Gas-injection micro-optical fiber adapter device and method of use

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of optical fiber and gas detection technology, and discloses a gas-injection type miniature optical fiber adapter device including a miniature gas chamber, a gas path interface, optical fiber ports, and optical fiber patch cords. Optical fiber ports are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the miniature gas chamber. One optical fiber port is connected to a hollow-core optical fiber, and the other optical fiber port is connected to an optical fiber patch cord. The other end of the optical fiber patch cord is connected to a light source. A gas path interface is also provided on the top of the miniature gas chamber. The optical fiber patch cord and the hollow-core optical fiber are connected at both ends of the miniature gas chamber via standard optical fiber sockets. During use, a slit distance is maintained between adjacent hollow-core optical fibers and the optical fiber patch cords. The light wave generated by the light source passes sequentially through the optical fiber patch cord and the miniature gas chamber into the hollow-core optical fiber. The gas enters the miniature gas chamber through the gas path interface and is injected into the hollow-core optical fiber through the sleeve groove and slit on the collimating sleeve sidewall. At this time, the light wave transmitted in the hollow-core optical fiber will strongly interact with the gas molecules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber and gas detection technology, specifically to a gas-injection type miniature optical fiber adapter and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Hollow-core optical fiber, also known as hollow-core fiber, is a waveguide optical device with a hollow cylindrical space inside. Types of hollow-core optical fiber include, but are not limited to, photonic crystal fiber, suspended-core fiber, Bragg fiber, and anti-resonant fiber. Its key feature is its ability to confine light waves within the fiber core, supporting the transmission of broadband and high-energy light waves, and significantly enhancing the interaction between light and gas.

[0003] Currently, in the field of optics, hollow-core optical fibers have been used to achieve efficient optical modulation technology, gas lasers, and gas sensors. Particularly in the field of trace gas detection, by simultaneously injecting light waves and gas into hollow-core optical fibers and utilizing the infrared spectral absorption mechanism of the gas, high-precision gas detection methods such as tunable semiconductor laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), and photothermal spectroscopy (PTS) have been achieved, optimizing the lowest detection limit of gas concentration to the ppb (parts per billion) or even ppt (parts per trillion) level. However, conventional commercial fiber optic adapters can only be used for ferrule alignment of two optical fibers. Although they support optical energy transfer, they cannot inject gas into them. Existing hollow-core optical fiber gas absorbers, while able to connect to hollow-core optical fibers via one fiber port and inject gas through a gas interface, have an optical window on the other side. A sophisticated spatial optical focusing system must be built outside the window to couple the light source energy into the hollow-core optical fiber. This device is large, has complex peripheral systems, is costly, has poor portability, and is prone to optical coupling efficiency degradation or even failure when exposed to vibration or displacement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an air-injection type micro optical fiber adapter and its usage method to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An air-injection type miniature fiber optic adapter includes a miniature air chamber, an air path interface, a fiber optic port, and a fiber optic patch cord.

[0007] The micro gas chamber has symmetrical fiber optic ports on opposite sides. One of the fiber optic ports is connected to a hollow fiber, and the other fiber optic port is connected to a fiber optic patch cord. The other end of the fiber optic patch cord is connected to a light source. The top of the micro gas chamber is also provided with a gas path interface.

[0008] More preferably, the micro air chamber includes an air chamber cover and an air chamber cavity, the air chamber cover is inserted into the air chamber cavity, and a fastening bolt is provided between the air chamber cover and the air chamber cavity. The micro air chamber is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped structure.

[0009] More preferably, an air passage interface is screwed to the center of the top surface of the air chamber cover for introducing gas into the micro air chamber.

[0010] More preferably, optical fiber ports are respectively provided on opposite sides of the air chamber cavity, one of which is connected to an optical fiber patch cord and the other is connected to a hollow optical fiber. Through holes are provided at the connection points between the air chamber cavity and the two optical fiber ports. Standard optical fiber sockets are respectively provided inside the two through holes. One standard optical fiber socket is screwed to the optical fiber patch cord and the other standard optical fiber socket is screwed to the hollow optical fiber. The two through holes are the same size and are coaxially arranged.

