A method and device for fusing a hollow core optical fiber to a solid core optical fiber based on pattern matching

Abstract

The application is a kind of hollow core fiber and solid core fiber fusion method and device based on pattern matching, including optical fiber clamping module, pattern matching adjustment module, fusion execution module, base, power module and control unit; the optical fiber clamping module includes sliding guide, sliding block, two clamp supports symmetrically arranged on the sliding block, and two optical fiber clamps with fine tuning knobs symmetrically arranged on the clamp supports; the pattern matching adjustment module includes light field detector, optical microscope and pattern matching algorithm processing unit, the pattern matching algorithm processing unit can dynamically adjust the optical fiber clamp according to the light field distribution information collected by the light field detector until the pattern matching degree meets the requirements; the fusion execution module includes arc generator, electrode head and cooling assembly, the optical fiber fusion is completed by accurately controlling the arc discharge parameters, and the optical fiber temperature is quickly reduced by using the cooling assembly. The application is simple to operate, has high process stability, and is suitable for large-scale production environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical fiber communication and optical technology, specifically a method and apparatus for splicing hollow-core optical fiber and solid-core optical fiber based on pattern matching. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information relating to this disclosure, and these statements may constitute prior art. In the process of developing this invention, the inventors discovered at least the following problems in the prior art.

[0003] With the rapid development of optical fiber communication and laser transmission technologies, low-loss fusion splicing technology between hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers has become a key link in achieving efficient optical signal transmission. In modern optical fiber communication and high-power laser transmission systems, hollow-core fibers are increasingly widely used in long-distance transmission and high-power laser transmission due to their advantages such as low nonlinearity, low dispersion, and high damage threshold. However, fusion splicing technology between hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers still faces many challenges, especially in mode matching optimization, splice loss control, and process stability. These problems directly affect the overall system performance optimization and application promotion.

[0004] In the prior art, patent CN106383384B proposes a method for docking and encapsulating hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers. This method achieves high-precision, low-loss docking and encapsulation through a high-precision two-dimensional manual linear displacement and rotation platform, combined with a fiber optic clamp mounting base at the docking point and a CCD video monitoring module. However, this technical solution mainly relies on mechanical alignment and visual monitoring, making it difficult to completely eliminate additional losses caused by mode mismatch in actual operation. Furthermore, this method has high requirements for the operating environment, and the process stability and consistency in large-scale production are difficult to guarantee, limiting its widespread application in industrial production.

[0005] Another existing technology, patent publication number CN119270431B, proposes a hollow-core fiber power combiner. This combines multiple solid-core fibers, tapered together, with a nested anti-resonant hollow-core fiber to achieve long-distance transmission of high-power lasers. However, this technology does not adequately consider the matching problem between different fiber modes during the coupling process between the fiber bundle and the hollow-core fiber, potentially leading to energy loss due to mode mismatch. Furthermore, this method places high demands on the fabrication and tapering processes of the fiber bundle, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity, further limiting its widespread application in practice.

[0006] The aforementioned problems indicate that existing hollow-core and solid-core fiber fusion splicing technologies still have significant shortcomings in terms of mode matching optimization, reducing splice loss, and improving process stability. Especially in high-precision optical signal transmission and high-power laser transmission scenarios, effectively solving mode mismatch problems, reducing splice loss, and improving process consistency and operability to suit large-scale production environments, thereby meeting the demands of modern fiber optic communication and laser transmission systems for high-performance fusion splicing technology, has become an urgent technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to solve some of the problems in the prior art, or at least alleviate these problems.

[0008] A mode-matching-based fusion splicing device for hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers includes:

[0009] Base;

[0010] The fiber optic clamping module includes a horizontal moving device and two clamping brackets symmetrically arranged on the horizontal moving device; two fiber optic clamps with fine-tuning mechanisms are symmetrically arranged on the clamping brackets; the horizontal moving device is slidably connected to the base and can drive the clamping brackets to move horizontally on the base.

[0011] The pattern matching adjustment module includes a light field detector, an optical microscope, and a pattern matching algorithm processing unit electrically connected to both. The light field detector and the optical microscope are fixedly mounted above the middle of two clamp supports. The optical microscope is used to assist in observing the alignment of the fiber end faces. The pattern matching algorithm processing unit is used to analyze and process the light field distribution information collected by the light field detector and the information transmitted by the optical microscope.

[0012] The fusion splicing execution module includes an arc generator and an electrode head connected to the arc generator; the electrode head is positioned above the optical fiber to be fused to generate a high-temperature arc to achieve optical fiber fusion splicing.

