Variable reflective package

Abstract

The invention relates to a variable reflective package. In some implementations, an optical component includes an optical fiber having a core for guiding signal light and a cladding surrounding the core. A cladding light stripper may be defined for the optical fiber, wherein the cladding light stripper has a length along the cladding. The optical component may include an encapsulant holding the cladding light stripper, the encapsulant having a surface facing the cladding light stripper. The light reflectance of the surface may vary depending on the surface position to control the degree of light absorption along the encapsulant.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,046, entitled “VARIABLE REFLECTIVE PACKAGE FOR HIGH POWER LASER COMPONENTS,” filed on August 22, 2023. The disclosure of that prior application is considered a part of this patent application and is incorporated by reference into this patent application. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to lasers and variable reflective packages. Background Art

[0004] A fiber laser is a laser in which the active gain medium is an optical fiber doped with an element capable of providing gain, such as erbium, ytterbium, neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, thulium, holmium, bismuth, etc. A high-power fiber laser is a fiber laser capable of delivering relatively high output powers. For example, the output power of a high-power fiber laser can range from tens of watts to several kilowatts. Summary of the invention

[0005] In some implementations, an optical component includes an optical fiber having a core for guiding signal light and a cladding surrounding the core. A cladding light stripper can be defined for use with the optical fiber, wherein the cladding light stripper has a length along the cladding. The optical component can include an encapsulation that holds the cladding light stripper, the encapsulation having a surface facing the cladding light stripper. The light reflectivity of the surface can vary depending on the surface position to control the degree of light absorption along the encapsulation.

[0006] In some implementations, an optical component includes an optical fiber having a core for guiding signal light and a cladding surrounding the core. A cladding light stripper can be defined for use with the optical fiber, wherein the cladding light stripper has a length along the cladding. The optical component can include an enclosure holding the cladding light stripper, the enclosure having a surface facing the cladding light stripper. The light reflectivity of the surface can vary depending on the surface position to reduce variations in the degree of light absorption along the enclosure.

[0007] In some implementations, a package for an optical fiber includes a first surface having a light reflectivity that varies as a function of surface position to control the degree of light absorption along the package. The package may include a second surface configured to absorb light in the package. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an example optical component;

[0009] Figure 2 is a top view of the surface of the package of optical fiber and optical components;

[0010] Figure 3 is a top view of the surface of the package of optical fibers and optical components; and

[0011] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an optical component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The following detailed description of example implementations refers to the accompanying drawings.The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0013] Fiber lasers are a class of lasers that offer significant advantages in efficiency and practicality over other laser types such as free-space lasers. In a fiber laser, light is guided by an active fiber core that is typically doped with ions of a rare earth element such as ytterbium or erbium, which provides optical gain. The guiding properties of the doped fiber core greatly relax the requirements for optical alignment and allow the length of the gain medium to be increased to tens or even hundreds of meters, resulting in very high achievable optical gain. For example, using double-clad fiber (DCF), fiber lasers can be scaled to kilowatt (kW) power levels.

[0014] In a fiber laser, the gain medium can be pumped using the emission of one or more diode lasers. For example, in a DCF, the pump light can propagate in the inner cladding surrounding the fiber core, and the laser light can propagate in the fiber core. The inner cladding guides the pump light so that it is absorbed in the doped core for laser amplification along the entire length of the fiber. Ideally, at the output of the fiber laser, no light will propagate in the inner cladding, and all of the output laser beam will come from the core. In some fiber laser systems, it is also desirable to have dedicated core light that propagates between components or between amplification stages.

[0015] However, in practice, the output of a fiber laser may include some core light and some cladding light. The cladding light may contain residual unabsorbed pump light and any laser light that escapes from the core into the cladding due to scattering or spontaneous emission in the core. The cladding light may contain beams with a wide range of divergence angles. Cladding light can be detrimental to many applications and should preferably be removed or stripped from the fiber.

[0016] The cladding light stripper may use a thin layer of a high refractive index polymer applied to the cladding, may use notches or grooves in the outer surface of the cladding, or use another suitable technique to strip the cladding light. The stripped cladding light may be scattered, absorbed, and converted to heat in a package associated with the cladding light stripper. Typically, the package may have consistent light reflectivity and / or light absorption properties such that the scattering of the stripped cladding light is uncontrolled or non-uniform. In addition, light escaping from the cladding may have a greater intensity at certain areas of the cladding light stripper and a lesser intensity at other areas of the cladding light stripper. The absorption of higher intensity light may produce excessive heat, which may damage the optical fiber coating and other components, such as ferrules, joint protectors, etc.

