Method and device for filling hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with inert gas

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and device for filling a hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber with an inert gas, and the method steps include: placing a hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber in a work box and positioning and fixing the two ends of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber; using a vacuum pumping mechanism to vacuum the work box until the work box reaches a set internal pressure and then closing the vacuum pumping mechanism; using an inert gas pressure vessel to fill the work box with inert gas at a constant inflation flow rate until the inflation volume set for the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber is reached and then closing the inert gas pressure vessel; keeping the work box in a sealed state for a period of time so that the inert gas in the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber is evenly distributed; using an automatic glue dispensing mechanism in the work box to perform glue dispensing and sealing on the two ends of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber to prevent the inert gas in the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber from leaking; and taking out the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber from the work box. The present invention realizes the filling of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber with inert gas in a clean environment and the inflation volume can be precisely controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of optical fibers, and in particular relates to a method and a device for filling a hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber with an inert gas. Background Art

[0002] Filling a hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber with an inert gas has the advantages of improving the transmission performance of the optical fiber, reducing losses, and improving stability. The current method of filling a hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber with an inert gas has the following problems: the amount of gas filled is difficult to accurately control, impurities are easily introduced during the gas filling process, and the gas distribution after gas filling is uneven. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for filling a hollow-core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas, and a device for filling a hollow-core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas, so as to achieve the filling of the hollow-core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas in a clean environment and to accurately control the filling amount.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0005] A method for filling a hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber with an inert gas comprises the following steps: firstly placing the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber into an operation box and positioning and fixing both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber, and then sealing and closing the operation box; then using a vacuum pumping mechanism to vacuumize the operation box until the operation box reaches a set internal pressure, and then closing the vacuum pumping mechanism; then using an inert gas pressure vessel to fill the operation box with inert gas at a constant filling flow rate until the set filling amount of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber is reached, and then closing the inert gas pressure vessel; then keeping the operation box in a sealed state for a period of time so that the inert gas is evenly distributed in the operation box, that is, the inert gas in the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber is evenly distributed; then using an automatic glue dispensing mechanism in the operation box to dispense glue and seal both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber to prevent leakage of the inert gas in the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber; and finally taking out the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber from the operation box.

[0006] Preferably, when vacuuming, the vacuuming mechanism adopts multi-stage gear adjustment, and the gear level of the vacuuming mechanism is selected according to the internal pressure set in the working box. If a high gear is selected, it increases step by step from the lowest gear to the high gear, and the closing timing of the vacuuming mechanism is determined by real-time monitoring of the internal pressure of the working box.

[0007] Preferably, the vacuum mechanism adopts three-level gear adjustment. The internal pressure range of the working box can be 1-100Pa in the first level, 0.01-0.9Pa in the second level, and 0.0001-0.009Pa in the third level.

[0008] Preferably, when the inert gas is filled, the gas volume of the working box is Q 箱The air volume of the hollow core antiresonant fiber is set to Q 纤 , the volume of the working box is N times the volume of the hollow core anti-resonant optical fiber, and the constant filling flow rate of the inert gas pressure vessel is , The time for the inert gas pressure vessel to fill the working box is , the delay time for the inert gas to enter the working box after the inert gas pressure vessel is opened is t 延 , there is Q 箱 =N Q 纤 , Q 箱 = , by setting the inflation flow rate and inflation time This ensures that the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber reaches the set air volume Q 纤 .

[0009] Preferably, the delay time from the inert gas pressure container being opened to the time it enters the working box is t 延 , delay time t 延 With inflation flow rate Related, delay time t 延 With inflation flow rate The mathematical relationship is obtained through experiments or simulations; before filling with inert gas, select a suitable filling flow rate and inflation time , and according to the inflation flow rate Calculate the corresponding delay time t 延 After the inert gas pressure vessel is opened, the timing starts from the opening moment of the inert gas pressure vessel. +t 延 Close immediately.

