Optical fiber beam expanding contact element and hollow-core optical fiber connector

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical fiber beam expanding contact piece and a hollow-core optical fiber connector, and belongs to the field of optical fiber connectors, the optical fiber beam expanding contact piece comprises a hollow-core optical fiber and a light transmission medium which is arranged in front of the hollow-core optical fiber and can output beam expanding collimated light, the light transmission medium is arranged in a connector pin, and the light transmission medium is a medium with a focusing function. The connector pin is mounted on the positioning piece, and the positioning piece is used for being matched and assembled with a connector shell of the hollow-core optical fiber connector; the hollow-core optical fiber connector comprises a connector shell and an optical fiber beam expanding contact piece arranged in the connector shell. Efficient optical signal transmission can be achieved, and the requirements of an optical fiber communication system for efficient and stable connection performance are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of fiber optic connectors, and particularly relates to an optical fiber beam expanding contact member and a hollow fiber optic connector. Background Art

[0002] Hollow anti-resonant fiber (hereinafter simply referred to as hollow fiber) realizes hollow light guiding through the anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide mechanism, and has advantages such as low delay, low dispersion, low non-linearity, high damage threshold, broadband light guiding, low thermal sensitivity, radiation resistance, etc. Therefore, it has great application prospects in the fields of optical communication, high-power laser transmission, ultrafast optics, non-linear optics, fiber optic sensing, etc.

[0003] There is a central air channel inside the hollow fiber, and this channel is surrounded by a glass tube wall. Given the unique structure of this hollow fiber, the existing solid fiber processing technology is not applicable to its production. In addition, when the fiber is in an open air environment, there is a risk that tiny particles in the air, including but not limited to dust, water vapor condensates, etc., may penetrate into the fiber interior through tiny gaps. The intrusion of these foreign substances may not only damage the anti-resonant light guiding of the fiber, but also affect the transmission quality of the optical signal through scattering, absorption, etc.

[0004] In the actual application scenarios of fiber optic communication systems, the connection requirements between fibers and between fibers and various communication devices are frequent, and often require a detachable active connection function. When making such fiber optic active connections, it is crucial to ensure the precise butt joint of the fiber end faces. Among them, the most critical is to achieve the precise alignment of the axes of the two fibers, so as to ensure that the optical energy output by the transmitting fiber can be coupled to the receiving fiber to the greatest extent, and achieve efficient optical signal transmission.

[0005] Regarding the connection of hollow fibers, there are already relevant connection methods and connection structure studies. For example, a hollow fiber optic connector adopts a heating method, aiming to seal the air holes by collapsing the air core of the fiber, and then grind the fiber end face. However, this solution faces significant challenges in actual operation: the length of the collapsed part is difficult to precisely control and measure, which directly leads to a significant increase in the insertion loss of the connector. In addition, after the fiber collapses, its cladding diameter changes, which in turn affects the matching effect between the fiber outer diameter and the ferrule aperture, further exacerbating the problem of insertion loss.

[0006] There are also some studies that connect a single-mode fiber to the end face of the hollow fiber in various ways, so as to connect it to the existing communication system. The structure design of this type of solution involves mode field conversion, and the structure is complex and the production difficulty is large.

[0007] In summary, there are obvious deficiencies in the existing hollow fiber connection technology. It is urgent to develop a more precise and reliable connection method and structure to meet the requirements of the fiber optic communication system for efficient and stable connection performance. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an optical fiber beam expanding contact member and a hollow fiber connector. By fixedly arranging a section of light transmitting medium at the front end of the hollow fiber, this medium can achieve effective signal transmission with the hollow fiber, ensuring that when the fiber optic connector is connected, the light energy output by the transmitting fiber is coupled to the receiving fiber to the greatest extent, realizing efficient optical signal transmission and meeting the requirements of the fiber optic communication system for efficient and stable connection performance.

[0009] To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an optical fiber beam expanding contact member, comprising a hollow fiber and a light transmitting medium arranged in front of the hollow fiber and capable of outputting expanded and collimated light. The light transmitting medium is arranged in a connector pin. The light transmitting medium is a medium with a focusing function. The connector pin is installed on a positioning member, and the positioning member is used for mating and assembling with the connector housing of the hollow fiber connector.

[0010] The beneficial effect is that by fixedly arranging a section of light transmitting medium at the front end of the hollow fiber, this medium can achieve effective signal transmission with the hollow fiber, ensuring that when the fiber optic connector is connected, the light energy output by the transmitting fiber is coupled to the receiving fiber to the greatest extent, realizing efficient optical signal transmission and meeting the requirements of the fiber optic communication system for efficient and stable connection performance.