[0017] Some implementations described herein provide an optical component that includes an encapsulation that is configured to provide variable reflectivity and / or variable absorption of scattered light in the encapsulation. For example, the variable reflectivity and / or variable absorption can be configured to direct the scattered light in a desired manner so as to control the degree of light absorption along the encapsulation. In this way, the scattered light in the encapsulation can be more uniformly absorbed to provide improved thermal management of the scattered light.

[0018] In some implementations, the optical component may include an optical fiber configured as a fiber laser, a fiber amplifier, etc. A cladding light stripper may be defined along the cladding of the optical fiber, thereby scattering light from the optical fiber. The encapsulation may hold the cladding light stripper, and thus light escaping from the optical fiber due to the cladding light stripper may be scattered in the encapsulation.

[0019] The encapsulant may include a surface facing the cladding light stripper. In some implementations, the surface may be configured with a light reflectivity that varies depending on the surface position to control the degree of light absorption along the encapsulant. For example, different locations on the surface may have different light reflectivities. In some implementations, the light reflectivity of the surface of the encapsulant may be changed by the texture of the surface (such as pits, bumps, lines, cross-hatching, or other disturbances of the surface). In some implementations, the light reflectivity of the surface of the encapsulant may be changed by manipulating the material finish of the surface, such as by changing the material composition of the material finish. The material finish of the surface may include multiple material points and / or a series of material strips. In some implementations, the material finish of the surface may include a continuously varying material composition (e.g., with a smooth transition between changes in material composition). In some implementations, the material composition of the encapsulant itself may vary to change the light reflectivity of the surface of the encapsulant.

[0020] In some implementations, the change in light reflectivity can be configured to direct scattered light from areas of the package with high light intensity to areas of the package where cooling is most effective. For example, in areas of the package associated with higher intensity scattered light, the surface can be configured to have a greater light reflectivity. Continuing with this example, in areas of the package associated with lower intensity scattered light, the surface can be configured to have a lower light reflectivity. In this way, the scattered light can be directed into the package more uniformly, thereby improving the uniformity of light absorption in the package. As a result, the package can have improved thermal performance.

[0021] The package may include an additional surface facing the cladding light stripper and facing the surface. The additional surface may be configured to absorb scattered light in the package (e.g., scattered light reflected from the surface). The additional surface may have a constant light absorption and / or may be configured with a light absorption that varies (e.g., gradually varies) depending on the position of the surface in a manner similar to that described above. By varying the light absorption of the additional surface, additional control over the degree of light absorption along the package may be achieved.

[0022] In some implementations, the optical components may include a heat exchanger and / or a sensor (e.g., a photodetector). By using the variable light reflectivity of the surface to evenly distribute scattered light in the package, the location of the heat exchanger and / or sensor on the package can be more flexible and not solely determined by the light scattering pattern produced by the cladding light stripper. Thus, the optical components may not be restricted by the placement typically associated with heat exchangers and / or sensors.

[0023] Figure 1 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an example optical component 100. The optical component 100 may be used in an optical system. For example, the optical component 100 may be a component of a fiber laser system, a fiber amplifier system, or the like.

[0024] The optical component 100 may include an optical fiber 102. The optical fiber 102 may include a core for guiding signal light and a cladding surrounding the core. The optical fiber 102 may be a single-clad optical fiber or a DCF. The optical fiber 102 may be configured to provide optical gain. For example, the optical fiber 102 may be configured as a fiber laser, a fiber amplifier, etc. For example, the core of the optical fiber may be doped with ions of a rare earth element, such as ytterbium or erbium.