[0010] Preferably, an inert gas detector is installed at the connection between the inert gas pressure vessel and the working box; before filling the inert gas, select a suitable filling flow rate. and inflation time After the inert gas pressure vessel is opened, the time when the inert gas detector reacts is used as the starting point for timing. Close immediately.

[0011] A device for filling a hollow-core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas, comprising:

[0012] Work box, can be opened and closed;

[0013] A positioning structure, located in the operation box, for positioning and fixing both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber;

[0014] A vacuum pumping mechanism is connected to the working box through a pipeline and is used to vacuum the working box;

[0015] Air pressure sensor, used to monitor the internal pressure of the work box;

[0016] An inert gas pressure vessel is connected to the working box through a pipeline and is used to fill the working box with inert gas;

[0017] A flow controller for regulating the filling flow rate of the inert gas pressure vessel;

[0018] An inert gas detector is located at the connection between the inert gas pressure vessel and the working box and is used to detect whether there is inert gas at the location;

[0019] An automatic glue dispensing mechanism, located in the operation box, is used to automatically dispense glue to both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber;

[0020] The dispensing monitor is located outside the operation box and is used to monitor the operation of the automatic dispensing mechanism;

[0021] The control system is electrically connected to each monitoring component and each actuator, and is used to set working parameters and control each actuator according to the feedback of each monitoring component, so as to successively realize the processes of evacuating the working box, filling the working box with inert gas, keeping the working box airtight, and automatically dispensing glue on both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber.

[0022] Preferably, the working parameters set by the control system include the internal pressure of the working box, the flow rate of the inert gas filling, the inert gas filling time, and the time the working box is kept sealed.

[0023] Preferably, the automatic dispensing mechanism includes a dispensing head and cameras located on both sides of the dispensing head and facing different angles. The dispensing head and the camera can move synchronously, and the camera is externally connected to a dispensing monitor.

[0024] Preferably, an emergency stop button of the automatic dispensing mechanism and a safety valve to ensure vacuum safety are provided outside the operation box.

[0025] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0026] In the present invention, the process of vacuumizing the working box, filling the working box with inert gas, keeping the working box airtight, and automatically dispensing glue on both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber is realized in a clean environment.

[0027] , and the inflation volume can be precisely controlled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is a front view of a device for filling a hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber with an inert gas in an embodiment of the present invention, and the operating box is in a closed state.

[0029] Figure 2It is a three-dimensional diagram of a device for filling a hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber with an inert gas in an embodiment of the present invention, and the operation box is in an open state.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0031] In the figure: 1- inert gas pressure vessel; 2- flow controller; 3- safety valve; 4- dispensing monitor; 5- control system; 6- vacuum mechanism; 7- air pressure sensor; 8- inert gas detector; 9- operation box; 10- emergency stop button; 11- sealing ring; 12- positioning structure; 13- camera; 14- dispensing head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] Embodiment 1

[0034] This embodiment provides a method for filling a hollow-core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas, which comprises the following steps:

[0035] S1) Check the condition of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber and the functional status of the operation box 9, the vacuum pumping mechanism 6, the inert gas pressure vessel 1, and the automatic dispensing mechanism to ensure that the subsequent filling work can proceed smoothly.

[0036] S2) Pretreatment of hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber: remove pollutants and impurities on the surface of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber to ensure that the surface of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber is clean.

[0037] S3) Firstly, place the hollow core anti-resonance optical fiber into the operation box 9 and position and fix both ends of the hollow core anti-resonance optical fiber, and then seal and close the operation box 9.

[0038] S4) using the vacuum pumping mechanism 6 to evacuate the working box 9 until the working box 9 reaches a set internal pressure, and then closing the vacuum pumping mechanism 6;

[0039] In this embodiment, when vacuuming, the vacuuming mechanism 6 adopts a multi-stage gear adjustment, and the gear level of the vacuuming mechanism 6 is selected according to the internal pressure set in the working box 9. If a high gear is selected, the gear level is gradually increased from the lowest gear to the high gear, and the closing time of the vacuuming mechanism 6 is determined by real-time monitoring of the internal pressure of the working box 9;

[0040] In this embodiment, the vacuum mechanism 6 adopts a three-level gear adjustment. At the first level, the internal pressure range of the working box 9 can be 1-100 Pa, at the second level, the internal pressure range of the working box 9 can be 0.01-0.9 Pa, and at the third level, the internal pressure range of the working box 9 can be 0.0001-0.009 Pa.