[0011] More preferably, a collimation sleeve is provided between the two standard fiber optic seats inside the miniature air chamber. One end of the collimation sleeve is connected to a hollow fiber, and the other end of the collimation sleeve is connected to a fiber optic patch cord. The sidewall of the collimation sleeve is provided with a sleeve groove along the axial direction.

[0012] More preferably, the fiber optic patch cord is provided with a fiber optic ferrule at one end near the micro air chamber, and a patch cord pigtail connector at the other end of the fiber optic patch cord.

[0013] The length of the fiber optic ferrule is greater than that of a standard ferrule, and the jumper pigtail is a standard FC fiber optic connector. The jumper pigtail is connected to the light source and is used to input light energy into the micro gas chamber.

[0014] More preferably, after the hollow fiber is screwed into the fiber optic port, a slit distance is maintained between the end face of the hollow fiber and the end face of the fiber optic patch cord.

[0015] The present invention also provides a technical solution, a method for using an injection-type micro optical fiber adapter, comprising the following steps:

[0016] Step 1: Connect one end of the hollow fiber to a standard fiber optic socket on one side of the miniature air cell, and connect the other end to other optical systems or devices;

[0017] Step 2: Connect the fiber optic patch cord's pigtail connector to the light source;

[0018] Step 3: Connect an external air source through the air passage interface at the top of the miniature air chamber;

[0019] Step 4: Turn on the light source and external gas source, and input the gas and light waves into the miniature gas chamber through the gas path interface and the optical fiber patch cord, respectively, and finally enter the hollow optical fiber together.

[0020] More preferably, when there is only one gas-filled micro-fiber adapter, one end of the hollow fiber is connected to a standard fiber optic socket on one side of the micro-air chamber, and the other end is connected to other optical systems or devices.

[0021] When there are two gas-injection miniature fiber optic adapters, the two gas-injection miniature fiber optic adapters are connected by hollow fiber optics, and the gas path interface on the top of one gas-injection miniature fiber optic adapter is used for gas injection, while the gas path interface on the top of the other gas-injection miniature fiber optic adapter is used for gas exhaust; at this time, one fiber optic patch cord connects the light source to the gas-injection miniature fiber optic adapter, and the other fiber optic patch cord connects the gas-injection miniature fiber optic adapter to other optical systems or devices.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0023] By connecting fiber optic patch cords and hollow optical fibers at both ends of a miniature gas chamber using standard fiber optic connectors, a slit distance is maintained between the hollow optical fiber and the fiber optic patch cord during use. Light waves generated by the light source sequentially pass through the fiber optic patch cord and the miniature gas chamber before entering the hollow optical fiber. Gas enters the miniature gas chamber through the gas path interface and is injected into the hollow optical fiber through the sleeve grooves and slits on the collimating sleeve sidewall. At this point, the light waves propagating in the hollow optical fiber will strongly interact with the gas molecules.

[0024] Compared to existing hollow fiber gas absorption devices, this invention eliminates the need for additional spatial optical paths and precise optical path calibration. Simply inserting the hollow fiber into the fiber port on one side of the miniature gas chamber and tightening it achieves optical energy coupling and gas path connectivity. Even with vibrations or displacements in the environment, the light energy transfer efficiency remains undiminished. This invention is compact, highly portable, plug-and-play, and provides excellent gas sealing. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gas-injection type micro optical fiber adapter of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the gas-injection type micro optical fiber adapter device of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal fiber alignment structure of the adapter of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage method of the gas-injection type micro optical fiber adapter device of the present invention;

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Miniature air chamber; 2. Air path interface; 3. Fiber optic port; 4. Fiber optic patch cord; 11. Air chamber cover; 12. Air chamber cavity; 13. Collimation sleeve; 14. Sleeve groove; 15. Slit; 31. Standard fiber optic socket; 41. Fiber optic ferrule; 42. Patch cord pigtail connector; 5. Gas sealing ring; 6. Hollow fiber. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] Please see Figure 1-4 The present invention provides a technical solution:

[0032] An air-injection type miniature optical fiber adapter includes a miniature air chamber 1, an air path interface 2, an optical fiber port 3, and an optical fiber patch cord 4.

