Hermetically sealed hollow core optical fiber

Abstract

An apparatus for segmenting a hollow core fiber (HCF) and hermetically sealing it. The apparatus includes a channel sized to receive a HCF into the apparatus, the HCF including a first portion and a second portion; a clamping device configured to clamp the first portion of the HCF received within the apparatus; a biasing device configured to bias the second portion of the HCF away from the clamped first portion; and a heating device configured to apply heat at a location along the inserted HCF, the location being between the first portion and the second portion of the HCF. The apparatus can collapse the structure of the inserted HCF to hermetically seal the hollow core of the HCF from the outside of the HCF. The apparatus can segment the second portion of the HCF from the first portion of the HCF that is hermetically sealed at the location of the heat.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Optical fiber (also known as optical waveguide fiber) is a glass or plastic waveguide that transmits light along its length. Optical fibers are used in fiber optic communication systems to transmit data over long distances and with high bandwidth. Optical fibers can take many different forms and typically consist of a core surrounded by a cladding layer, around which a coating or buffer layer is applied to the outer surface to mechanically protect the fiber and / or assist in the transmission of light along its length. Optical fibers can include, for example... Figure 1A The solid fiber core of the solid-core fiber (SCF) illustrated in the figure may include, for example, Figure 1B and Figure 1C The diagram illustrates the hollow core of a hollow-core fiber (HCF). HCF guides light within the hollow region of the fiber. Even within an HCF, a small amount of optical power can still propagate through the solid fiber material.

[0002] Figure 1A The diagram illustrates a cross-section of the SCF. The SCF has an outer surface 11 and a solid core 110. Light travels along the SCF axis through the solid core 110. The solid core 110 is surrounded by a cladding 111 to reduce light escape from the solid core.

[0003] Figure 1B The diagram illustrates a cross-section of a first HCF. The first HCF has an outer surface 12, which is the outer surface of a solid outer wall or cladding 120. Within the solid outer wall or cladding 120 is a hollow fiber core 100. Additional structures within the first HCF extend along the length of the HCF. Figure 1B In the optical fiber, six internal tubular structures 121 and six intermediate tubular structures 122 extend along the length of the optical fiber. The internal tubular structures 121 and intermediate tubular structures 122 are positioned approximately uniformly around the hollow fiber core 100. Each corresponding intermediate tubular structure 122 contains an internal tubular structure 121 extending along the length of the HCF. The outer wall 12, the internal tubular structures 121, and the intermediate structures 122 are approximately parallel to each other along the length of the HCF. The space within the empty HCF, illustrated in the figures, is filled with a fluid. This fluid can be an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen, or atmospheric air. Compared to SCF, HCF offers the advantages of faster light travel along the HCF (lower delay), higher power transmission in the HCF, and reduced light scattering, resulting in lower light attenuation along the fiber length.

[0004] Figure 1CA cross-section of a second HCF is illustrated. The second HCF has an outer surface 13 formed by a solid shell or cladding 130 surrounding a plurality of hollow structures 131, 132. A larger tubular hollow structure 131 extends along the central axis of the second HCF, which contains the hollow core of the HCF. Surrounding the larger tubular hollow structure 131 are a plurality of smaller tubular hollow structures 132 arranged uniformly. In other examples not shown, the arrangement of the hollow structures surrounding the hollow core is non-uniform.

[0005] If an HCF (Hyperfiber Compactor) is deformed or structurally damaged, it becomes susceptible to contamination from external factors. These factors can be solids, liquids, or gases. For example, if an HCF suffers intentional or unintentional physical damage, water may seep into the hollow core, contaminating the HCF and adversely affecting its optical transmission performance. Liquids (such as water) can move from the damaged area along the structure of the HCF via capillary action. Solids or gases within the hollow core will increase the number of scattering points, thus increasing losses within the HCF. Contamination can also increase absorption within the HCF or cause changes in the waveguide or anti-resonance state of the HCF, which is detrimental to light transmission along the HCF. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following is a brief overview of this disclosure to provide the reader with a basic understanding. This disclosure is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some of the concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the subsequent detailed description.

[0007] An apparatus for hermetically sealing hollow optical fiber (HCF). The apparatus includes: a channel sized to receive HCF into the apparatus; a clamping device configured to clamp a first portion of the received HCF within the apparatus; a heating device configured to heat the received HCF within the apparatus; and a biasing device configured to bias a second portion of the received HCF away from the first portion of the received HCF within the apparatus.