[0025] The optical fiber 102 may include a section configured to allow light to escape from the optical fiber 102 (e.g., scatter light escaping from the optical fiber 102). For example, at the section of the optical fiber 102, a cover (e.g., a coating, a buffer layer, etc.) of the optical fiber 102 may be removed to expose the cladding of the optical fiber 102. In some implementations, the section of the optical fiber 102 may be associated with a cladding light stripper 104 (also referred to as a "cladding mode stripper"). For example, the cladding light stripper 104 may be defined for the optical fiber 102, and the cladding light stripper 104 has a length along the cladding. The cladding light stripper 104 may be defined by a disturbance in the cladding of the optical fiber 102, such as a notch, a groove, an etching, etc., which is configured to allow light to escape from the cladding. The disturbance in the cladding may be uniformly distributed or chirped (e.g., increasing in frequency in the direction of light propagation through the optical fiber 102). Additionally or alternatively, the cladding light stripper 104 can be defined by a material (e.g., a polymer) applied to the cladding of the optical fiber 102, wherein the material has a refractive index different (e.g., higher) than the refractive index of the cladding to allow light to escape from the cladding. In some implementations, the cladding light stripper 104 can be defined using other techniques besides those described above.

[0026] The optical component 100 may include a package 106 including a package base 108 and a package cover 110. The package base 108 may include a substrate, a block, or another carrier for the optical fiber 102. For example, the package base 108 may include a groove extending across the length of the package base 108, and the optical fiber 102 may be disposed in the groove (e.g., such that at least the cladding light stripper 104 of the optical fiber 102 is disposed in the groove). For example, the groove may be filled with a material that attaches the optical fiber 102 to the package base 108, such as a polymer. Thus, the optical fiber 102 may be slightly elevated relative to the package base 108. The package cover 110 may enclose at least the cladding light stripper 104 of the optical fiber 102 and the package base 108. For example, the package cover 110 may include a top wall of the package 106 and / or one or more side walls of the package 106. Thus, the package 106 may at least hold the cladding light stripper 104 of the optical fiber 102.

[0027] Light from the optical fiber 102 can be scattered in the encapsulant 106. For example, the cladding light stripper 104 can cause the light to be scattered in the encapsulant 106. The light scattering rate from the cladding light stripper 104 can vary along the length of the cladding light stripper 104. The encapsulant 106 can be configured to provide variable reflectivity and / or variable absorption of the scattered light in the encapsulant 106, as described herein. For example, the variable reflectivity and / or variable absorption can be configured to direct the scattered light in a desired manner to control and / or reduce variations in the degree of light absorption along the encapsulant 106. In this manner, the scattered light in the encapsulant 106 can be more uniformly absorbed to provide improved thermal management of the scattered light.

[0028] The encapsulant 106 may include a surface 112 (e.g., a surface layer) that faces at least the cladding light stripper 104 of the optical fiber 102. For example, the optical fiber 102 may be arranged relative to the surface 112 so that light escaping from the cladding light stripper 104 is incident on the surface 112. The surface 112 may include a light reflective material, such as gold, silver, etc. In some implementations, the light reflectivity of the surface 112 (e.g., the surface 112 may be configured with a light reflectivity) varies according to the surface position to control and / or reduce the variation in the degree of light absorption along the encapsulant 106 (e.g., a specific configuration of the light reflectivity controls and / or reduces the variation in light absorption in a specific manner). For example, different locations on the surface 112 may have different light reflectivities (e.g., this is intentional and not accidental or random due to surface defects). The light reflectivity may vary (e.g., according to a light reflectivity gradient) so as to direct scattered light through the encapsulant 106 in a desired manner, thereby controlling and / or reducing the variation in the degree of light absorption along the encapsulant 106. In some implementations, the light reflectivity of the surface 112 and / or the light scattering along the length of the cladding light stripper 104 may be selected to reduce variations in the degree of light absorption along the encapsulant 106 and / or to increase the uniformity of light absorption within the encapsulant 106 .

[0029] In some implementations, the light reflectivity can vary in a direction parallel to the axis of the optical fiber 102. Additionally or alternatively, the light reflectivity can vary in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the optical fiber 102. The variation in light reflectivity can exist over the entire surface 112, or can be localized to a region of the surface 112 (e.g., encompassing less than the entire surface 112). The surface 112 can have a light absorption that also varies in correlation with the variation in light reflectivity (e.g., as light reflectivity increases, light absorption decreases, and as light reflectivity decreases, light absorption increases).

[0030] In some implementations, the light reflectivity of the surface 112 changes gradually with the surface position (e.g., the light reflectivity may steadily increase and / or steadily decrease along the surface 112). For example, the light reflectivity may steadily increase from the first end of the surface 112 to the second end of the surface 112, or the light reflectivity may steadily decrease from the first end of the surface 112 to the second end of the surface 112. As another example, the light reflectivity may steadily increase from the first end of the surface 112 to a point (e.g., a midpoint) between the first end and the second end of the surface 112, and the light reflectivity may steadily decrease from the point to the second end of the surface 112. As another example, the light reflectivity may steadily decrease from the first end of the surface 112 to a point (e.g., a midpoint) between the first end and the second end of the surface 112, and the light reflectivity may steadily increase from the point to the second end of the surface 112. In some implementations, the light reflectivity may change non-gradually.

