Detachable multi-core optical fiber structure and method for preparing optical fiber array by using same
By designing a detachable multi-core fiber structure, with each fiber core covered by a glass layer and easily detachable connections, the problems of cumbersome fiber array fabrication process and equipment dependence are solved, realizing efficient and stable fiber array fabrication and large-scale mass production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing fiber array fabrication processes are cumbersome and inefficient, lack adaptability, are highly dependent on equipment, and result in disordered fiber arrangement after splitting, making it difficult to meet the needs of large-scale mass production and optical performance stability requirements.
Design a detachable multi-core optical fiber structure, in which each fiber core is covered with a glass layer to form an independent optical fiber unit. Adjacent units are provided with an easy-to-disassemble connection structure, which can be quickly separated through the weak connection part. When preparing the optical fiber array, only one end needs to be coated and cured with glue, and the other end can be cut and disassembled.
It enables rapid and flexible splitting and fabrication of fiber optic arrays, improves assembly efficiency, reduces equipment dependence and production costs, ensures the stability of optical performance and the consistency of finished products, and meets the needs of large-scale mass production.
Smart Images
Figure CN121784891A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical fiber technology, specifically relating to a detachable multi-core optical fiber structure and a method for fabricating an optical fiber array using the same. Background Technology
[0002] As a core component in fields such as optical communication, optical sensing, fiber lasers, and optical modules, the fabrication efficiency and consistency of finished products of fiber arrays directly affect the performance and cost of optoelectronic systems.
[0003] In existing technologies, the fabrication of fiber bundles requires positioning individual fibers and then applying adhesive for fixation; while the fabrication of fiber arrays generally relies on a process route of independent positioning and fixation of individual fibers: polarization-maintaining fibers also require specialized tooling such as adjustment slots, high-precision clamps, and pressure plates to embed each bare fiber into a pre-set slot, followed by multiple processes such as dispensing adhesive, curing, and polishing to complete fixation. This method has significant drawbacks: 1. Cumbersome and inefficient process: The positioning, coating and curing of each single optical fiber requires a lot of time and is difficult to adapt to the needs of large-scale mass production. 2. Insufficient adaptability: Traditional multi-core optical fibers or prefabricated fiber bundles are mostly integrated and non-separable structures, which cannot be flexibly adjusted to one-dimensional single-row or two-dimensional multi-row fiber bundle forms according to actual scenarios. When application scenarios require fiber arrays with different arrangement forms, the manufacturing scheme needs to be redesigned, which increases the research and development and production costs. 3. High equipment dependence: The reliance on specialized equipment such as cat's eye auxiliary slots and high-precision fixtures further raises the production threshold and costs.
[0004] In addition, although multi-core fiber assemblies exist in existing technologies, problems such as fiber arrangement disorder and structural damage are prone to occur after splitting. It is impossible to guarantee the regularity and optical performance stability of the split fiber bundle, making it difficult to directly apply to the efficient fabrication of fiber bundles and fiber arrays. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention aims to provide a detachable multi-core optical fiber structure. This optical fiber structure can flexibly split multi-core optical fibers into single optical fibers or one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical fiber bundles containing different numbers of optical fibers as needed, effectively ensuring that the optical transmission performance of the split optical fiber units is not impaired. The split optical fiber bundles can be used to quickly prepare optical fiber arrays that meet the requirements, thereby significantly improving the assembly efficiency of optical fiber bundles and optical fiber arrays and shortening the assembly time of optical fiber bundles and optical fiber arrays.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A detachable multi-core optical fiber structure includes multiple fiber cores, each fiber core being covered with a glass layer to form an independent optical fiber unit, the optical fiber unit having independent transmission function; the multiple optical fiber units are arranged regularly in the cross-section of the entire multi-core optical fiber structure; and an easily detachable connection structure is provided between adjacent optical fiber units.
[0007] Preferably, the easily detachable connection structure is a connection portion provided between adjacent optical fiber units, allowing the optical fiber units to be quickly separated by prying open and tearing the connection portion.
[0008] Preferably, the connector has waist holes on both sides along the length of the optical fiber unit, and the waist holes are located at the connection gap between adjacent optical fiber units.
[0009] Preferably, the optical fiber units are arranged in a multi-layered nested honeycomb pattern on the cross-section of the multi-core optical fiber structure, with each layer of optical fiber units evenly distributed around the central region.