[0008] A method for hermetically sealing an HCF (hydrocarbon filament). The method includes: inserting an HCF into a device, the HCF comprising a first portion and a second portion; clamping the first portion of the inserted HCF to the device; biasing the second portion of the HCF away from the clamped first portion; applying heat at a location along the inserted HCF, the location being between the first and second portions of the HCF; causing the structure of the inserted HCF to collapse to hermetically seal the hollow core of the HCF from the outside; and at the heated location, separating the second portion of the HCF from the hermetically sealed first portion of the HCF.

[0009] A portable device for splitting and hermetically sealing HCF (High-Frequency Cell). The device includes: a channel sized to receive HCF into the device, the HCF comprising a first portion and a second portion; a clamping device configured to clamp the first portion of the received HCF within the device; a biasing device configured to bias a second portion of the HCF away from the clamped first portion; a heating device configured to apply heat at a location along the inserted HCF, between the first and second portions of the HCF; and a battery configured to power the heating device. The device is operable to cause the structure of the inserted HCF to collapse, thereby hermetically sealing the hollow core of the HCF from the outside. The device is operable to split the second portion of the HCF from the hermetically sealed first portion of the HCF at the heated location.

[0010] Many of the relevant features can be more easily understood and better comprehended by referring to the specific embodiments considered below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] This specification will be better understood by referring to the following detailed embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1A The diagram shows the cross-section of a solid optical fiber; Figure 1B The cross-section of the first hollow optical fiber is shown in the figure; Figure 1C The cross-section of the second hollow fiber is shown in the figure; Figure 2 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a first exemplary device for hermetically sealing hollow optical fibers. Figure 3 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a second exemplary device for hermetically sealing hollow optical fibers. Figure 4A The illustration shows a section of hollow optical fiber with one end unsealed; Figure 4B The illustration shows a section of hollow optical fiber with one end sealed. Figure 5 The illustration shows a third exemplary device for hermetically sealing hollow optical fibers. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of a method for hermetically sealing hollow optical fibers; and Figure 7 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary computing-based system used in conjunction with an example device. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same parts. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The specific embodiments provided below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, are intended to describe this example and are not intended to represent the only form of constructing or utilizing this example. This description illustrates the function of the example and the sequence of operations for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be implemented through different examples.

[0013] An apparatus for splitting and hermetically sealing HCF (Hydrocotic Cryo-fiber). The apparatus includes: a channel sized to receive HCF into the apparatus, the HCF comprising a first portion and a second portion; a clamping device configured to clamp the first portion of the received HCF within the apparatus; a biasing device configured to bias a second portion of the HCF away from the clamped first portion; and a heating device configured to apply heat at a location along the inserted HCF, between the first and second portions of the HCF. The apparatus operates with very few components, ensuring low production costs and portability, allowing it to be distributed across numerous locations and transported to locations requiring splitting and hermetically sealing. For example, an HCF bundle comprising 60 HCFs (e.g., in an optical cable) may have been laid and accidentally damaged. Sealing is equally crucial when the “damage” is not accidental, such as when long-distance optical fibers or cables are split into shorter lengths. The open end of an HCF fiber means it is susceptible to contamination, and solids, liquids, or gases can enter the HCF, especially if the breakage occurs in a humid environment. Therefore, damaged or potentially damaged fiber optic sections must be hermetically sealed as soon as possible before any subsequent bonding to repair the damage. Sealing and splitting may need to be done at a distance of 10 meters or more from the breakage to avoid contaminating the remaining portion of the HCF.

[0014] This device can cause the structure of the inserted HCF to collapse, thereby hermetically sealing the hollow core of the HCF from the outside. The device can also separate the second section of the HCF from the hermetically sealed first section at the heated location. This simultaneous sealing and splitting of the HCF reduces the possibility of further accidental damage, as simply heating the HCF to collapse its internal structure for hermetically sealing would create a weak point in the HCF, since the sealed section would be less flexible than the surrounding unsealed section. Furthermore, subsequent splitting of the sealed section requires additional steps. Thus, sealing and splitting avoid such a weak point in the middle of the fiber within the HCF. In some examples, after hermetically sealing and before or after splitting, the hermetically sealed first section of the HCF can be moved towards a heat source. This additional action provides further heating to the sealed section, causing it to partially melt. The surface tension of the partially melted section creates a rounded end made of fiber material at the end of the hermetically sealed section. This rounded end protects the split section from further mechanical damage. Furthermore, the rounded end also serves to protect the user of the device by reducing the sharpness of the tips of the split fiber ends. The device may not include a camera for aligning the HCF before sealing or splitting. This lack of optical alignment can be advantageous because it eliminates the need to remove any coatings or buffer layers from the HCF before sealing or splitting, as heated coatings or buffer layers can vaporize and affect or obstruct the camera's field of view. Therefore, if mechanical removal of coatings or buffer layers is required before sealing or splitting, it increases complexity and reduces the speed of emergency HCF sealing in the event of accidental breakage.