[0031] In some implementations, the variation in light reflectivity can be configured to direct scattered light from areas of the package 106 having high light intensity so that it is absorbed at areas of the package 106 where cooling is most effective (e.g., areas of the package 106 associated with maximum heat dissipation), thereby improving thermal management of the scattered light. In some implementations, the variation in light reflectivity can be configured to direct light escaping from the front end of the cladding light stripper 104 toward the rear end of the package 106 relative to the direction of light propagation through the optical fiber 102. Such a configuration can provide improved uniformity of scattered light in the package 106 and / or improved thermal management of scattered light because light escaping from the cladding light stripper 104 can have a maximum intensity at the front end of the cladding light stripper 104.

[0032] In some implementations, in order to change the light reflectivity of the surface 112, the surface 112 may have a texture. The texture may be formed by chemical etching, laser engraving, embossing, knurling, additive manufacturing (e.g., using a powder printing material that can be textured by manipulating particle size and / or printing parameters), etc. The texture may be formed before applying a reflective finish to the surface 112, after applying a reflective finish to the surface 122, or as part of applying a reflective finish to the surface 112. The texture may be in a configuration that defines a change in the light reflectivity of the surface 112. For example, in a first area of ​​the surface 112, the texture may have a first configuration associated with a first light reflectivity; in a second area of ​​the surface 112, the texture may have a second configuration associated with a second light reflectivity; in a third area of ​​the surface 112, the texture may have a third configuration associated with a third light reflectivity, and so on. The texture may include pits in the surface 112, bumps on the surface 112, lines in the surface 112, cross-hatching in the surface 112, or other disturbances of the surface 112. For example, where the texture includes pits, the configuration of the pits can be manipulated by changing the spacing between the pits, changing the diameter of the pits, and / or changing the depth of the pits to change the light reflectivity. In some implementations, the configuration of the texture can change gradually across the surface 112 (e.g., in a stepped manner or using a smooth transition) to gradually change the light reflectivity of the surface 112.

[0033] In some implementations, a material finish of surface 112 (e.g., a surface layer of surface 112) can be used to change the light reflectivity of surface 112. In particular, the material finish can control the change in the light reflectivity of surface 112 (e.g., the configuration of the material finish can define the change in the light reflectivity of surface 112). The material finish of surface 112 can be formed by plating, coating, additive manufacturing, or similar techniques for applying materials (such as metals) to substrates. The material finish can be manipulated by changing the material composition of the material finish to change the light reflectivity. Changing the material composition can include adding and / or eliminating one or more materials from the material finish, changing the relative proportions of the materials in the material finish, and / or changing the density of the material finish (e.g., the density at which the material finish is applied). In some implementations, the material finish can gradually change on surface 112 (e.g., from a more reflective material finish to a less reflective material finish, or vice versa) to gradually change the light reflectivity of surface 112.

[0034] In some implementations, the material finish of surface 112 may include a plurality of material dots (e.g., which may be circular or other shapes) composed of one or more light reflective materials. Thus, the material dots may be in a configuration that defines a variation in the light reflectivity of surface 112. For example, in a first region of surface 112, the material dots may have a first configuration associated with a first light reflectivity; in a second region of surface 112, the material dots may have a second configuration associated with a second light reflectivity; in a third region of surface 112, the material dots may have a third configuration associated with a third light reflectivity, and so on. The configuration of the material dots may be manipulated by changing the spacing between the material dots, changing the diameter of the material dots, and / or changing the material composition of the material dots, thereby varying the light reflectivity.

[0035] In some implementations, the material finish of surface 112 can include a series of material strips, each of which is composed of one or more light reflective materials (e.g., each of the material strips can have a different material composition). Thus, the configuration of the material strips can define a variation in the light reflectivity of surface 112. For example, a first material strip can have a first configuration associated with a first light reflectivity, a second material strip can have a second configuration associated with a second light reflectivity, a third material strip can have a third configuration associated with a third light reflectivity, and so on. The configuration of the material strips can be manipulated by changing the width of the material strips and / or changing the material composition of the material strips, thereby changing the light reflectivity.