[0010] Furthermore, the fiber units are arranged in a matrix-like square pattern on the cross-section of the multi-core fiber structure. Preferably, the optical fiber unit is a square optical fiber, a circular optical fiber, a D-type optical fiber, a triangular optical fiber, a perforated optical fiber, or an optical fiber with a positioning groove on the surface.
[0011] Preferably, the optical fiber unit is a single-mode optical fiber, a multimode optical fiber, or a polarization-maintaining optical fiber.
[0012] Accordingly, the present invention also proposes a method for fabricating an optical fiber array using the above-mentioned multi-core optical fiber structure, the method comprising the following steps: S1. According to the fabrication requirements of the fiber array, a one-dimensional single-row fiber bundle or a two-dimensional multilayer fiber bundle is removed from the multi-core fiber structure along the easily detachable connection structure. S2. Apply a certain length of adhesive layer to the outer periphery of the removed fiber bundle ends; S3. Cut the fiber bundle to the required length at the other end away from the adhesive layer; S4. Disassemble the easily detachable connection structure between the fiber units in the non-adhesive layer of the fiber bundle, so that the fiber units in the non-adhesive layer are in a dispersed state; thus, the fabrication of the fiber array is completed.
[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention is flexible and adaptable: Through the integrated design of a thin and easily disassembled connection structure, it can quickly disassemble a one-dimensional single-row fiber bundle or a two-dimensional fiber bundle with any number of rows. It can adapt to the array layout requirements of different scenarios without additional processing, which greatly improves the versatility of the structure and the adaptability of scenarios.
[0014] 2. The present invention has high stability after splitting: The mechanical design of the easily split connection structure ensures that the regular arrangement of the bare optical fibers is not destroyed during the splitting process. The split fiber bundles can still maintain the original spacing accuracy and parallelism, which provides a basic guarantee for the optical performance stability of the subsequent fiber array.
[0015] 3. This invention significantly simplifies the fabrication process: When fabricating an optical fiber array, only one end of the fiber bundle needs to be externally coated with adhesive and cured to complete the fixation. The other end is cut and then directly disassembled to form the array end face, eliminating the cumbersome steps such as "single fiber positioning - adjusting the cat's eye auxiliary slot - fixing with clamping plate" in the prior art, thus significantly improving the fabrication efficiency; and it does not require special equipment such as adjusting the cat's eye auxiliary slot and high-precision clamping, reducing tooling investment and maintenance costs.
[0016] 4. This invention improves finished product consistency and yield: The regularly arranged fiber bundles ensure the consistency of parameters such as fiber spacing and end face flatness from the source, avoiding positioning deviations introduced by single-fiber operations, and significantly improving the finished product yield.
[0017] 5. This invention can greatly simplify the assembly of one-dimensional or two-dimensional micro-fiber arrays. Because the fiber array of this invention does not contain organic adhesives for bonding fibers, the reliability of the fiber array is greatly improved. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-core optical fiber structure composed of ordinary optical fibers in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the multi-core fiber structure composed of polarization-maintaining fibers in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 5 Cross-sectional views of one-dimensional and two-dimensional fiber arrays fabricated using the fiber structure in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber array structure prepared by the present invention using the fiber structure in Example 1; Figure 7 Cross-sectional views of one-dimensional and two-dimensional fiber arrays fabricated using the fiber structure in Example 2 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of an optical fiber unit that can be adapted to this invention. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0020] Example 1: like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this invention proposes a detachable multi-core optical fiber structure, comprising multiple fiber cores 12, each fiber core 12 being covered with a corresponding glass layer 11. The glass layer 11 and the fiber core 12 form an independent optical fiber unit 1, each optical fiber unit 1 having independent transmission function. The multiple optical fiber units 1 are arranged in a regular pattern; an easily detachable connection structure is provided between adjacent optical fiber units 1.
[0021] In this embodiment, the glass layer 11 of the optical fiber unit 1 is circular, and the optical fiber unit 1 is arranged in a multi-layered nested honeycomb pattern. Each layer of optical fiber unit 1 is evenly distributed around the central region, thereby forming a close-packed hexagonal lattice structure in the cross-section.