[0015] Figure 2 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a first exemplary device 20 for hermetically sealing HCF 21. HCF 21 extends into and through the device 20. Figure 2 In the illustration, the first portion 211 of HCF 21 will be hermetically sealed, and the second portion 212 of HCF 21 will be separated from HCF 21 and optionally discarded. For example, the second portion 212 may be damaged and / or contaminated. Two clamping mechanisms are illustrated: a first clamping device 22 for securing the first portion 211 and a second clamping device 23 for securing the second portion 212. Although Figure 2A simplified G-clamp icon is illustrated, but a dedicated fiber optic bracket including a channel for receiving the fiber and a movable clamp for securing the fiber can also be used. Optionally, one or both of the clamping devices 22 and 23 are movable. Alternate arrows A1 and A2 in the figures indicate optional movements, and the movements do not necessarily occur simultaneously. One or both of the clamping devices 22 and 23 may also be movable in opposite directions. The clamping devices 22 and 23 can take many forms; for example, either or both of the clamping devices 22 and 23 may be electromechanical and operable by the control device 26; or, either or both of the clamping devices 22 and 23 may be mechanically or manually magnetically operated by mechanical movement of the device 20 (such as by closing / opening the cover of the device 20).

[0016] Device 20 can use a heating device to generate a heated zone 24. In this example, the heating device includes a pair of electrodes 251 and 252 controllable using controller 26. Controller 26 provides a potential difference (alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC)) between the two electrodes 251, 252, and an electric arc between the electrodes creates heat for the heated zone 24. The signal that causes the arc can take various forms, such as pulse width modulation (PWM), ramp signals, pulse signals, etc., or combinations thereof. Because the arc is controllable, a heating protocol can be implemented to control the heat generated in the heated zone 24 and its duration. Alternative heating devices, such as resistance heating, chemical combustion, lasers, etc., can also be used. The heating device can be user-replaceable for ease of maintenance. Optionally, the HCF can be rotated during heating via a fiber rotation mechanism to prevent the fiber from bending due to gravity; or the device can be oriented so that the fiber is perpendicular. Collection unit 29 is optional and can capture waste, such as HCF fragments removed by the device. Collecting discarded optical fibers (sometimes referred to as fiber debris or fragments) prevents fiber debris from contaminating the remaining HCF, thereby improving the yield of successfully split and hermetically sealed HCF. Furthermore, fiber debris is harmful to the environment and can cause harm to animals and humans, much like a needle prick.

[0017] The controller 26 includes electronic components and is operable to control various aspects of the device, such as heating, clamping, and applying bias force or tension within the optical fiber. The second clamping device 23 can provide a bias force to the HCF 21. The bias force applied to the second portion 212 can be generated by a spring or a small motor, creating tension in the second portion 212 by moving the second clamping device away from the first clamping device 22 and thus away from the heating zone 24. Similarly, the movement of the first clamping device can be generated by a spring or electromechanically controlled by the controller 26.

[0018] In some examples, the coating or buffer layer needs to be manually removed before using the device described herein. In some examples, a camera can be used to ensure proper alignment of the optical fibers within the device and that an effective seal is present. In some examples, the device may also include a recoating mechanism to add a protective coating to the exposed optical fiber material after sealing and / or splitting.

[0019] In some examples, the apparatus described herein may also include a marking tool for marking HCFs that have undergone sealing and / or splitting processes. The marking tool may apply coating or ink to one or more HCFs.

[0020] Timing and bias will be combined Figure 6 Let's have a discussion.

[0021] Although Figure 2 The diagram shows one HCF 21, but multiple HCFs can be placed in the device and all can be split and hermetically sealed simultaneously.