[0013] A power supply module is used to supply power to the fiber clamping module, the mode matching adjustment module and the fusion splicing execution module;

[0014] The control unit is communicatively connected to the mode matching adjustment module and can drive the fine-tuning mechanism to dynamically adjust the fiber optic clamp until the mode matching degree meets the requirements.

[0015] Furthermore, the core formula of the pattern matching algorithm in the pattern matching algorithm processing unit is as follows:

[0016]

[0017] Where M represents the mode matching degree, I1(x,y) and I2(x,y) are the light field intensity distribution functions of the hollow fiber and solid fiber end faces, respectively, and A is the effective area of ​​the fiber end face. This formula quantifies the mode matching degree by calculating the degree of overlap of the light field distributions of the two fiber end faces. When the value of M reaches the preset threshold, the mode matching is considered to have been optimized to the best state.

[0018] Furthermore, the fine-tuning mechanism is a fine-tuning knob to achieve micron-level displacement adjustment in three-dimensional directions; the control unit is connected to the fine-tuning knob.

[0019] Furthermore, the horizontal moving device includes a sliding guide rail and a slider capable of moving horizontally along the sliding guide rail; the sliding guide rail is fixed on the base, and the clamp bracket is fixed on the slider.

[0020] Furthermore, the top of the clamp bracket is equipped with a display screen, operation buttons, and status indicator lights; the operation buttons are used to manually control the movement of the fiber optic clamp through a fine-tuning mechanism; the status indicator lights are used to display the current splicing status; the display screen is electrically connected to the control unit and is used to display the optical field distribution image and splicing parameters.

[0021] The optical field detector consists of multiple photoelectric sensor arrays, with each photoelectric sensor arranged in a ring to form a multi-layer detection structure, used to comprehensively capture the optical field distribution characteristics of the fiber end face; the base is provided with a detector mounting seat, on which the optical field detector and optical microscope are fixed and located above the middle of the two clamp supports.

[0022] The welding execution module also includes a cooling component; the cooling component includes a micro fan and a heat sink; the arc generator is connected to the control unit and can adjust the discharge current and time through the control unit.

[0023] The pattern-matching fusion splicing device for hollow and solid optical fibers also includes a protective cover; the protective cover is located outside the optical field detector and electrode head to isolate external light interference and protect internal components.

[0024] Furthermore, the arc generator is fixed to the rear of the base; the electrode head is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the optical fiber via support arms and connected to the arc generator; the power module and control unit are located inside the base.

[0025] A method for splicing hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers based on pattern matching, employing the aforementioned pattern-matching-based hollow-core and solid-core optical fiber splicing device, includes the following steps:

[0026] Hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers are fixed in the optical fiber clamp using the optical fiber clamping module, and initial alignment is performed using the fine-tuning knob.

[0027] The mode matching adjustment module is activated, the optical field detector collects the optical field distribution information of the fiber end face, the optical microscope assists in observing the alignment of the fiber end face, and transmits the data to the mode matching algorithm processing unit for analysis; the mode matching algorithm processing unit calculates the current mode matching degree (M) according to the mode matching formula. If the preset threshold is not reached, the control unit 8 drives the fiber clamp 5 to make dynamic adjustments until the mode matching degree meets the requirements.

[0028] The fusion splicing execution module is activated, and the control unit adjusts the discharge parameters of the arc generator to generate a high-temperature arc on the electrode head to complete the fiber optic fusion splicing.

[0029] After the fusion splicing is completed, the cooling component rapidly cools down the spliced ​​optical fiber;

[0030] The light field distribution at the weld point is detected again using a light field detector to assess whether the weld quality meets the standards.

[0031] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0032] This invention achieves real-time monitoring and dynamic optimization of the optical field distribution at the fiber endface through a mode matching adjustment module, significantly reducing splicing loss caused by mode mismatch. It also works in conjunction with the fiber clamping module and the splicing execution module to achieve low-loss splicing. This splicing method is simple to operate, has low requirements for the operating environment, and exhibits high process stability. While significantly reducing splicing loss caused by mode mismatch, it is also well-suited for large-scale production environments, effectively improving the quality and efficiency of splicing hollow-core and solid-core fibers, and meeting the demands of modern fiber optic communication and laser transmission systems for high-performance splicing technology. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the fusion splicing device for hollow-core optical fiber and solid-core optical fiber in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic clamping module;