[0022] In this embodiment, the easily detachable connection structure is a weak connection portion 2 provided between adjacent optical fiber units 1, and the thickness of the connection portion 2 is much smaller than the thickness of the glass layer 11 of the optical fiber unit 1.
[0023] In this embodiment, when assembling and using the optical fiber, the required number of optical fiber units 1 is first determined according to actual usage needs. Then, the corresponding optical fiber unit 1 is pried open along the connecting part 2, tearing it apart from the remaining optical fiber bundles. This yields one-dimensional optical fibers (i.e., a row of optical fibers) or two-dimensional optical fibers (i.e., multiple layers of optical fibers connected together) that meet the quantity requirements. No special tools are needed, and the glass layer 11 and fiber core 12 of the optical fiber unit 1 remain undamaged during the tearing process. The optical fiber separation is very convenient and efficient. Through the integrated design of the thin, easily disassembled connection structure, one-dimensional single-row optical fiber bundles or two-dimensional optical fiber bundles with any number of rows can be quickly separated. No additional processing is required to adapt to the array arrangement requirements of different scenarios, greatly improving the versatility and adaptability of the structure.
[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, waist holes 21 are provided on both sides of the connector 2 along the length of the fiber unit 1, and the waist holes 21 are located at the connection gap of adjacent fiber units 1. The waist holes 21 of this application make it easier to tear open the connector 2, and the assembly personnel can directly split the corresponding number of fiber bundles on site according to the needs; and the mechanical design of the connector 2 in conjunction with the waist holes 21 ensures that the regular arrangement of the bare fibers is not destroyed during the splitting process, and the split fiber bundles can still maintain the original spacing accuracy and parallelism, which provides a basic guarantee for the optical performance stability of the subsequent fiber array.
[0025] It should be noted that this embodiment only provides an implementation scheme for a circular optical fiber unit; in specific implementations of the present invention, the size, shape, and model of the optical fiber unit are not limited, and it can be adapted to the assembly of different types of optical fiber units. The assembly spacing between optical fiber units can range from 0.127mm to 0.250mm. The diameter of the optical fiber unit can range from 0.125mm to 0.8mm. The shape of the optical fiber unit is not limited: it can be used for square, circular, D-shaped, triangular, perforated, and positioning V-groove optical fibers, etc. (e.g.) Figure 8 (As shown); it is not limited to fiber type, and can be single-mode fiber (such as...) Figure 1 (as shown), multimode fiber or polarization-maintaining fiber (such as...) Figure 2 (as shown) etc.
[0026] Example 2: like Figure 4 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 above is that, in this embodiment, the fiber unit 1 is arranged in a square array in a regular matrix within the entire fiber structure. Furthermore, the cross-section of the fiber unit 1 in this embodiment is square, thus making the cross-section of the entire fiber structure square as well.
[0027] Similar to Embodiment 1 above, when assembling and using the optical fiber in this embodiment, first determine the required row and column range of the optical fiber unit 1 according to the actual usage requirements, and then open along the connection part 2 of the corresponding optical fiber unit 1 to tear it apart from the rest of the optical fiber bundle. One-dimensional optical fiber (i.e., a row of optical fiber) or two-dimensional optical fiber (i.e., multiple layers of optical fiber connected together) that meet the quantity requirements can be quickly torn off to obtain a square and regular one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical fiber bundle. It can adapt to the array arrangement requirements of different scenarios without additional processing, and the processing operation is very convenient.
[0028] It should be noted that, as described in the above embodiments, this embodiment is merely an exemplary illustration of a square optical fiber unit and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. In actual implementation, the type, shape, size, model, etc. of the optical fiber unit can all adopt other reasonable forms, all of which are covered within the technical concept of this application.
[0029] Example 3: like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, based on the multi-core optical fiber structure provided in the above embodiments, the present invention also proposes a method for fabricating an optical fiber array, which specifically includes the following steps: S1. Based on the fabrication requirements of the fiber optic array, a one-dimensional single-row fiber bundle or a two-dimensional multilayer fiber bundle is detached from the multi-core fiber structure along the easily detachable connection structure. Specifically, such as... Figure 5 and 6 As shown, when separating the multi-core fiber structure in Embodiment 1, the separation can be achieved by prying open the corresponding connection portion 2; for example... Figure 7As shown, when dividing the square multi-core optical fiber structure in Embodiment 2, after determining the row and column range of the required optical fiber unit 1, the divider is broken open along the corresponding connecting part 2.