[0022] Figure 3 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of a second exemplary device 30 for hermetically sealing one or more HCFs. Figure 3 The controller is not shown in the figure, but a controller may be included to control components such as heating devices 351, 352 and optional clamping device 32 or movement of clamping device A3.

[0023] Device 30 can receive one or more HCFs 31, and optionally can receive HCF bundles (e.g., cables). Although in Figure 3 The illustration shows multiple HCFs 31, but individual HCFs can be placed separately in device 30 for segmentation and hermetic sealing. When the HCFs are inserted into device 30, they pass through heating zone 34. Heating zone 34 can be heated by a heating device; in the illustrated example, the heating device is electrodes 351 and 352, which generate an electric arc if a potential difference is applied across the electrodes. The power applied to the electrodes can be varied to alter the heating characteristics of the heating zone. The heat applied to heating zone 34 is sufficient to melt one or more HCFs in adjacent zones 34, thereby aiding in the segmentation and hermetic sealing of the HCFs.

[0024] After HCF 31 is inserted into device 30, clamping device 32 can properly secure the first portion of the inserted HCF, while the second portion of the inserted HCF hangs down under gravity, pulling the second portion away from the first portion, thereby generating tension in the HCF within heating zone 34. Controlled heat application to heating zone 34 disrupts the internal structure within the HCF, causing the internal HCF structure to collapse and reducing the diameter of the HCF. Gravity acting on the second portion of the HCF can split the HCF at a point within heating zone 34. Optionally, before, during, or after the splitting of the second portion, clamping device 32 can be used to move the first portion of the HCF toward the heating zone along direction A3. This heating of the additional portion of the first portion causes the collapse of an additional area of ​​the internal structure, resulting in an improved and more robust hermetic seal. Although not shown, device 31 may include a second clamping device, which may be movable to split the HCF without relying on gravitational bias forces.

[0025] Collection unit 39 is optional and can capture waste, such as portions of HCF 31 separated by device 30. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the collection unit 39 can be located inside or outside the device 30.

[0026] In embodiments not shown, the clamping device 32 is absent, and the user of the device 30 can properly secure the HCF 31 when it is split at the heating zone 34. The device 30 may also include a funnel to facilitate the user inserting the HCF 31 into the device 30.

[0027] Figure 4A The illustration shows a section of HCF 41, with one end unsealed (located on the right side of the attached diagram). HCF can be configured in many ways, and is not limited to... Figure 1B and Figure 1C Those in it. Figure 4A In, it was used Figure 1B The diagram illustrates the types of HCF. It shows a short segment of a long HCF with one end open, which can contaminate the hollow core. The open end of the HCF can be placed or inserted through... Figure 2 The device shown in the figure is subjected to heating and splitting. Figure 4A The dashed line in the image represents the center point of the heating process.

[0028] Figure 4B The diagram shows Figure 4A A section of HCF, one end of which is sealed. End 420 is hermetically sealed, and any contaminants introduced further down the fiber are removed by removing the contaminated fiber section.

[0029] Figure 5A third exemplary device 50 for hermetically sealing HCF 51 is illustrated. The portable device 50 has an opening 52 on its top surface for receiving the HCF 51. In some examples, the device includes a battery that can be charged by an external power source via a socket 55. A display screen 53 displays editable operating parameters controlled by buttons. The button controls include a power button 541, a start / stop button 542, and up / down buttons 543 and 544. A waste collection unit 56 collects waste and includes a handle 560 for easy emptying and safe disposal of sharp fiber optic segments. Figure 5 Not shown, the exhaust mechanism is a smoke extraction system that removes air from the heating zone. This mechanism may be a fan located within device 50. The exhausted air may include flue gas or smoke generated during heating, thus moving the air away from the heating zone will prevent contamination of the heating zone (including the electrodes). This exhaust mechanism may be combined with other examples described and illustrated herein. Figure 5 or Figure 2 and Figure 3 Not shown in the schematic diagram is an optional detection mechanism, which is a sensor arranged to automatically detect the insertion of an optical fiber into the device, thereby automatically initiating the splitting and / or sealing process described and illustrated herein.

[0030] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of a method for hermetically sealing HCF.

[0031] Frame S1 includes inserting an HCF (hydrocarbon fluoride) into the device, the HCF comprising a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is separated from the first portion, and the first portion is hermetically sealed to prevent it from being contaminated by external sources.