[0033] The micro air chamber 1 has symmetrical fiber optic ports 3 on opposite sides. One fiber optic port 3 is connected to a hollow fiber 6, and the other fiber optic port 3 is connected to a fiber optic patch cord 4. The other end of the fiber optic patch cord 4 is connected to a light source. The top of the micro air chamber 1 is also equipped with an air passage interface 2.

[0034] In this invention, the micro air chamber 1 includes an air chamber cover 11 and an air chamber cavity 12. The air chamber cover 11 is inserted into the air chamber cavity 12. A fastening bolt is also provided between the air chamber cover 11 and the air chamber cavity 12. The micro air chamber 1 has a hollow rectangular structure.

[0035] In this invention, an air passage interface 2 is screwed to the center of the top surface of the air chamber cover 11 for introducing gas into the micro air chamber 1.

[0036] In this invention, optical fiber ports 3 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the air chamber 12. One optical fiber port 3 is connected to an optical fiber patch cord 4, and the other optical fiber port 3 is connected to a hollow optical fiber 6. Through holes are provided at the connection points between the air chamber 12 and the two optical fiber ports 3. Standard optical fiber sockets 31 are respectively provided inside the two through holes. One standard optical fiber socket 31 is screwed to the optical fiber patch cord 4, and the other standard optical fiber socket 31 is screwed to the hollow optical fiber 6. The two through holes are the same size and are coaxially arranged.

[0037] In this invention, a collimating sleeve 13 is disposed between two standard fiber optic sockets 31 inside a miniature gas chamber 1. One end of the collimating sleeve 13 is connected to a hollow-core fiber 6, and the other end is connected to a fiber optic patch cord 4. When the hollow-core fiber 6 is screwed into the fiber optic port 3, a slit 15 is maintained between the end face of the hollow-core fiber 6 and the end face of the fiber optic patch cord 4. A sleeve groove 14 is provided along the axial direction on the side wall of the collimating sleeve 13. The inner diameter of the collimating sleeve 13 matches the outer diameter of the fiber optic ferrule 41, and the outer diameter of the collimating sleeve 13 matches the aperture of the standard fiber optic socket 31. It is installed in the openings of the two standard fiber optic sockets 31. The sleeve groove 14 is 1 mm wide, used to support gas molecules in the miniature gas chamber 1 to enter the slit 15 through the sleeve groove 14 and be injected into the hollow-core fiber 6. The distance of the slit 15 is 0.2 mm.

[0038] In this invention, an optical fiber ferrule 41 is provided at one end of the optical fiber patch cord 4 near the micro air chamber 1, and a patch cord pigtail connector 42 is provided at the other end of the optical fiber patch cord 4.

[0039] The fiber optic ferrule 41 is longer than the standard ferrule, and the jumper pigtail connector 42 is a standard FC fiber optic connector. The jumper pigtail connector 42 is connected to the light source and is used to input light energy into the micro air chamber 1.

[0040] In this invention, gas sealing rings 5 ​​are respectively provided between the gas path interface 2 and the gas chamber cover 11, the gas chamber cavity 12 and the optical fiber ports 3 on both sides, as well as the standard optical fiber socket 31, the optical fiber patch cord 4, and the hollow optical fiber 6. This ensures that there is no gas leakage or seepage from the gas path interface 2 to the end of the hollow optical fiber 6.

[0041] In this invention, the miniature air chamber 1, the air path interface 2, the optical fiber port 3, and the collimation sleeve 13 are all made of stainless steel.

[0042] In this invention, the end of the air passage interface 2 that connects to the air chamber cover 11 is a quick-connect straight connector.

[0043] In this invention, the jumper pigtail connector 42 is a standard FC fiber optic connector, the standard fiber optic socket 31 is an FC port, the inner diameter of the collimating sleeve 13 matches the outer diameter of the fiber optic ferrule 41 of the standard FC fiber optic connector, which is 2.493 mm, and the outer diameter of the collimating sleeve 13 matches the aperture of the standard fiber optic socket 31, which is 3.2 mm.