[0036] As an alternative to the material strip, the material finish of surface 112 may include a continuously varying material composition. Thus, the configuration of the continuously varying material composition may define a change in the light reflectivity of surface 112. For example, the material finish of surface 112 may have a feathering (e.g., a smooth transition) to produce a continuously varying material composition. In some implementations, in order to achieve feathering, the material finish of surface 112 may be applied from the first end of surface 112 to the second end, while the material composition of the material finish gradually changes during application (e.g., by gradually changing the amount of dopants added to the material finish). In some implementations, in order to achieve feathering, the material finish of surface 112 may be applied, and then doped by implantation that is swept from the first end of surface 112 to the second end, while the amount of dopants implanted gradually changes during the sweep. Additionally or alternatively, doping by implantation may be performed using a series of photoresists on surface 112 to achieve a desired doping configuration. In some implementations, smoothness can be achieved by applying a first material finish layer to surface 112, removing a portion of that layer in an area of ​​surface 112, applying a second material finish layer in the area of ​​surface 112, smoothing the first material finish and the second material finish, and so on, using additional material finish layers as needed.

[0037] In some implementations, the material composition of the encapsulant 106 itself can be used to change the light reflectivity of the surface 112. In particular, the configuration of the material composition of the encapsulant 106 can define a change in the light reflectivity of the encapsulant 106, and by extension, a change in the light reflectivity of the surface 112 of the encapsulant 106. For example, the encapsulant 106 may include a multi-material gradient associated with a varying light reflectivity. In one example, the multi-material gradient of the encapsulant 106 may be formed by additive manufacturing. For example, during the formation of the encapsulant 106 by additive manufacturing, the material composition of the encapsulant 106 may be changed by changing the amount of dopants added to the material composition. Additionally or alternatively, the change in the light reflectivity of the encapsulant 106 may be produced using a hybrid technique, using sheet lamination, and / or by integrating components (e.g., components with different light reflectivities) into the encapsulant 106. In some implementations, a combination of two or more techniques described herein for changing the light reflectivity of the surface 112 may be employed.

[0038] The package 106 may include an additional surface 114 (e.g., a surface layer) facing at least the cladding light stripper 104 of the optical fiber 102 and facing the surface 112. For example, the surface 114 may be arranged relative to the optical fiber 102 and the surface 112 so that light escaping from the cladding light stripper 104 is incident on the surface 114 and / or light reflected from the surface 112 is incident on the surface 114. The surface 114 may be configured to absorb scattered light in the package 106. For example, the surface 114 may directly absorb scattered light from the cladding light stripper 104 and / or may absorb reflection of scattered light from the surface 112. The surface 114 may include a light absorbing material, such as anodized aluminum or the like.

[0039] In some implementations, surface 114 can have a constant light absorption across surface 114 (e.g., the light absorption does not vary except for negligible variations due to imperfections in surface 114). In some implementations, the light absorption of surface 114 (e.g., surface 114 can be configured with light absorption) varies (e.g., gradually) as a function of surface position, which can be accomplished in a manner similar to the above-described variation in light reflectivity of surface 112. By varying the light absorption of surface 114, additional control over the degree of light absorption along encapsulant 106 can be achieved.

[0040] exist Figure 1 , surface 112 is shown on package base 108, and surface 114 is shown on package cover 110. In some implementations, package cover 110 can include surface 112 described herein, and package base 108 can include surface 114 described herein.

[0041] The optical component 100 may include a heat exchanger 116. The heat exchanger 116 may be thermally coupled to the package 106. For example, one or more walls of the package cover 110 may be attached to or otherwise contact the heat exchanger 116, and / or the package base 108 may be disposed on the heat exchanger 116. Light absorbed by the package 106 may be converted into heat, which is transferred to the heat exchanger 116. The heat exchanger 116 may be configured to dissipate heat. For example, the heat exchanger 116 may include a heat sink, a water block, etc. By using the variable light reflectivity of the surface 112 to evenly distribute scattered light in the package 106, the location of the heat exchanger 116 on the package 106 is more flexible and is not solely determined by (e.g., is independent of) the light scattering rate along the length of the cladding light stripper 104 (e.g., the light scattering pattern produced by the cladding light stripper 104). For example, the location of the heat exchanger 116 on the package 106 may be independent of variations in the intensity of scattered light along the length of the cladding light stripper 104 .