[0032] Frame S2 includes clamping a first portion of the inserted HCF onto the device. The clamping enables precise segmentation and also facilitates the collapse of the structure within the HCF by applying tension along the HCF.

[0033] Frame S3 includes a component that biases a second portion of the HCF away from the clamped first portion. This bias generates tension along the HCF.

[0034] Box S4 includes applying heat at a location along the inserted HCF, between the first and second portions of the HCF.

[0035] Frame S5 includes a structure that collapses the inserted HCF to provide an airtight seal to the hollow core of the HCF from the outside. Once the hollow core structure collapses, there are no openings for external contaminants to enter the hollow core.

[0036] Frame S6 includes a second portion of the HCF that is separated from the hermetically sealed first portion at a heated position. This separation may be due to the applied heating or due to the heating pulling the second portion out of the first portion.

[0037] The text describes the use of gravity, springs, or electromechanical components to generate tension along the HCF by pulling the second section away from the first section. If a spring is used, there is no lower limit to effective splitting; however, a spring providing 2 Newtons of force is sufficient to increase splitting speed while still achieving an hermetically sealed split segment. If the HCF glass is exceptionally thick or if multiple HCFs are to be split, additional heat, additional heating time, and / or increased tension can be applied.

[0038] If electromechanical components (such as motors) are used, the motors can be arranged to provide tension by, for example, moving 10 to 50 micrometers, thereby generating sufficient tension to increase the slitting speed.

[0039] Provided for use according to Figure 2 An example timeline for segmentation and hermetic sealing of the equipment is provided; however, the operational procedures will vary based on the structure and quantity of HCFs being segmented and hermetic sealed. Heating is performed using an arc power corresponding to a current of approximately 19 mA from 0 seconds to approximately 4 seconds. From approximately 1 second to 3 seconds, a drive motor moves the second clamping device 23 in the direction of arrow A2 at a speed of 1 μm / ms to segment the HCF into two parts. From approximately 3 seconds to 4 seconds, a drive motor moves the first clamping device 22 in the direction of arrow A1 at a speed of approximately 0.08 μm / ms to feed the additional HCF into the heating zone 24 and create a rounded end. There is a correlation between heating temperature, heating time, applied tension, and HCF diameter when segmenting and hermetic sealing HCFs; for example, higher temperatures may require shorter heating times; greater tension may require lower temperatures and / or heating times; and finer HCFs may require lower tension, heating temperatures, and / or heating times. The schedule / equipment used for separation and hermetic sealing must typically include applying power sufficient to melt the HCF material inserted in the heating zone. Therefore, for glass HCF, the power applied to the heating zone must be sufficient to melt the glass, i.e., the temperature must be approximately or above 1600 degrees Celsius.

[0040] Figure 7 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary computing-based device used in the control example device.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein are performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example (but not limited to), illustrative types of hardware logic components optionally used include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and / or microcontrollers.

[0042] Figure 7 The illustration shows various components of an exemplary computing-based controller device 1000, which can be implemented as any form of computing and / or electronic device for control. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The example device is shown in the figure.

[0043] The computation-based controller device 1000 includes one or more processors 1001, which may be a microprocessor, controller, or any other suitable type of processor, for processing computer-executable instructions to control the operation of the device in order to provide heating and / or bias control. In some examples, such as when using a system-on-a-chip architecture, the processor 1001 includes one or more fixed-function blocks (also referred to as accelerators) implemented in hardware (rather than software or firmware). Figure 6 As part of the method, platform software (including operating system 1011 or any other suitable platform software) is provided at the computing-based device to enable application software 1012 to be executed at the controller within the corresponding device.

[0044] Computer-executable instructions are provided using any computer-readable medium accessible to a computing device 1000. For example, computer-readable media include computer storage media (such as memory 1010) and communication media. Computer storage media (such as memory 1010) include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, etc.). Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage devices, magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transfer medium used to store information for access by a computing device. In contrast, communication media embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, etc., using modulated data signals (such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms). As defined herein, computer storage media do not include communication media. Therefore, the computer storage medium itself should not be interpreted as a signal transmission medium. Although the computer storage medium (memory 1010) is shown within the computing-based controller device 1000, it should be understood that in some examples, the storage device is distributed or located remotely and can be accessed via a network or other communication link (e.g., using communication interface 1002).