[0044] In this invention, the optical fiber inside the optical fiber patch cord 4 is a quartz single-mode optical fiber.

[0045] In this invention, the hollow fiber 6 can be any fiber optic device containing a hollow cylindrical structure, such as photonic crystal fiber, suspended fiber, Bragg fiber, or hollow anti-resonant fiber, and both ends of the hollow fiber 6 contain standard FC fiber connectors.

[0046] The present invention also provides a technical solution, a method for using an injection-type micro optical fiber adapter, comprising the following steps:

[0047] Step 1: Connect one end of the hollow fiber 6 to the standard fiber optic socket 31 on one side of the micro air chamber 1, and connect the other end to other optical systems or devices.

[0048] Step 2: Connect the fiber optic patch cord 4's pigtail connector 42 to the light source;

[0049] Step 3: Connect an external air source through the air passage interface 2 at the top of the miniature air chamber 1.

[0050] Step 4: Turn on the light source and external gas source, and input the gas and light waves into the micro gas chamber 1 through the gas path interface 2 and the optical fiber jumper 4 respectively, and finally enter the hollow optical fiber 6 together.

[0051] In this invention, when there is only one gas-filled micro-fiber adapter, one end of the hollow fiber 6 is connected to the standard fiber optic base 31 on one side of the micro-air chamber 1, and the other end is connected to other optical systems or devices.

[0052] When there are two gas-injection type micro-fiber optic adapters, they are connected by hollow fiber optic cable 6. One of the gas-injection type micro-fiber optic adapters has a gas inlet 2 on its top for gas injection, and the other has a gas inlet 2 on its top for gas exhaust. In this case, one fiber optic patch cord connects the light source to the gas-injection type micro-fiber optic adapter, and the other fiber optic patch cord connects the gas-injection type micro-fiber optic adapter to other optical systems or devices. Alternatively, one fiber optic patch cord 4 connects the light source to the gas-injection type micro-fiber optic adapter, and the other fiber optic patch cord 4 connects the gas-injection type micro-fiber optic adapter to other optical systems or devices.

[0053] Example 1: The hollow fiber 6 with a standard FC fiber connector is directly inserted into the fiber port 3 at one end of the micro air chamber 1. After the threads are tightened, the insertion end of the hollow fiber 6 and the insertion end of the fiber optic patch cord 4 are completely aligned in the collimating sleeve 13 and separated by a slit 15. When the light source switch is turned on, the light energy transmitted in the fiber optic patch cord 4 is coupled through the slit 15 and transferred to the hollow fiber 6.

[0054] When the gas interface 2 is connected to the required gas, the gas molecules will be injected and fill the entire interior of the micro gas chamber 1, and enter the interior of the hollow fiber 6 through the sleeve groove 14 of the collimating sleeve 13 and the slit 15 between the fiber end face, realizing the strong interaction between gas and light waves in the hollow fiber 6.

[0055] Example 2: The light wave output from the light source is input into the gas-filled micro fiber optic adapter through a fiber optic patch cord 4 and transmitted to the hollow fiber 6. The far end of the hollow fiber 6 is connected to another gas-filled micro fiber optic adapter, so the light wave can be coupled to the fiber optic patch cord 4 again and output to the detector.

[0056] The first gas-injection micro-fiber adapter is connected to a gas source, and the gas enters the hollow fiber 6 through the gas path interface 2 of the device. The second gas-injection micro-fiber adapter is connected to a gas collection device, and the gas leaves the hollow fiber 6 through the device.