[0042] By varying the light reflectivity of surface 112 as a function of surface location, the degree of light absorption along package 106 may be controlled in a desired manner. For example, at areas of package 106 associated with higher intensity scattered light, surface 112 may be configured with a greater light reflectivity. Continuing with this example, at areas of package 106 associated with lower intensity scattered light, surface 112 may be configured with a lower light reflectivity. In this manner, scattered light may be directed more uniformly in package 106, thereby improving the uniformity of light absorption in package 106. As a result, package 106 may have improved thermal performance.

[0043] As mentioned above, Figure 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may be about Figure 1 Different from what is described.

[0044] Figure 2 1 is a top view of the optical fiber 102 and the surface 112 of the package 106 of the optical component 100. As shown in the figure, relative to the direction of light propagation through the optical fiber 102, the light escaping from the optical fiber 102 due to the cladding light stripper 104 may have a maximum intensity at the front end of the cladding light stripper 104, and the intensity of the light may gradually decrease along the length of the cladding light stripper 104 to the rear end of the cladding light stripper 104. Figure 2 , light intensity is represented by the thickness of the arrows, where thicker arrows represent greater light intensity.

[0045] like Figure 2As further shown, the optical reflectivity of the surface 112 may vary in relation to changes in the intensity of light escaping along the length of the cladding light stripper 104. For example, the optical reflectivity of the surface 112 may vary in relation to changes in the light scattering rate along the length of the cladding light stripper 104. For example, in the case where more light is scattered from the cladding light stripper 104, the optical reflectivity of the surface 112 may be greater, and in the case where less light is scattered from the cladding light stripper 104, the optical reflectivity of the surface 112 may be less. For example, the optical reflectivity of the surface 112 may gradually decrease (and the optical absorption may gradually increase) from a first end of the surface 112 (e.g., which is associated with high optical reflectivity and low optical absorption) to a second end of the surface 112 (e.g., which is associated with low optical reflectivity and high optical absorption), thereby defining an optical reflectivity gradient. The decrease in optical reflectivity and / or the increase in optical absorption may be proportional or non-proportional to the light scattering rate along the length of the cladding light stripper 104.

[0046] As mentioned above, Figure 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may be about Figure 2 Different from what is described.

[0047] Figure 3 1 is a top view of the optical fiber 102 and the surface 112 of the encapsulation 106 of the optical component 100 . Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 Alternative configurations of light reflectivity of surface 112 are shown. Figure 3 shows the light propagating forward through the optical fiber 102 (combined with Figure 2 ), and back-reflected light (e.g., propagating in a direction opposite to the forward propagating light) through the optical fiber 102. In a manner similar to the forward propagating light, the back-reflected light escaping from the optical fiber 102 due to the cladding light stripper 104 may have a maximum intensity at the rear end of the cladding light stripper 104, and the intensity of the light may gradually decrease along the length of the cladding light stripper 104 to the front end of the cladding light stripper 104.

[0048] Therefore, if Figure 3 As further shown, the light reflectivity of surface 112 may vary in association with the variation in the intensity of the forward propagating light and the variation in the intensity of the back-reflected light. For example, the light reflectivity of surface 112 may gradually decrease (and light absorption may gradually increase) from a first end of surface 112 (e.g., which is associated with high light reflectivity and low light absorption) to a point (e.g., approximately in the middle) between the first end and the second end of surface 112 (e.g., which is associated with low light reflectivity and high light absorption), and the light reflectivity of surface 112 may gradually increase (and light absorption may gradually decrease) from this point to the second end of surface 112 (e.g., which is associated with high light reflectivity and low light absorption).

[0049] As mentioned above, Figure 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may be about Figure 3 Different from what is described.

[0050] Figure 4 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the optical component 100. The optical component 100 may also include a sensor 118. The sensor 118 may be configured to detect a characteristic associated with light escaping from the optical fiber 102 due to the cladding light stripper 104 (e.g., light scattered from the cladding light stripper 104 in the package 106). In some implementations, the sensor 118 may be a photodetector, such as a photodiode, a photoresistor, a phototransistor, or another photovoltaic cell. For example, the sensor 118 implemented as a photodiode may be configured as a power monitor, a stray light sensor, etc. In some implementations, the sensor 118 may be a temperature sensor.