[0011] As a first specific structural form, the front section of the hollow fiber is installed in a fiber pin, and the front end face of the hollow fiber extends out of the fiber pin.

[0012] The beneficial effect is that it is convenient to adjust the position of the hollow fiber to ensure that the light transmitting medium can output expanded and collimated light.

[0013] As a specific solution of the first structural form, the light transmitting medium and the fiber pin are installed in a fixed sleeve, and the fixed sleeve is passed through and fixed in the connector pin and the positioning member.

[0014] The beneficial effect is that the fixed sleeve can prevent tiny particulate matter in the external air from entering the interior of the hollow fiber, and at the same time, it is also convenient for the hollow fiber and the light transmitting medium to be installed as a whole structure.

[0015] Furthermore, the incident end face of the light transmitting medium is an inclined plane.

[0016] The beneficial effect is that the inclined plane setting can improve the return loss and enhance the optical transmission performance.

[0017] Furthermore, an adjustment gap is provided between the fixed sleeve and the connector pin for adjusting the radial position of the fixed sleeve, and the fixed sleeve and the connector pin are fixed by adhesive.

[0018] The beneficial effect is that the radial position of the fixed sleeve in the connector pin can be adjusted by setting the adjustment gap, so that the beam axis of the outgoing light of the light-transmitting medium is concentric and coaxial with the connector pin, ensuring the optical transmission performance after connection with the mating connector.

[0019] As another specific solution of the first structural form, the front end face of the hollow fiber is in contact with the incident end face of the light-transmitting medium; the front end of the fiber pin and the rear end of the connector pin are both inserted into the alignment sleeve, and the front end of the alignment sleeve is docked with the rear end of the positioning member on the connector pin.

[0020] The beneficial effect is that the alignment sleeve can prevent tiny particulate matter in the external air from entering the hollow fiber.

[0021] Furthermore, the rear end face of the connector pin and the incident end face of the light-transmitting medium are set as inclined surfaces.

[0022] The beneficial effect is that the inclined surface setting can improve the return loss and enhance the optical transmission performance.

[0023] Furthermore, an adjustment gap is left between the fiber pin and the alignment sleeve for adjusting the radial position of the fiber pin, and the fiber pin and the alignment sleeve are fixed by adhesive.

[0024] The beneficial effect is that the radial position of the fiber pin in the alignment sleeve can be adjusted by setting the adjustment gap, so that the beam axis of the outgoing light of the light-transmitting medium is concentric and coaxial with the connector pin, ensuring the optical transmission performance after connection with the mating connector.

[0025] As the second specific structural form, the front section of the hollow fiber is inserted into the connector pin and is docked with the incident end of the light-transmitting medium in the connector pin.

[0026] The beneficial effect is that this structure is simple, with fewer parts and is convenient for installation.

[0027] As the third specific structural form, a fixed sleeve is inserted into the connector pin, and the light-transmitting medium and the hollow fiber are arranged in the fixed sleeve.

[0028] The beneficial effect is that by arranging the light-transmitting medium and the hollow fiber in the same fixed sleeve, on the one hand, it can prevent tiny particulate matter in the external air from entering the hollow fiber, and on the other hand, it is also convenient for the hollow fiber and the light-transmitting medium to be installed as an integral structure.

[0029] Furthermore, the incident end of the light-transmitting medium is arranged as an inclined surface, and the front end of the hollow optical fiber is in close contact with the incident end of the light-transmitting medium.

[0030] The beneficial effect is that the arrangement of the inclined surface can improve the return loss and enhance the optical transmission performance.

[0031] Still further, an adjustment gap is left between the fixed sleeve and the connector pin for adjusting the radial position of the fixed sleeve, and the fixed sleeve and the connector pin are fixed by adhesive.

[0032] The beneficial effect is that by setting the adjustment gap, the radial position of the fixed sleeve in the connector pin can be adjusted so that the beam axis of the outgoing light of the light-transmitting medium is concentric and coaxial with the connector pin, ensuring the optical transmission performance after connection with the mating connector.

[0033] The present invention further provides a hollow optical fiber connector, which includes a connector housing and a contact member disposed in the connector housing, and the contact member is the optical fiber beam expanding contact member described in any one of the above.

[0034] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that by fixedly arranging a section of light-transmitting medium at the front end of the hollow optical fiber, effective signal transmission can be achieved between the medium and the hollow optical fiber, ensuring that when the optical fiber connector is connected, the light energy output by the transmitting optical fiber is coupled to the receiving optical fiber to the greatest extent, realizing efficient optical signal transmission and meeting the requirements of the optical fiber communication system for high-efficiency and stable connection performance.