[0035] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the installation position and connection relationship between the light field detector of the mode matching adjustment module and the optical microscope.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structural layout of the arc generator, electrode head, and cooling components of the welding execution module. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present invention are only used to illustrate the present invention and not to limit the present invention. Various substitutions and modifications made based on ordinary technical knowledge and common practices in the art without departing from the technical concept of the present invention should be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] To address the shortcomings of fusion splicing hollow and solid optical fibers, the applicant designed the following solution.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, a pattern-matching-based fusion splicing device for hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers includes:

[0040] Base 1;

[0041] The fiber optic clamping module includes a horizontal moving device and two clamping brackets 3 symmetrically arranged on the horizontal moving device; two fiber optic clamps 5 with fine-tuning mechanisms are symmetrically arranged on the clamping brackets 3; the horizontal moving device is slidably connected to the base 1 and can drive the clamping brackets 3 to move horizontally on the base 1.

[0042] The pattern matching adjustment module includes a light field detector 12, an optical microscope 13, and a pattern matching algorithm processing unit 14 electrically connected to both. The light field detector 12 and the optical microscope 13 are fixedly mounted above the middle of two clamp supports 3. The optical microscope 13 is used to assist in observing the alignment of the fiber end faces. The pattern matching algorithm processing unit 14 is used to analyze and process the light field distribution information collected by the light field detector 12 and the information transmitted by the optical microscope 13.

[0043] The fusion splicing execution module includes an arc generator 16 and an electrode head 17 connected to the arc generator 16; the electrode head 17 is disposed above the optical fiber to be fused to generate a high-temperature arc to achieve optical fiber fusion splicing.

[0044] Power module 7 is used to supply power to the fiber clamping module, the mode matching adjustment module and the fusion splicing execution module;

[0045] The control unit 8 is communicatively connected to the mode matching adjustment module and can drive the fine-tuning mechanism to dynamically adjust the fiber optic clamp 5 until the mode matching degree meets the requirements.

[0046] The overall structure of the device of this invention mainly includes an optical fiber clamping module, a mode matching adjustment module, and a fusion splicing execution module. These modules work together to achieve the goal of low-loss fusion splicing. In specific implementation, the optical fiber clamping module is responsible for fixing the hollow-core fiber and the solid-core fiber and performing initial alignment; the mode matching adjustment module monitors the optical field distribution in real time and optimizes the mode matching through dynamic adjustment; and the fusion splicing execution module completes the final fusion splicing by precisely controlling the arc discharge. A detailed description is provided below according to the module division.

[0047] First, the specific structure of the fiber optic clamping module is as follows: Figure 2 As shown. The fiber clamping module is used to fix hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers and achieves preliminary alignment of the fiber end faces through a fine-tuning mechanism. The base 1 is the basic support component of the entire device, and the sliding guide rail 2 is fixed on the base 1 to provide a horizontal movement path. The clamp bracket 3 is connected to the sliding guide rail 2 via a slider 4, allowing it to move smoothly along the guide rail to adjust the fiber position. Two fiber clamps 5 are symmetrically arranged on the clamp bracket 3, each equipped with a fine-tuning knob 6, enabling micron-level displacement adjustment in three-dimensional direction, thereby ensuring the preliminary alignment accuracy of the fiber end faces. The base 1 houses a power module 7 and a control unit 8. The power module 7 supplies power to each module, while the control unit 8 communicates with the mode matching adjustment module to coordinate the workflow of each module. The top of the clamp bracket 3 also features a display screen 9, operation buttons 10, and status indicator lights 11. The display screen 9 shows the light field distribution image and splicing parameters, the operation buttons 10 are used to manually control the movement of the fiber clamps 5, and the status indicator lights 11 provide real-time feedback on the current splicing status.

[0048] The core components of the pattern matching adjustment module are as follows: Figure 3 As shown, this is used to monitor the optical field distribution of the fiber endface in real time and optimize mode matching by dynamically adjusting the fiber position and angle. The mode matching adjustment module includes an optical field detector 12, an optical microscope 13, and a mode matching algorithm processing unit 14. The optical field detector 12 consists of multiple photoelectric sensor arrays, each arranged in a ring to form a multi-layer detection structure. For example, each photoelectric sensor can be arranged in a ring to form a three-layer detection structure, containing a total of 48 photoelectric sensors, which can comprehensively capture the optical field distribution characteristics of the fiber endface. The optical field detector 12 and the optical microscope 13 are fixed on the detector mounting base 15 and electrically connected to the mode matching algorithm processing unit 14. The optical microscope 13 assists in observing the alignment of the fiber endface, while the optical field distribution information collected by the optical field detector 12 is analyzed and processed by the mode matching algorithm processing unit 14.