[0045] The computing-based device 1000 also includes an input / output controller 1003 arranged to output display information to a display device 1021, which may be separate from or integrated into the computing-based device 1000. The display information may provide a graphical user interface. The input / output controller 1003 is also arranged to receive and process input from one or more devices, such as a user input device 1022 (e.g., a button, mouse, keyboard, camera, microphone, or other sensor). In some examples, the user input device 1000 detects voice input, user gestures, or other user actions and provides a natural user interface (NUI). This user input can be used to interact with the device 1000. In examples, if the display device 1021 is a touch-sensitive display device, it can also act as the user input device 1022. In some examples, the input / output controller 1003 outputs data to devices other than the display device, such as a locally connected printing device. Figure 7 (Not shown in the image).

[0046] As an alternative or supplement to other examples described herein, examples may also include any combination of the following terms:

[0047] Clause A. An apparatus for hermetically sealing hollow optical fiber (HCF), the apparatus comprising: a channel sized to receive HCF into the apparatus; a clamping device configured to clamp a first portion of the HCF received within the apparatus; a heating device configured to heat the HCF received within the apparatus; and a biasing device configured to bias a second portion of the HCF received within the apparatus away from the first portion of the HCF received within the apparatus.

[0048] Clause B. The equipment described in Clause A, wherein the heating device is an electric arc.

[0049] Clause C. The device according to any of the preceding clauses further includes a collection unit configured to collect a second portion of the HCF after it has been separated from the first portion of the HCF held.

[0050] Clause D. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the clamping device configured to clamp the first part is movable toward the heating device.

[0051] Clause E. The device according to any of the preceding clauses also includes a battery, wherein the device is portable and the battery is coupled to the heating device.

[0052] Clause F. The device according to any of the preceding clauses further includes an opening on the top surface of the device; wherein a channel extends downward from the opening on the top surface of the device, and wherein the biasing device is gravity acting on a second portion of the HCF extending through the channel.

[0053] Clause G. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the clamping device is a first clamping device; and wherein the biasing device includes a second clamping device configured to clamp a second portion of the HCF.

[0054] Clause H. The device described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the biasing device is a spring or a motor.

[0055] Clause I. A method for hermetically sealing an HCF, the method comprising: inserting an HCF into a device, the HCF comprising a first portion and a second portion; clamping the first portion of the inserted HCF onto the device; biasing the second portion of the HCF away from the clamped first portion; applying heat at a location along the inserted HCF, the location being between the first and second portions of the HCF; causing the structure of the inserted HCF to collapse to hermetically seal the hollow core of the HCF from the outside of the HCF; and at the heated location, separating the second portion of the HCF from the hermetically sealed first portion of the HCF.

[0056] Clause J. The method described in Clause I, wherein the applied heat is generated by an electric arc.

[0057] Clause K. The method described under Clause I or Clause J further includes collecting a second segmented portion of the segmented HCF into a collection unit.

[0058] Clause L. The method according to any one of Clauses I through K, wherein the HCF is one of a plurality of HCFs, and the plurality of HCFs are all inserted into the device as an HCF bundle.

[0059] Clause M. The method described in Clause 9 further includes moving the first portion of the HCF toward the heating device after heat has been applied.

[0060] Clause N. The method according to Clause 9, wherein the HCF is inserted vertically into the device, and wherein the biasing force is gravity acting longitudinally along the second portion of the HCF.

[0061] Clause 0. The method described in Clause 9 further includes clamping a second portion of the inserted HCF onto the device.

[0062] Clause P. The method described in Clause O, wherein the biasing force is generated by a spring that couples the second clamped portion of the HCF to the device.

[0063] Clause Q. The method described in Clause O, wherein the bias force is generated by the motor-controlled movement of the clamped second portion of the HCF relative to the device.

[0064] Clause R. A portable device for splitting and hermetically sealing an HCF, the device comprising: a channel sized to receive an HCF into the device, the HCF including a first portion and a second portion; a clamping device configured to clamp the first portion of the HCF received within the device; a biasing device configured to bias a second portion of the HCF away from the clamped first portion; a heating device configured to apply heat at a location along an inserted HCF between the first and second portions of the HCF; and a battery configured to power the heating device; wherein the device is operable to cause the structure of the inserted HCF to collapse, thereby hermetically sealing the hollow core of the HCF from the outside; and wherein the device is operable to split the second portion of the HCF from the hermetically sealed first portion of the HCF at the heated location.

[0065] Clause S. The portable device as described in Clause R, wherein the clamping device is operable to move a first portion of the HCF toward the heating device during the collapse of the structure.

