core 11 of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 into the core through hole 21 of the ferrule 2. Before manufacturing, the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 is peeled to expose the core 11, and then the core 11 is inserted into the core through hole 21 of the ferrule 2.

[0035] Next, execute step S2, inject 353ND glue into the core through hole 21, and complete the adjustment of the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1. In order to fix the core 11 and the ferrule 2, it is necessary to inject 353ND glue into the core through hole 21 for curing. After injecting the 353ND glue, it is necessary to adjust the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1. When adjusting the cat's eye direction, an optical microscope can be used to assist in the adjustment. This is a technology well known to those skilled in the art and will not be repeated here. In this embodiment, the step of completing the adjustment of the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber includes: adjusting the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 to be parallel, perpendicular, or at a 45-degree angle to the direction of the KEY key 22. The cat's eye direction and the direction of the KEY key 22 can be set as needed.

[0036] After the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 is adjusted, step S3 is performed to apply UV glue at the exit of the core through hole 21 and irradiate with a UV lamp to pre-fix the core 11. Apply UV glue at the exit of the core through hole 21, and then irradiate the UV glue with a UV lamp to cure the UV glue, thereby pre-fixing the polarization-maintaining optical fiber 1 to prevent free rotation. The duration of UV lamp irradiation is 60 seconds.

[0037] After the fiber core 11 is pre-fixed, step S4 is performed to place the ferrule 2 with the pre-fixed fiber core 11 at a first preset temperature for a first preset time. The first preset temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, and the first preset time ranges from 40 hours to 48 hours. In order to allow the glue to slowly release stress and the optical fiber to be more evenly stressed by the glue, the ferrule 2 with the pre-fixed fiber core 11 is placed at a first preset temperature for a first preset time, so that the extinction ratio of the optical fiber connector is better maintained and a high extinction ratio effect is achieved.

[0038] After the ferrule 2 is left at a first preset temperature for a first preset time, step S5 is executed to perform gradient temperature baking on the ferrule 2 after the first preset time, so as to complete the fixation of the fiber core 11 and the ferrule 2. During the standing, the glue needs to be further dried. In order to reduce the stress effect generated when the glue is dried, the glue is cured by gradient temperature baking. In this embodiment, the step of gradient temperature baking on the ferrule 2 after the first preset time includes: baking the ferrule 2 after the first preset time at a second preset temperature for a second preset time, and then baking the ferrule 2 at a third preset temperature for a third preset time, wherein the second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature, and the third preset temperature is higher than the second preset temperature. Preferably, the second preset temperature ranges from 55°C to 65°C, and the third preset temperature ranges from 80°C to 90°C. The second preset time ranges from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours, and the third preset time ranges from 5.5 hours to 6.5 hours.

[0039] After the step of fixing the fiber core 11 and the ferrule 2 is completed, step S6 is performed to grind the end face of the fiber core 11 inserted into the fiber core through hole 21 of the ferrule 2. In order to facilitate the subsequent connection and use of the optical fiber connector with other devices and equipment, it is necessary to grind the end face of the optical fiber. The angle of the optical fiber end face can be set as needed, for example, the optical fiber end face is grinded to an angle of 8 degrees.

[0040] After the end face grinding of the fiber core 11 inserted into the fiber core through hole 21 of the ferrule 2 is completed, step S7 is executed to complete the test of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector. In order to ensure the yield of the product, it is necessary to complete the test of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector before completing the production of the optical fiber connector. During the test, it is necessary to test the insertion loss, extinction ratio and return loss of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector. The tests of insertion loss, extinction ratio and return loss are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be repeated here. After completing the test of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector, the production of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector is completed.

[0041] As can be seen from the above, the method for making a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector of the present invention injects 353ND glue into the core through hole, applies UV glue at the exit of the core through hole to pre-fix the core, and then stands for a first preset time at a first preset temperature, so that the glue can slowly release stress, so that the optical fiber is more evenly stressed by the glue, and the extinction ratio of the optical fiber head is better maintained, achieving a high extinction ratio effect. Moreover, during baking, gradient temperature rise baking curing is used to further reduce the influence of glue stress and improve the performance of the product.

[0042] It should be noted that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the design concept of the invention is not limited thereto, and any non-substantial modifications made to the present invention using this concept also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector, the polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector comprising a polarization-maintaining optical fiber and a core insert, wherein the core of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber is inserted into the core through hole of the core insert; characterized in that: The method comprises: Inserting the core of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber into the core through hole of the ferrule; Injecting 353ND glue into the fiber core through hole to complete the adjustment of the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber; Apply UV glue at the exit of the fiber core through hole and irradiate with UV light to pre-fix the fiber core; placing the ferrule with the fiber core pre-fixed thereon at a first preset temperature for a first preset time; The ferrule after being left to stand for the first preset time is subjected to gradient temperature rising baking to complete the fixing of the fiber core and the ferrule.

2. The method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of performing gradient temperature baking on the insert after being left to stand for the first preset time comprises: The core is baked at a second preset temperature for a second preset time after being left to stand for the first preset time, and then baked at a third preset temperature for a third preset time, wherein the second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature, and the third preset temperature is higher than the second preset temperature.

3. The method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first preset temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, the second preset temperature ranges from 55°C to 65°C, and the third preset temperature ranges from 80°C to 90°C.

4. The method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first preset time length ranges from 40 hours to 48 hours, the second preset time length ranges from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours, and the third preset time length ranges from 5.5 hours to 6.5 hours.

5. The method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A KEY key is arranged on the outer periphery of the insert; The steps of adjusting the cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber include: The cat's eye direction of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber is adjusted to be parallel, perpendicular or at a 45-degree angle to the direction of the KEY key.

6. The method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: After completing the step of fixing the fiber core and the ferrule, the method further includes: The end surface of the core inserted into the core through hole of the ferrule is polished.

7. The method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: After the step of performing end face grinding on the fiber core inserted into the fiber core through hole of the ferrule, the method further comprises: The test of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector is completed.

8. A high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector, comprising a polarization-maintaining optical fiber and a core insert, wherein the core of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber is inserted into the core through hole of the core insert, characterized in that: The polarization-maintaining optical fiber is manufactured by the method for manufacturing a high extinction ratio polarization-maintaining optical fiber connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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