[0035] The present invention can improve the return loss and enhance the optical transmission performance through the arrangement of the inclined surface at the incident end of the light-transmitting medium, and further adjust the radial position of the hollow optical fiber or the radial position between the hollow optical fiber and the light-transmitting medium by setting the adjustment gap, so that the beam axis of the outgoing light of the light-transmitting medium is concentric and coaxial with the connector pin, ensuring the optical transmission performance after connection with the mating connector.

[0036] The optical fiber beam expanding contact member structure of the present invention can block the front end portion of the hollow optical fiber inside the contact member, preventing tiny particulate matters in the external air from entering the hollow optical fiber and ensuring the transmission quality of the optical signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow optical fiber connector in Embodiment 1; Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the optical fiber beam expanding contact member in Embodiment 1; Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the hollow optical fiber connector in Embodiment 2; Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the optical fiber beam expanding contact member in Embodiment 2; Figure 5 Schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber optic connector in Embodiment 3; Figure 6 Schematic structural diagram of the fiber optic beam expander contact in Embodiment 3; Figure 7 Schematic structural diagram of the hollow fiber optic connector in Embodiment 4; Figure 8 Schematic structural diagram of the fiber optic beam expander contact in Embodiment 4; Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the principle of the angular deviation between the outgoing light and the light transmission medium in the hollow fiber optic connector of the present invention; Markings in the figure: 1. Connector housing, 2. Fiber optic beam expander contact, 3. Light transmission medium, 4. Fixed sleeve, 5. Connector pin, 6. Fiber optic pin, 7. Hollow fiber, 8. Positioning member, 9. Adjustment gap, 10. Alignment sleeve, 11. Outgoing light, 12. Axis of the light transmission medium, 13. Axis of the light beam. Detailed implementation manners

[0038] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but it shall not be used as a basis for any limitation to the invention.

[0039] Embodiment 1 Refer to the attached Figure 1 As shown, a hollow fiber optic connector includes a connector housing 1 and a fiber optic beam expander contact 2 disposed inside the connector housing 1.

[0040] As Figure 2 shown, the fiber optic beam expander contact 2 includes a light transmission medium 3, a fixed sleeve 4, a connector pin 5, a fiber optic pin 6, a hollow fiber 7, and a positioning member 8. The hollow fiber 7 is installed inside the fiber optic pin 6, and the fiber optic pin 6 is installed at the rear section of the lumen of the fixed sleeve 4. The light transmission medium 3 is provided at the front section of the lumen of the fixed sleeve 4. Through the position adjustment of the fiber optic pin 6 and the light transmission medium 3, the light transmission medium 3 outputs expanded and collimated light. The front section of the fixed sleeve 4 is installed inside the connector pin 5, the connector pin 5 is installed in the mounting hole of the positioning member 8, the positioning member 8 is disposed in the positioning hole of the connector housing 1, the rear end of the positioning member 8 contacts with the spring inside the connector housing 1, and the front end of the positioning member 8 abuts against the conical surface of the positioning hole.

[0041] In order to improve the optical transmission performance, the incident end of the light transmission medium 3 is provided as an inclined surface to improve the return loss. As Figure 9 shown, due to the existence of this inclined surface, there is an angular deviation between the axis of the light beam of the outgoing light 11 of the light transmission medium 3 and the axis of the light transmission medium 3. In order to ensure the optical transmission performance, it is necessary to adjust the outgoing light 11 and the connector pin 5 to be coaxial. Therefore, as Figure 2As shown, a certain-sized adjustment gap 9 is reserved between the fixed sleeve 4 and the connector pin 5. The radial position of the fixed sleeve 4 in the connector pin 5 is adjusted according to the angle deviation until the beam axis 13 of the outgoing light 11 of the light-transmitting medium 3 is concentric and coaxial with the connector pin 5. Then, the position of the fixed sleeve 4 is fixed by means of dotting.

[0042] In this embodiment, the light-transmitting medium 3 is a converging light medium, that is, the refractive index distribution inside the medium varies gradually in the radial direction and has a focusing function. The length of the light-transmitting medium 3 is designed according to the refractive index of the light-transmitting medium 3 to ensure that an expanded and collimated light can be output after adjustment, and to guarantee the quality of signal transmission during product use.

[0043] In other embodiments of this embodiment, the incident end of the light-transmitting medium 3 is no longer designed as an inclined plane, but a plane perpendicular to the axis of the light-transmitting medium 3. At this time, the adjustment gap 9 can no longer be designed, and thus the fixed sleeve 4 can be cancelled. The connector pin 5 is directly matched with the light-transmitting medium 3 and the optical fiber pin 6. This combination is suitable for scenarios with low requirements for product performance.