[0051] The sensor 118 may be disposed in the package 106 (e.g., in the package cover 110). For example, an active area of ​​the sensor 118 may be exposed to the interior of the package 106, thereby facilitating sensing of conditions within the package 106. As described herein, by controlling the light scattered by the cladding light stripper 104 by varying the light reflectivity of the surface 112, the light may be uniformly distributed within the package 106, such that the sensor 118 is less sensitive to the physical location in the package 106, and consistent measurements may be obtained regardless of the location in the package 106. Thus, the location of the sensor 118 on the package 106 is more flexible and is not solely determined by (e.g., is independent of) the light scattering rate along the length of the cladding light stripper (e.g., the light scattering pattern produced by the cladding light stripper 104). For example, the location of the sensor 118 in the package 106 may be independent of changes in the intensity of scattered light along the length of the cladding light stripper 104. For example, the sensor 118 may be located at a non-central location of the enclosure 106 , such as a location closer to an edge of the enclosure 106 than to a center of the enclosure 106 .

[0052] As mentioned above, Figure 4 is provided as an example. Other examples may be about Figure 4 Different from what is described.

[0053] Although the above description is with respect to a cladding light stripper 104 held in an enclosure 106, in some implementations, the techniques described herein may be used with different components. For example, the housing may hold a termination end or end cap of an optical fiber (e.g., where light is scattered from one end of the optical fiber). Here, as described herein, a change in the optical reflectivity of the housing may be configured to direct scattered light from areas of the housing having high light intensity so that it is absorbed at areas of the housing where cooling is most effective. By controlling the scattered light in the housing using variable optical reflectivity, the location of the heat exchanger and / or sensor on the housing may be more flexible and not solely determined by the light scattering pattern produced by the termination end or end cap, nor by the location of the incident ray of forward propagating light in the optical fiber.

[0054] As another example, a back reflection barrier can employ a variable reflective surface, as described herein. For example, the variable light reflectivity described herein can be used in devices or applications where back reflections of light are high (e.g., whether due to external artifacts, test setups, or internal features of the optical chain). For example, a housing for the end cap described above may experience high back reflections of light. As described herein, a back reflection barrier can have a variation in light reflectivity that is configured to direct light from areas of high light intensity so that it is absorbed before being back reflected into the optical fiber. By controlling the back reflected light using variable light reflectivity, the location of the heat exchanger and / or sensor on the device can be more flexible and not solely determined by the first incident ray of back reflected light.

[0055] As another example, a beam dump can employ a variable reflective surface, as described herein. For example, as described herein, the interior of the beam dump can have a variable reflectivity (e.g., where light intensity is high). Here, as described herein, the variation in the light reflectivity of the beam dump can be configured to direct light from areas of the beam dump having high light intensity so that it is absorbed at areas of the beam dump where cooling is most effective. By using variable light reflectivity to control the light, the location of the heat exchanger and / or sensor on the beam dump can be more flexible and not solely determined by the area of ​​the beam dump that experiences the most direct illumination.

[0056] The above disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementation to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made based on the above disclosure, or may be obtained from the practice of the implementation. In addition, any implementation described herein may be combined, unless the above disclosure explicitly provides reasons why one or more implementations cannot be combined.

[0057] Although specific combinations of features are listed in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. In fact, many of these features can be combined in ways that are not specifically listed in the claims and / or not disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below can directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim combined with each other claim in the claim set. As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one" in a list of items refers to any combination of these items, including a single component. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiple identical items.

[0058] When a component or one or more components (e.g., a reflector or one or more reflectors) is described or claimed (either within a single claim or across multiple claims) as performing multiple operations or being configured to perform multiple operations, the language is intended to broadly cover a variety of architectures and environments. For example, unless otherwise expressly required (e.g., by use of "first component" and "second component" or other language in the claim that distinguishes between components), the language is intended to cover a single component performing or being configured to perform all operations, a group of components collectively performing or being configured to perform all operations, a first component performing or being configured to perform a first operation and a second component performing or being configured to perform a second operation, or any combination of components performing or being configured to perform operations. For example, when a claim is of the form "one or more components are configured to: perform X; perform Y; and perform Z," the claim should be interpreted as "one or more components are configured to perform X; one or more (possibly different) components are configured to perform Y; and one or more (possibly different) components are configured to perform Z."