[0049] The core formula of the pattern matching algorithm of the pattern matching algorithm processing unit 14 is as follows:

[0050]

[0051] Where M represents the mode matching degree, I1(x,y) and I2(x,y) are the light field intensity distribution functions of the hollow fiber and solid fiber end faces, respectively, and A is the effective area of ​​the fiber end face. This formula quantifies the mode matching degree by calculating the degree of overlap of the light field distributions of the two fiber end faces. When the value of M reaches the preset threshold, the mode matching is considered to have been optimized to the best state.

[0052] The structure of the fusion execution module is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. The fusion splicing execution module is located behind the fiber clamping module and completes fiber optic fusion splicing by precisely controlling the arc discharge parameters. The fusion splicing execution module includes an arc generator 16, an electrode head 17, and a cooling assembly 18. The arc generator 16 is fixed to the rear of the base 1, and the support arm 19 can be hollow, so that the arc generator 16 is connected to the electrode head 17 through the support arm 19. The electrode head 17 is positioned above the fiber to be fused through the support arm 19 to generate a high-temperature arc to achieve fiber optic fusion splicing. The cooling assembly 18 consists of a miniature fan 20 and a heat sink 21, which can quickly reduce the fiber temperature after fusion splicing to avoid performance degradation caused by thermal stress. The arc generator 16 can adjust the discharge current and time through the control unit 8 to ensure the accuracy and stability of the fusion splicing process. In order to protect the internal components and isolate external light interference, a protective cover 22 can also be provided on the outside of the light field detector 12 and the electrode head 17.

[0053] In actual operation, the specific operating steps of this invention are as follows.

[0054] A method for splicing hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers based on pattern matching includes the following steps:

[0055] First, the hollow fiber and the solid fiber are fixed in two fiber clamps 5 respectively by the fiber clamping module, and the fine adjustment knob 6 is used for preliminary alignment.

[0056] Subsequently, the mode matching adjustment module is activated. The optical field detector 12 collects the optical field distribution information of the fiber end face, and the optical microscope 13 assists in observing the alignment of the fiber end face. The data is then transmitted to the mode matching algorithm processing unit 14 for analysis. The current mode matching degree (M) is calculated according to the mode matching formula. If the preset threshold is not reached, the fiber clamp 5 is dynamically adjusted by the control unit 8 until the mode matching degree meets the requirements.

[0057] Next, the fusion splicing execution module is started, and the control unit 8 adjusts the discharge parameters of the arc generator 16 so that the electrode head 17 generates a high-temperature arc to complete the fiber optic fusion splicing.

[0058] After the fusion splicing is completed, the cooling component 18 rapidly cools down the spliced ​​optical fibers;

[0059] Subsequently, the light field distribution at the weld point was detected again using the light field detector 12 to assess whether the weld quality met the standards.

[0060] This invention has a wide range of applications, particularly suitable for the high-performance fusion splicing requirements of modern fiber optic communication and laser transmission systems. For example, in the field of high-power laser transmission, hollow-core optical fibers are widely used due to their low nonlinearity and high damage threshold, but their splicing with solid-core optical fibers often faces mode mismatch problems. The fusion splicing method and apparatus provided by this invention can significantly reduce splicing loss and improve the stability and consistency of the splicing process, thereby meeting the high-performance requirements of practical applications. Furthermore, this invention is simple to operate, has high process stability, is suitable for large-scale production environments, and has significant practical value and market prospects.

[0061] In summary, this invention achieves low-loss fusion splicing of hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers through the synergistic action of the fiber clamping module, mode matching adjustment module, and fusion splicing execution module, solving the problems of high fusion loss and poor process stability caused by mode mismatch in existing technologies. Furthermore, by real-time monitoring and dynamic optimization of the optical field distribution, it significantly improves fusion quality and efficiency, providing strong technical support for the further development of optical fiber communication and laser transmission systems.

[0062] Unless otherwise specified, fixed connections can be riveting, welding, bolting, etc., while movable connections can be hinged, etc.