[0044] Embodiment 2 Refer to the appendix Figure 3 As shown, a hollow optical fiber connector includes a connector housing 1 and an optical fiber beam expanding contact member 2 provided in the connector housing 1.

[0045] As Figure 4 As shown, the optical fiber beam expanding contact member 2 includes a light-transmitting medium, a hollow optical fiber 7, a connector pin 5, and a positioning member 8. The light-transmitting medium 3 and the hollow optical fiber 7 are both installed in the connector pin 5. The light-transmitting medium 3 is located in front of the hollow optical fiber 7. The light of the hollow optical fiber 7 outputs expanded and collimated light through the light-transmitting medium 3. The rear end of the connector pin 5 is installed in the positioning member 8, and the positioning member 8 is installed in the connector housing 1. The installation and function of the positioning member 8 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the light-transmitting medium 3 is a converging light medium, that is, the refractive index distribution inside the medium varies gradually in the radial direction and has a focusing function. The length of the light-transmitting medium 3 is designed according to the refractive index of the light-transmitting medium 3 to ensure that expanded and collimated light can be output, and to guarantee the quality of signal transmission during product use. The incident end of the light-transmitting medium 3 in this embodiment is no longer provided as an inclined plane. Therefore, the adjustment gap 9 is no longer designed in this embodiment.

[0047] Embodiment 3 Refer to the appendix Figure 5 As shown, a hollow optical fiber connector includes a connector housing 1 and an optical fiber beam expanding contact member 2 provided in the connector housing 1.

[0048] As Figure 6As shown, the optical fiber beam expanding contact member 2 includes a light transmission medium 3, a connector pin 5, an optical fiber pin 6, a hollow optical fiber 7, a positioning member 8, and an alignment sleeve 10.

[0049] In this embodiment, only the light transmission medium 3 is installed in the connector pin 5, and the length of the light transmission medium 3 is equal to the length of the connector pin 5. The hollow optical fiber 7 is installed in the optical fiber pin 6, and the front end of the hollow optical fiber 7 extends out of the optical fiber pin 6 by a certain length. The inner diameter of the alignment sleeve 10 is equal to the inner diameter of the positioning member 8. The alignment sleeve 10 and the positioning member 8 are in end face contact, and the alignment sleeve 10 is behind the positioning member 8. The connector pin 5 is inserted into the positioning member 8 and the alignment sleeve 10 from the front end of the positioning member 8. The outer diameter of the connector pin 5 matches the inner diameter of the positioning member 8 to ensure that the connector pin 5 can be fastened in the positioning member 8 and the alignment sleeve 10. The optical fiber pin 6 is inserted into the alignment sleeve 10 from the rear end, and the relative positions of the optical fiber pin 6 and the connector pin 5 are adjusted so that the light transmission medium 3 can output expanded and collimated light.

[0050] The setting manner of the positioning member 8 on the connector housing 1 is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0051] Similar to Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, in order to improve the optical transmission performance, the incident end of the light transmission medium 3 is designed as an inclined surface, and the rear end surface of the corresponding connector pin 5 is also provided with an inclined surface having the same slope. In this case, an adjustment gap 9 needs to be set. Since the outer diameter surface of the connector pin 5 is in close fit with the inner diameter surfaces of the positioning member 8 and the alignment sleeve 10, the adjustment gap 9 is set between the optical fiber pin 6 and the alignment sleeve 10. During adjustment, the radial position of the optical fiber pin 6 in the alignment sleeve 10 is adjusted until the optical axis 11 of the outgoing light beam of the light transmission medium 3 is concentric and coaxial with the connector pin 5, and then the position of the alignment sleeve 10 is fixed by means of dotting glue.

[0052] In this embodiment, the light transmission medium 3 is a converging light medium, that is, the refractive index distribution inside the medium changes gradually along the radial direction and has a focusing function. The length of the light transmission medium 3 is designed according to the refractive index of the light transmission medium 3 to ensure that expanded and collimated light can be output and the quality of signal transmission during product use is guaranteed.

[0053] In other embodiments of this embodiment, the rear end of the positioning member 8 extends backward to replace the alignment sleeve 10, and the same effect of this embodiment can also be achieved.

[0054] Embodiment 4 Referring to the appendix Figure 7 As shown, a hollow optical fiber connector includes a connector housing 1 and an optical fiber beam expanding contact member 2 provided in the connector housing 1.

[0055] As Figure 8As shown, the optical fiber beam expander contact 2 includes a light transmission medium 3, a fixed sleeve 4, a connector pin 5, a hollow optical fiber 7, and a positioning member 8.