[0057] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas assisted micro-optical fiber adapter device, characterized by: It includes a miniature air chamber (1), an air path interface (2), an optical fiber port (3), and an optical fiber patch cord (4); The micro air chamber (1) has symmetrical fiber optic ports (3) on opposite sides. One of the fiber optic ports (3) is connected to a hollow fiber (6), and the other fiber optic port (3) is connected to a fiber optic patch cord (4). The other end of the fiber optic patch cord (4) is connected to a light source. The top of the micro air chamber (1) is also provided with an air passage interface (2). The micro air chamber (1) includes an air chamber cover (11) and an air chamber cavity (12). The air chamber cover (11) is inserted into the air chamber cavity (12). Fastening bolts are also provided between the air chamber cover (11) and the air chamber cavity (12). The micro air chamber (1) has a hollow rectangular structure. Optical fiber ports (3) are provided on opposite sides of the air chamber (12). One optical fiber port (3) is connected to an optical fiber patch cord (4), and the other optical fiber port (3) is connected to a hollow optical fiber (6). Through holes are provided at the connection between the air chamber (12) and the two optical fiber ports (3). Standard optical fiber seats (31) are provided inside the two through holes. One standard optical fiber seat (31) is screwed to the optical fiber patch cord (4), and the other standard optical fiber seat (31) is screwed to the hollow optical fiber (6). The two through holes are the same size and are coaxially arranged. A collimation sleeve (13) is provided between the two standard fiber optic sockets (31) inside the micro air chamber (1). One end of the collimation sleeve (13) is connected to a hollow fiber (6), and the other end of the collimation sleeve (13) is connected to a fiber optic patch cord (4). A sleeve groove (14) is provided on the side wall of the collimation sleeve (13) along the axial direction. When the hollow fiber (6) is screwed into the fiber port (3), a slit (15) distance is maintained between the end face of the hollow fiber (6) and the end face of the fiber jumper (4). The fiber optic patch cord (4) is provided with a fiber optic ferrule (41) at one end near the micro air chamber (1), and a patch cord pigtail connector (42) at the other end of the fiber optic patch cord (4). The length of the fiber optic ferrule (41) is greater than that of the standard ferrule, and the jumper pigtail connector (42) is a standard FC fiber optic connector. The jumper pigtail connector (42) is connected to the light source and is used to input light energy into the micro air chamber (1). The sleeve groove (14) is 1 mm wide and is used to support gas molecules in the micro gas chamber (1) to enter the slit (15) through the sleeve groove (14) and be injected into the hollow optical fiber (6); Gas sealing rings (5) are provided between the gas interface (2) and the gas chamber cover (11), the gas chamber cavity (12) and the fiber optic ports (3) on both sides, as well as between the standard fiber optic socket (31) and the fiber optic patch cord (4) and the hollow fiber (6). The micro air chamber (1), air path interface (2), fiber optic port (3) and collimation sleeve (13) are all made of stainless steel. The hollow fiber (6) is an optical fiber device containing a hollow cylindrical structure, and both ends of the hollow fiber (6) contain standard FC fiber connectors.

2. A gas-injection micro-optical fiber adapter according to claim 1, wherein: An air passage interface (2) is screwed to the center of the top surface of the air chamber cover (11) for introducing gas into the micro air chamber (1).

3. The method of using the gas-injection type micro optical fiber adapter according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Connect one end of the hollow fiber (6) to the standard fiber optic socket (31) on one side of the micro air chamber (1), and connect the other end to other optical systems or devices; Step 2: Connect the fiber optic patch cord (4) to the light source via the patch cord pigtail connector (42); Step 3: Connect an external air source through the air passage interface (2) at the top of the micro air chamber (1); Step 4: Turn on the light source and external gas source, and input the gas and light waves into the micro gas chamber (1) through the gas path interface (2) and the optical fiber jumper (4) respectively, and finally enter the hollow optical fiber (6) together.

4. The method of using the gas-injection type micro optical fiber adapter device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When there is only one gas-filled micro fiber optic adapter, one end of the hollow fiber (6) is connected to the standard fiber optic socket (31) on one side of the micro gas chamber (1), and the other end is connected to other optical systems or devices. When there are two gas-filled micro-fiber adapters, the two gas-filled micro-fiber adapters are connected by hollow fiber (6), and the gas path interface (2) on the top of one gas-filled micro-fiber adapter is used for gas filling, and the gas path interface (2) on the top of the other gas-filled micro-fiber adapter is used for gas exhaust; at this time, one fiber optic patch cord (4) connects the light source to the gas-filled micro-fiber adapter, and the other fiber optic patch cord (4) connects the gas-filled micro-fiber adapter to other optical systems or devices.

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