Claims

1. A fusion splicing device for hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers based on pattern matching, characterized in that, include: Base (1); The fiber optic clamping module includes a horizontal moving device and two clamping brackets (3) symmetrically arranged on the horizontal moving device; two fiber optic clamps (5) with fine-tuning mechanisms are symmetrically arranged on the clamping brackets (3); the horizontal moving device is slidably connected to the base (1) and can drive the clamping brackets (3) to move horizontally on the base (1); The pattern matching adjustment module includes a light field detector (12), an optical microscope (13), and a pattern matching algorithm processing unit (14) electrically connected to both. The light field detector (12) and the optical microscope (13) are fixedly mounted above the middle of two clamp supports (3). The optical microscope (13) is used to assist in observing the alignment of the fiber end faces. The pattern matching algorithm processing unit (14) is used to analyze and process the light field distribution information collected by the light field detector (12) and the information transmitted by the optical microscope (13). The core formula of the pattern matching algorithm of the pattern matching algorithm processing unit (14) is as follows: Where M represents the mode matching degree, I1(x,y) and I2(x,y) are the light field intensity distribution functions of the hollow fiber and solid fiber end faces, respectively, and A is the effective area of ​​the fiber end face. This formula quantifies the mode matching degree by calculating the degree of overlap of the light field distributions of the two fiber end faces. When the value of M reaches the preset threshold, the mode matching is considered to have been optimized to the best state. The fusion splicing execution module includes an arc generator (16) and an electrode head (17) connected to the arc generator (16); the electrode head (17) is disposed above the optical fiber to be fused to generate a high-temperature arc to achieve optical fiber fusion splicing. The power module (7) is used to supply power to the fiber clamping module, the mode matching adjustment module and the fusion splicing execution module; The control unit (8) is connected in communication with the mode matching adjustment module and can drive the fine-tuning mechanism to dynamically adjust the fiber optic clamp (5) until the mode matching degree meets the requirements.

2. The fusion splicing device for hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers based on pattern matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fine-tuning mechanism is a fine-tuning knob (6) to achieve micron-level displacement adjustment in three-dimensional direction; the control unit (8) is connected to the fine-tuning knob (6).

3. The fusion splicing device for hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers based on pattern matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal moving device includes a sliding guide rail (2) and a slider (4) that can move horizontally along the sliding guide rail (2); the sliding guide rail (2) is fixed on the base (1), and the clamp bracket (3) is fixed on the slider (4).

4. The fusion splicing device for hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers based on pattern matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the clamp bracket (3) is provided with a display screen (9), an operation button (10) and a status indicator (11); the operation button (10) is used to manually control the movement of the fiber optic clamp (5) through a fine-tuning mechanism; the status indicator (11) is used to display the current splicing status; the display screen (9) is electrically connected to the control unit (8) and is used to display the optical field distribution image and splicing parameters.

5. The fusion splicing device for hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers based on pattern matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light field detector (12) is composed of multiple photoelectric sensor arrays. Each photoelectric sensor is arranged in a ring to form a multi-layer detection structure, which is used to fully capture the light field distribution characteristics of the fiber end face. The base (1) is provided with a detector mounting seat (15). The light field detector (12) and the optical microscope (13) are fixed on the detector mounting seat (15) and located above the middle of the two clamp brackets (3).

6. The fusion splicing device for hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers based on pattern matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding execution module also includes a cooling component (18); the cooling component (18) includes a micro fan (20) and a heat sink (21); the arc generator (16) is connected to the control unit (8) and can adjust the discharge current and time through the control unit (8).

7. The fusion splicing device for hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers based on pattern matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a protective cover (22); the protective cover (22) is located outside the light field detector (12) and the electrode head (17) to isolate external light interference and protect internal components.

8. The fusion splicing device for hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers based on pattern matching according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc generator (16) is fixed at the rear of the base (1); the electrode head (17) is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the optical fiber through the support arm (19) and connected to the arc generator (16); the power module (7) and the control unit (8) are located inside the base (1).

9. A method for fusion splicing hollow-core optical fiber and solid-core optical fiber based on pattern matching, employing the fusion splicing device for hollow-core optical fiber and solid-core optical fiber based on pattern matching as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Hollow-core and solid-core optical fibers are fixed in the optical fiber clamp (5) using the optical fiber clamping module, and preliminary alignment is performed using the fine-tuning knob (6). The mode matching adjustment module is activated, the optical field detector (12) collects the optical field distribution information of the fiber end face, the optical microscope (13) assists in observing the alignment of the fiber end face, and transmits it to the mode matching algorithm processing unit (14) for analysis; the mode matching algorithm processing unit (14) calculates the current mode matching degree (M) according to the mode matching formula. If the preset threshold is not reached, the control unit (8) drives the fiber clamp (5) to make dynamic adjustments until the mode matching degree meets the requirements. Start the fusion splicing execution module, and the control unit (8) adjusts the discharge parameters of the arc generator (16) to generate a high-temperature arc on the electrode head (17) to complete the fiber optic fusion splicing; After the fusion splicing is completed, the cooling component (18) rapidly cools down the fused optical fiber; The light field distribution at the weld point is detected again using the light field detector (12) to assess whether the weld quality meets the standard.

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