[0041] S5) using the inert gas pressure container 1 to fill the working box 9 with inert gas at a constant filling flow rate until the filling volume set by the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber is reached, and then closing the inert gas pressure container 1;

[0042] In this embodiment, when the inert gas is filled, the gas volume of the working box 9 is Q 箱 The air volume of the hollow core antiresonant fiber is set to Q 纤 , the volume of the working box 9 is N times the volume of the hollow-core antiresonant optical fiber, and the constant filling flow rate of the inert gas pressure container 1 is , the inert gas pressure vessel 1 fills the working box 9 with gas for a period of time of , the delay time for the inert gas to enter the working box 9 after the inert gas pressure container 1 is opened is t 延 , there is Q 箱 =N Q 纤 , Q 箱 = , by setting the inflation flow rate and inflation time This ensures that the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber reaches the set air volume Q 纤 ;

[0043] In this embodiment, the following two inflation control methods can be selected:

[0044] a. Assume that the delay time from the inert gas pressure container 1 being opened to the time it enters the working box 9 is t 延 , delay time t 延 With inflation flow rate Related, delay time t 延 With inflation flow rate The mathematical relationship is obtained through experiments or simulations; before filling with inert gas, select a suitable filling flow rate and inflation time , and according to the inflation flow rate Calculate the corresponding delay time t 延 After the inert gas pressure container 1 is opened, the opening moment of the inert gas pressure container 1 is taken as the starting point of the timing, and then the inert gas pressure container 1 works +t 延 Close immediately;

[0045] b. Install an inert gas detector 8 at the connection between the inert gas pressure container 1 and the working box 9; before filling the inert gas, select a suitable filling flow rate. and inflation time After the inert gas pressure container 1 is opened, the time when the inert gas detector 8 produces a reaction is used as the timing starting point, and then the inert gas pressure container 1 works Close immediately.

[0046] S6) Keep the working box 9 in a sealed state for a period of time so that the inert gas is evenly distributed in the working box 9, that is, the inert gas in the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber is evenly distributed.

[0047] S7) using the automatic glue dispensing mechanism in the operation box 9 to perform glue dispensing and sealing on both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber to prevent leakage of the inert gas in the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber;

[0048] In this embodiment, when dispensing and sealing, a UV light source and a UVA type curing glue with a wavelength of 320 to 400 nm are used.

[0049] S8) Take out the hollow-core antiresonant optical fiber from the work box 9.

[0050] S9) Inspect and test the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber (spectrum analyzer, optical power meter and other equipment may be used) to verify that the performance and stability of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber meet the requirements.

[0051] Embodiment 2

[0052] This embodiment discloses a device for filling a hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber with an inert gas, comprising a work box 9, a positioning structure 12, a vacuum pumping mechanism 6, a pressure sensor 7, an inert gas pressure container 1, a flow controller 2, an inert gas detector 8, an automatic glue dispensing mechanism, a glue dispensing monitor 4 and a control system 5; Figures 1 to 3 As shown: the working box 9 can be opened and closed; the positioning structure 12 is located in the working box 9, and is used to position and fix the two ends of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber; the vacuum pumping mechanism 6 is connected to the working box 9 through a pipeline, and is used to vacuum the working box 9; the air pressure sensor 7 is used to monitor the internal pressure of the working box 9; the inert gas pressure container 1 is connected to the working box 9 through a pipeline, and is used to fill the working box 9 with inert gas; the flow controller 2 is used to adjust the filling flow rate of the inert gas pressure container 1; the inert gas detector 8 is located at the connection between the inert gas pressure container 1 and the working box 9, and is used to detect whether there is inert gas at the location; the automatic dispensing mechanism is located at the working box 9. The work box 9 is used for automatic glue dispensing at both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber; the glue dispensing monitor 4 is located outside the work box 9 and is used to monitor the operation of the automatic glue dispensing mechanism; the control system 5 is electrically connected to each monitoring component (air pressure sensor 7, inert gas detector 8) and each actuator (vacuuming mechanism 6, inert gas pressure container 1, flow controller 2, automatic glue dispensing mechanism and glue dispensing monitor 4) respectively, and is used to set working parameters and control each actuator according to the feedback of each monitoring component, so as to realize the process of vacuuming the work box 9, filling the work box 9 with inert gas, keeping the work box 9 airtight, and automatically dispensing glue at both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber in sequence.