[0056] The light transmission medium 3 and the hollow optical fiber 7 are inserted into the fixed sleeve 4, the fixed sleeve 4 is inserted into the connector pin 5, and the connector pin 5 is installed on the positioning member 8. The positioning member 8 is installed in the connector housing 1 in the manner described in Embodiment 1.

[0057] The space between the outer periphery of the light transmission medium 3 and the fixed sleeve 4 is filled and fixed with potting glue. The incident end face of the light transmission medium 3 is set as an inclined plane and contacts the end face of the hollow optical fiber 7. An adjustment gap 9 is left between the fixed sleeve 4 and the connector pin 5 to adjust the radial position of the fixed sleeve 4 until the axis 11 of the outgoing light beam of the light transmission medium 3 is concentric and coaxial with the connector pin 5, and then the position of the fixed sleeve 4 is fixed by means of dotting glue.

[0058] The light transmission medium 3 in this embodiment is a homogeneous medium, that is, the refractive index inside the medium is the same, and the front end is processed into a spherical surface for light concentration.

[0059] In other embodiments of this embodiment, the incident end of the light transmission medium 3 is no longer designed as an inclined plane, but a plane perpendicular to the axis of the light transmission medium 3. At this time, the adjustment gap 9 can no longer be designed, and thus the fixed sleeve 4 can be cancelled. The connector pin 5 directly cooperates with the light transmission medium 3 and the hollow optical fiber 7. This combination is suitable for scenarios with low requirements for product performance.

[0060] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention rather than to limit them. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the specific implementation manners of the present invention can be modified or equivalently replaced by referring to the above embodiments. Any modification or equivalent replacement that does not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention is within the protection scope of the claims pending for approval.

Claims

1. An optical fiber beam expanding contact member, characterized in that: It includes a hollow-core optical fiber and a light-transmitting medium arranged in front of the hollow-core optical fiber and capable of outputting expanded and collimated light. The light-transmitting medium is arranged inside a connector pin, and the light-transmitting medium is a medium with a focusing function. The connector pin is installed on a positioning member, and the positioning member is used for mating and assembling with the connector housing of the hollow-core optical fiber connector.

2. The fiber optic beam expander contact according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front section of the hollow-core optical fiber is installed in the fiber pin, and the front end face of the hollow-core optical fiber extends out of the fiber pin.

3. The fiber optic beam expander contact according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light-transmitting medium and the fiber pin are installed in a fixed sleeve, and the fixed sleeve is passed through and fixed in the connector pin and the positioning member.

4. The fiber optic beam expander contact according to claim 3, wherein: The incident end face of the light-transmitting medium is an inclined plane.

5. The fiber optic beam expander contact according to claim 4, characterized in that: An adjustment gap is provided between the fixed sleeve and the connector pin for adjusting the radial position of the fixed sleeve, and the fixed sleeve and the connector pin are fixed by glue.

6. The fiber optic beam expander contact according to claim 2, wherein: The front end face of the hollow-core optical fiber contacts the incident end face of the light-transmitting medium. The front end of the fiber pin and the rear end of the connector pin are both passed through an alignment sleeve, and the front end of the alignment sleeve is docked with the rear end of the positioning member on the connector pin.

7. The fiber optic beam expander contact according to claim 6, wherein: The rear end face of the connector pin and the incident end face of the light-transmitting medium are set as inclined planes.

8. The fiber optic beam expander contact according to claim 7, characterized in that: An adjustment gap is left between the fiber pin and the alignment sleeve for adjusting the radial position of the fiber pin, and the fiber pin and the alignment sleeve are fixed by glue.

9. The fiber optic beam expander contact according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front section of the hollow-core optical fiber is passed through the connector pin and is docked with the incident end of the light-transmitting medium inside the connector pin.

10. The fiber optic beam expander contact according to claim 1, wherein: A fixed sleeve is passed through the connector pin, and the light-transmitting medium and the hollow-core optical fiber are arranged inside the fixed sleeve.

11. A fiber optic beam expander contact according to claim 10, characterized in that: The incident end of the light-transmitting medium is set as an inclined plane, and the front end of the hollow-core optical fiber is in close contact with the incident end of the light-transmitting medium.

12. The fiber optic beam expanding contact member according to claim 11, wherein: An adjustment gap is left between the fixed sleeve and the connector pin for adjusting the radial position of the fixed sleeve, and the fixed sleeve and the connector pin are fixed by glue.

13. An empty-core fiber optic connector, comprising a connector housing and a contact member disposed within the connector housing, characterized in that: The contact member is the optical fiber beam-expanding contact member according to any one of claims 1-12.

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