[0066] Clause T. Portable devices as described in Clause R or Clause S, wherein the heating device may be configured by the user of the device.

[0067] Clause U. A non-transient computer-readable medium containing program instructions for causing a computer to perform the methods described in any of the preceding clauses.

[0068] The examples illustrated and described herein, as well as those not specifically described herein but within the scope of various aspects of this disclosure, constitute exemplary apparatus for splitting HCF and / or hermetically sealing HCF, for example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Used for execution Figure 6 The components of the box shown in the figure.

[0069] In some examples, the methods described herein are executed by machine-readable software on a tangible storage medium, for example, as a computer program including computer program code, which, when run on a computer, is adapted to perform all operations of one or more of the methods described herein, and wherein the computer program can be embodied on a computer-readable medium. The software is adapted to execute on a parallel or serial processor, such that the method operations can be executed in any suitable order or simultaneously.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will recognize that storage devices used to store program instructions can optionally be distributed across a network. For example, a remote computer can store examples of processes described as software. A local or terminal computer can access the remote computer and download part or all of the software to run the program. Alternatively, a local computer can download software fragments as needed, or execute some software instructions on a local terminal and some software instructions on a remote computer (or computer network). Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, by utilizing conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art, all or part of the software instructions can be executed by special-purpose circuitry, such as digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic arrays, etc.

[0071] Any range or device values ​​given herein may be extended or modified without losing the desired effect, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0072] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed only as examples of implementing the claims.

[0073] It should be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may refer to one example or several examples. Examples are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems, nor are they limited to those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “a (a)” refer to one or more of those projects.

[0074] The operations described in this article can be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously if appropriate. Additionally, individual boxes can be removed from any method without deviating from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any example described above can be combined with aspects of any other example described to form more examples without losing the desired effect.

[0075] As used herein, the term “comprising” means including identified method boxes or elements, but such boxes or elements do not include an exclusive list, and a method or apparatus may include additional boxes or elements.

[0076] It should be understood that the above description is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. The foregoing specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of the examples. Although various examples have been described above with a degree of specificity or by reference to one or more specific examples, those skilled in the art can make numerous changes to the disclosed examples without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. An apparatus for hermetically sealing hollow-core optical fibers HCF (21, 31), the apparatus comprising: A channel, the size of which is configured to receive HCF into the device; Clamping devices (22, 32) are configured to clamp a first portion (211) of the HCF received within the device. Heating devices (251, 252) are configured to heat the HCF received within the device; as well as A biasing device configured to bias a second portion (212) of the HCF received within the device away from the first portion of the HCF received within the device; The biasing device is operable to separate the first portion of the HCF from the second portion of the HCF.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the heating device is an electric arc.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a collection unit configured to collect a second portion of the HCF after it has been separated from the first portion held by the HCF.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the clamping device configured to clamp the first portion is movable toward the heating device.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a battery, wherein the device is portable and the battery is coupled to the heating device.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising an opening on the top surface of the device; The channel extends downward from the opening on the top surface of the device, and The biasing device is gravity acting on the second portion of the HCF extending through the channel.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the clamping device is a first clamping device; and wherein the biasing device includes a second clamping device configured to clamp the second portion of the HCF.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the biasing device is a spring or a motor.

9. A method for hermetically sealing hollow-core optical fiber (HCF), the method comprising: The HCF is inserted (S1) into the device, the HCF comprising a first part and a second part; Clamp (S2) the first portion of the inserted HCF into the device; The second portion of the HCF is biased (S3) away from the first portion being held; Heat is applied (S4) at the location where the HCF is inserted, said location being between the first and second portions of the HCF; The structure of the inserted HCF is collapsed (S5) to provide an airtight seal to the hollow fiber core of the HCF from the outside. as well as At the heated position, the second portion of the HCF is separated (S6) from the first portion of the HCF that has been hermetically sealed.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the applied heat is generated by an electric arc.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising collecting the second portion of the segmented HCF into a collection unit.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the HCF is one of a plurality of HCFs, and the plurality of HCFs are all inserted into the device as a hollow fiber bundle.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising moving the first portion of the HCF toward the heating device after heat has been applied.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the HCF is inserted vertically into the device, and wherein the biasing force is gravity acting longitudinally along the second portion of the HCF.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising clamping the second portion of the inserted HCF to the device.

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