[0053] The control system 5 adopts the control strategy disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, and the set working parameters thereof include the internal pressure of the working box 9, the inert gas inflation flow rate, the inert gas inflation time, and the time for which the working box 9 is kept sealed.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, an emergency stop button 10 of the automatic dispensing mechanism and a safety valve 3 for ensuring vacuum safety are provided outside the operation box 9.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the automatic dispensing mechanism includes a dispensing head 14 and cameras 13 located on both sides of the dispensing head 14 and facing different angles. The dispensing head 14 and the camera 13 can move synchronously, and the camera 13 is externally connected to the dispensing monitor 4.

[0056] The following is part of the experimental data of filling the hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas using the solution of the present invention:

[0057] Table 1 Three sets of experimental data of filling hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with inert gas using the solution of the present invention

[0058]

[0059] Experiment 1: A hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber with a length of 5m was selected and inflated according to the scheme of the present invention. The vacuuming time was 60s, the internal pressure was set to 90pa, the inflation flow rate was 0.001m³ / s, the inflation time was 35s, and the holding time was 10s. After the inflation was completed, the performance of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber was tested. The results showed that the transmission loss of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber after inflation was reduced by 30%, and the stability was significantly improved.

[0060] Experiment 2: A hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber with a length of 10m was selected and inflated according to the scheme of the present invention. The vacuuming time was 80s, the internal pressure was set to 0.7pa, the inflation flow rate was 0.001m³ / s, the inflation time was 45s, and the holding time was 15s. After the inflation was completed, the performance of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber was tested. The results showed that the transmission loss of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber was reduced by 35%, and the stability was good.

[0061] Experiment 3: A hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber with a length of 15m was selected and inflated according to the scheme of the present invention. The vacuuming time was 110s, the internal pressure was set to 0.008pa, the inflation flow rate was 0.001m³ / s, the inflation time was 65s, and the stabilization time was 20s. After the inflation was completed, the performance of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber was tested, and the results showed that the transmission loss of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber was reduced by 40%, and the stability was excellent.

[0062] It can be seen from the experimental data that the scheme of the present invention can accurately control the inflation volume and internal pressure of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber, and the gas distribution after inflation is uniform, which can effectively improve the transmission energy of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber.

[0063] Therefore, in the present invention, by evacuating the work box 9, filling the work box 9 with inert gas, keeping the work box 9 airtight, and automatically dispensing glue on both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber, it is possible to fill the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber with inert gas in a clean environment, and the amount of gas filled can be precisely controlled.