[0059] Unless explicitly stated, any element, behavior or instruction used in this article should not be interpreted as key or necessary. In addition, as used in this article, the article "one" and "an" are intended to include one or more projects, and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used in this article, the article "the" is intended to include one or more projects quoted in combination with the article "the", and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used in this article, the term "set" is intended to include one or more projects (for example, a combination of related projects, unrelated projects, or related projects and unrelated projects), and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In the case of only intending to use a project, the phrase "only one" or similar language is used. In addition, as used in this article, the term "has", "have", "having" etc. are intended to be open terms. In addition, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the meaning of the word "based on" is "at least partially based on". In addition, as used in this article, the term "or" is inclusive when used in a series, and can be used interchangeably with "and / or", unless otherwise explicitly stated (for example, if used in combination with "any one" or "only one").

Claims

1. An optical component, comprising: An optical fiber having a core for guiding signal light and a cladding surrounding the core; a cladding light stripper, the cladding light stripper being defined for use with the optical fiber, the cladding light stripper having a length along the cladding, wherein the light scattering rate from said cladding light stripper varies along said length; and an encapsulation, the encapsulation holding the cladding light stripper, having a surface facing the cladding light stripper, The light reflectivity of the surface varies depending on the surface location to control the degree of light absorption along the package.

2. The optical component of claim 1, wherein the light reflectivity of the surface varies in correlation with a variation in the light scattering rate along the length of the cladding light stripper.

3. The optical component of claim 1, wherein the light reflectivity of the surface and the light scattering rate along the length of the cladding light stripper are selected to reduce variations in the degree of light absorption along the encapsulant.

4. The optical component according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensor, the sensor being disposed in the package, Wherein the position of the sensor in the package is independent of the light scattering rate along the length of the cladding light stripper.

5. The optical component according to claim 1, further comprising: a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the enclosure, Wherein the position of the heat exchanger relative to the enclosure is independent of the light scattering rate along the length of the cladding light stripper.

6. The optical component of claim 1, wherein the variation in the light reflectivity of the surface is defined by at least one of: The texture of the surface, the material finish of the surface, or The material composition of the package.

7. The optical component according to claim 1, wherein: The material finish of the surface controls the variation of the light reflectivity of the surface, The material facing comprises a series of material strips, and Each of the material strips has a different material composition.

8. The optical component of claim 1, wherein a material finish of the surface controls a variation in the light reflectivity of the surface, and the material finish has a smoothness of continuously varying material composition.

9. The optical component according to claim 1, wherein the light reflectivity varies in a direction parallel to the axis of the optical fiber.

10. The optical component of claim 1, wherein the encapsulant has an additional surface facing the surface, and The light absorption of the additional surface varies depending on the surface position.

11. An optical component, comprising: An optical fiber having a core for guiding signal light and a cladding surrounding the core; a cladding light stripper, the cladding light stripper being defined for use with the optical fiber, wherein the cladding light stripper has a length along the cladding; as well as an encapsulation, the encapsulation holding the cladding light stripper, having a surface facing the cladding light stripper, The light reflectivity of the surface varies depending on the surface position to reduce the variation in the degree of light absorption along the package.

12. The optical component of claim 11, wherein the light reflectivity varies gradually in correlation with changes in the intensity of light that would escape along the length of the cladding light stripper.

13. The optical component of claim 12, wherein the light reflectivity of the surface and the intensity of the light that will escape along the length of the cladding light stripper are selected to increase uniformity of light absorption within the package.

14. The optical component according to claim 11, further comprising: a sensor, the sensor being disposed in the package, Wherein the position of the sensor in the package is independent of variations in the intensity of light that will escape along the length of the cladding light stripper.

15. The optical component according to claim 11, wherein the light reflectivity varies in a direction parallel to the axis of the optical fiber.

16. The optical component according to claim 11, wherein the light reflectivity varies in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the optical fiber.

17. The optical component according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the following: the surface has a texture that defines variations in the light reflectivity of the surface, or The material finish of the surface defines a variation in the light reflectivity of the surface.

18. A package for an optical fiber, comprising: a first surface having a light reflectivity that varies as a function of surface location to control the degree of light absorption along the package; as well as A second surface is configured to absorb light in the package. The package of claim 18 , wherein light absorption of the second surface varies depending on surface location.

20. The package of claim 18, wherein the variation in the light reflectivity of the first surface is defined by at least one of: the texture of the first surface, the material finish of the first surface, or The material composition of the package.

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