[0030] S2. Apply a certain length of adhesive layer 3 to the outer periphery of the removed fiber bundle ends. In practice, the adhesive coating width can be 3mm-10mm.
[0031] S3. Cut the fiber bundle to the required length at the end furthest from adhesive layer 3. The specific cutting length can be adjusted according to actual needs.
[0032] S4. Disassemble the easily detachable connection structure between the fiber units 1 in the non-adhesive layer of the fiber bundle, so that the fiber units 1 in the non-adhesive layer are in a dispersed state; thus, the fabrication of the fiber array is completed. In both Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the multi-core fiber structure is split along the connection portion 2.
[0033] This invention significantly simplifies the fabrication process: when fabricating fiber arrays, only one end of the fiber bundle needs to be externally coated and cured for fixation, while the other end can be directly disassembled to form the array end face. This eliminates the cumbersome steps of "single fiber positioning - adjusting the cat's eye auxiliary slot - fixing with clamping plate" in existing technologies, significantly improving fabrication efficiency. It also reduces equipment and cost dependence: It eliminates the need for specialized equipment such as adjusting the cat's eye auxiliary slot and high-precision clamps, reducing tooling investment and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the batch disassembly of fiber bundles replaces single fiber handling, reducing labor and time costs, effectively lowering the overall production cost.
[0034] Furthermore, this invention effectively improves the consistency and yield of finished products: the regularly arranged fiber bundles ensure the consistency of parameters such as fiber spacing and end face flatness from the source, avoiding positioning deviations introduced by single-fiber operations, and significantly improving the yield of finished products.
[0035] This invention is adapted to the needs of large-scale mass production: the integrated detachable structure and simplified manufacturing process are highly compatible with automated production lines, enabling large-scale and standardized production of fiber arrays to meet the rapidly growing mass production needs of the optical communication industry.
[0036] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of this application, but do not limit the patent scope of this application. This application can be implemented in many different forms; rather, the purpose of providing these embodiments is to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing specific embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any equivalent structures made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly within the scope of patent protection of this application.
Claims
1. A detachable multi-core optical fiber structure, comprising multiple fiber cores, characterized in that: Each fiber core is covered with a glass layer to form an independent optical fiber unit, which has independent transmission function; multiple optical fiber units are arranged regularly on the cross-section of the entire multi-core optical fiber structure; and an easily detachable connection structure is provided between adjacent optical fiber units.
2. The multi-core optical fiber structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The easily detachable connection structure is a connection part set between adjacent optical fiber units, which allows the optical fiber units to be quickly separated by tearing open the connection part.
3. The multi-core optical fiber structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connector has waist holes on both sides along the length of the optical fiber unit, and the waist holes are located at the connection gap between adjacent optical fiber units.
4. The multi-core optical fiber structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The optical fiber units are arranged in a multi-layered nested honeycomb pattern on the cross-section of the multi-core optical fiber structure, with each layer of optical fiber units evenly distributed around the central region.
5. The multi-core optical fiber structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The optical fiber units are arranged in a matrix-like square pattern on the cross-section of the multi-core optical fiber structure.
6. The multi-core optical fiber structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber unit is a square optical fiber, a circular optical fiber, a D-type optical fiber, a triangular optical fiber, a perforated optical fiber, or an optical fiber with a positioning groove on the surface.
7. The multi-core optical fiber structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber unit is a single-mode optical fiber, a multimode optical fiber, or a polarization-maintaining optical fiber.
8. A method for fabricating an optical fiber array using the multi-core optical fiber structure of claim 1, characterized in that: The method includes the following steps: S1. According to the fabrication requirements of the fiber array, a one-dimensional single-row fiber bundle or a two-dimensional multilayer fiber bundle is removed from the multi-core fiber structure along the easily detachable connection structure. S2. Apply a certain length of adhesive layer to the outer periphery of the removed fiber bundle; S3. Cut the fiber bundle to the required length at the other end away from the adhesive layer; S4. Disassemble the easily detachable connection structure between the fiber units in the non-adhesive layer of the fiber bundle, so that the fiber units in the non-adhesive layer are in a dispersed state; thus, the fabrication of the fiber array is completed.