[0064] The embodiments described above are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. The detailed description of the embodiments of the present application is not intended to limit the scope of the present application for protection, but merely represents the selected embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for filling a hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas, characterized in that: First, the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber is placed in the operation box and the two ends of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber are positioned and fixed, and then the operation box is sealed and closed; then, the operation box is evacuated by using a vacuum pumping mechanism until the operation box reaches a set internal pressure, and then the vacuum pumping mechanism is closed; then, an inert gas pressure vessel is used to fill the operation box with inert gas at a constant filling flow rate until the set filling volume of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber is reached, and then the inert gas pressure vessel is closed; then, the operation box is kept in a closed state for a period of time to allow the inert gas to be evenly distributed in the operation box, that is, the inert gas in the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber is evenly distributed; then, the automatic glue dispensing mechanism in the operation box is used to dispense glue and seal the two ends of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber to prevent leakage of the inert gas in the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber; finally, the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber is taken out from the operation box; when the inert gas is filled, the filling volume of the operation box is Q 箱 The air volume of the hollow core antiresonant fiber is set to Q 纤 , the volume of the working box is N times the volume of the hollow core anti-resonant optical fiber, and the constant filling flow rate of the inert gas pressure vessel is , The time for the inert gas pressure vessel to fill the working box is , the delay time for the inert gas to enter the working box after the inert gas pressure vessel is opened is t 延 , there is Q 箱 =N Q 纤 , Q 箱 = , by setting the inflation flow rate and inflation time This ensures that the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber reaches the set air volume Q 纤 .

2. The method for filling a hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: When evacuating the vacuum, the vacuum mechanism adopts multi-stage gear adjustment. The gear level of the vacuum mechanism is selected according to the internal pressure set in the working box. If a high gear is selected, it increases step by step from the lowest gear to the high gear. The closing timing of the vacuum mechanism is determined by real-time monitoring of the internal pressure of the working box.

3. The method for filling a hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The vacuum mechanism adopts three-level gear adjustment. In the first level gear, the internal pressure range of the working box can be 1-100Pa, in the second level gear, the internal pressure range of the working box can be 0.01-0.9Pa, and in the third level gear, the internal pressure range of the working box can be 0.0001-0.009Pa.

4. The method for filling a hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The delay time from the inert gas pressure vessel being opened to entering the working box is t 延 , delay time t 延 With inflation flow rate Related, delay time t 延 With inflation flow rate The mathematical relationship is obtained through experiments or simulations; before filling with inert gas, select a suitable filling flow rate and inflation time , and according to the inflation flow rate Calculate the corresponding delay time t 延 After the inert gas pressure vessel is opened, the timing starts from the opening moment of the inert gas pressure vessel. +t 延 Close immediately.

5. The method for filling a hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: Install an inert gas detector at the connection between the inert gas pressure vessel and the working box; before filling with inert gas, select a suitable filling flow rate. and inflation time After the inert gas pressure vessel is opened, the time when the inert gas detector reacts is used as the starting point for timing. Close immediately.

6. A device for filling a hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas, characterized in that: include: Work box, can be opened and closed; A positioning structure, located in the operation box, for positioning and fixing both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber; A vacuum pumping mechanism is connected to the working box through a pipeline and is used to vacuum the working box; Air pressure sensor, used to monitor the internal pressure of the work box; An inert gas pressure vessel is connected to the working box through a pipeline and is used to fill the working box with inert gas; A flow controller for regulating the filling flow rate of the inert gas pressure vessel; An inert gas detector is located at the connection between the inert gas pressure vessel and the working box and is used to detect whether there is inert gas at the location; An automatic glue dispensing mechanism, located in the operation box, is used to automatically dispense glue to both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonant optical fiber; The dispensing monitor is located outside the operation box and is used to monitor the operation of the automatic dispensing mechanism; A control system, electrically connected to each monitoring component and each execution component, for setting working parameters and controlling each execution component according to feedback from each monitoring component, so as to sequentially realize the processes of evacuating the working box, filling the working box with inert gas, keeping the working box airtight, and automatically dispensing glue on both ends of the hollow-core anti-resonance optical fiber; The working parameters set by the control system include the internal pressure of the working box, the flow rate of the inert gas filling, the inert gas filling time, and the time the working box is kept sealed.

7. The device for filling a hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The automatic dispensing mechanism includes a dispensing head and cameras located on both sides of the dispensing head and facing different angles. The dispensing head and the camera can move synchronously, and the camera is externally connected to a dispensing monitor.

8. The device for filling a hollow core antiresonant optical fiber with an inert gas as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: An emergency stop button for the automatic dispensing mechanism and a safety valve to ensure vacuum safety are provided outside the operation box.

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