Device and system for testing polarization crosstalk of polarization maintaining optical fiber

Abstract

The utility model discloses a polarization-maintaining fiber polarization crosstalk testing device, comprising a polarizer used for converting light emitted by a light source into linearly polarized light; the optical channel converter comprises a main rotating base and a plurality of secondary rotating bases, an optical fiber connector is fixed on each secondary rotating base, the front end of each optical fiber connector is connected with a polarizer through a jumper wire, and the rear end of each optical fiber connector is connected with a tested sample; the polarization analyzing assembly comprises a rotatable polarizer and a detector and is used for detecting the power of an optical signal output from the detected sample; wherein the main rotating base realizes channel switching through rotation, and the secondary rotating base rotates to realize coupling between the polarization direction of a signal in the polarization-maintaining jumper wire and the optical axis of a sample to be tested, so that the polarization crosstalk test is completed. Different channels can be automatically switched, and the polarization crosstalk value of the sample can be automatically tested.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of optical fiber and optical cable testing, in particular to a polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk testing device and a polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk testing system. Background Art

[0002] Polarization crosstalk is an important technical indicator that reflects the polarization characteristics of polarization-maintaining optical devices. Polarization crosstalk testing technology has important applications in many fields such as national defense and aerospace. The fiber optic gyroscope that uses polarization-maintaining fiber as the sensing medium is one of the typical applications of polarization technology. In the production and testing process of polarization-maintaining optical fiber, it is often necessary to evaluate the performance differences of polarization crosstalk between different batches of samples. Especially when the optical fiber is subjected to reliability testing, it is necessary to continuously monitor and compare the polarization crosstalk of multiple batches of optical fibers online under various harsh and continuously changing aging test environments, so as to obtain the changes in the polarization performance of the optical fiber itself with the changes in the aging environment, which is used to judge the quality of the polarization crosstalk performance of the optical fiber.

[0003] However, the existing polarization crosstalk test system needs to match the multi-channel optical fiber samples with a corresponding set of test equipment. The uncertainty error of testing each channel optical fiber sample with different test equipment is large, and switching between different channels requires manual operation, which makes it impossible to achieve multi-channel automatic and continuous crosstalk monitoring. Utility Model Content

[0004] Aiming at the problem that the multi-channel optical fiber samples are switched manually during the existing polarization crosstalk test of polarization-maintaining optical fiber, and the automatic continuous crosstalk monitoring of the multi-channel cannot be realized, a test device is provided which can automatically switch between different channels and automatically test the polarization crosstalk value of the samples.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, on the one hand, the utility model provides a polarization crosstalk test device for a polarization-maintaining optical fiber, comprising: a polarization component, comprising a light source and a polarizer, wherein the polarizer converts the light emitted by the light source into linearly polarized light; an optical channel converter, comprising a main rotating base and a plurality of secondary rotating bases, wherein an optical fiber connector is fixed on the secondary rotating base, wherein the front end of the optical fiber connector is connected to the polarizer via a jumper, and the rear end of the optical fiber connector is connected to a sample to be tested; a polarization analyzer component, comprising a rotatable polarizer and a detector, for detecting the power of an optical signal output from the sample to be tested; wherein the main rotating base realizes channel switching by rotating, and the secondary rotating base realizes coupling between the polarization direction of the signal in the polarization-maintaining jumper and the optical axis of the sample to be tested by self-rotation, thereby completing the polarization crosstalk test.

[0006] In one embodiment of the utility model, the optical channel converter includes an input end and an output end, and both the input end and the output end include the main rotating base and the optical fiber connector arranged on the main rotating base; wherein the front end of the optical fiber connector at the input end is connected to the polarizer through a jumper, and the rear end is connected to one end of the sample to be tested, and the other end of the sample to be tested is connected to the optical fiber connector at the output end.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present utility model, the secondary rotating base is arranged on the main rotating base of at least the input end of the input end and the output end.

[0008] In one embodiment of the utility model, the polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk testing device also includes: a vertical bracket, movably connected to the optical channel converter, for adjusting the position of the optical channel converter in the vertical direction; and a horizontal bracket, movably connected to the vertical bracket, for adjusting the position of the optical channel converter in the horizontal direction.

[0009] In one embodiment of the utility model, the optical fiber connector is provided with two end slots A / B, a fixing screw C and a structural member D, the slot A is used to fix one end of a polarization-maintaining jumper led out from a polarizer, the fixing screw C fixes the slot A and the polarization-maintaining jumper on the secondary rotating base, and the slot B is fixed on the structural member D for fixing the sample to be tested.

[0010] On the other hand, the utility model also provides a polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test system, comprising: a polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test device as described in any one of the above embodiments; a host computer, which is respectively connected to the main rotating base at the input end and the output end of the optical channel converter, and is used to synchronously send a consistent rotation signal so that the main rotating base at the input end and the output end rotate synchronously.

[0011] In one embodiment of the utility model, the host computer is also connected to the horizontal support for synchronously sending consistent translation signals so that the optical channel converters at the input end and the output end are synchronously translated relative to the horizontal support.

[0012] In one embodiment of the utility model, the host computer is also connected to the secondary rotating base at the input end, and is used to control the rotation of the corresponding secondary rotating base after switching to a certain optical channel, so that the polarization direction of the signal in the polarization-maintaining jumper and the optical axis direction of the sample to be tested can be rotationally coupled during the rotation of the secondary rotating base, thereby completing the polarization crosstalk test.

[0013] In general, the above technical solutions conceived by the utility model can achieve at least the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0014] By setting an optical channel converter including a main rotating base and several secondary rotating bases on the main rotating base, the optical fiber connector is fixed on the secondary rotating base, the main rotating base realizes channel switching by rotation, and the secondary rotating base rotates to realize the coupling between the polarization direction of the signal in the polarization-maintaining jumper and the optical axis of the sample to be tested, thereby completing the polarization crosstalk test, and realizing the polarization crosstalk test of multi-channel optical fiber samples on the basis of using the same set of polarizing components and analyzing components, and the test can be automatically switched between different channels, and the test process can realize long-term continuous monitoring without manual operation; the device design is simple to operate, and has good repeatability and environmental adaptability, which greatly reduces the economic cost of repeatedly purchasing multiple sets of polarizing components and analyzing components, making it possible to automatically and continuously monitor polarization crosstalk in multiple channels, and at the same time, it can also reduce the uncertainty error of different test equipment testing each channel optical fiber sample separately. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test system provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 A front view of an optical channel converter provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 A side view of an optical channel converter provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 A top view of the optical channel converter provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of the optical channel converter provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of an optical fiber connector provided in an embodiment of the utility model.

[0022] Description of Reference Numerals

[0023] 1: light source; 2: polarizer; 3: optical fiber connector; 4: optical channel converter (input end); 5: sample 1 to be tested; 6: sample 2 to be tested; 7: sample 3 to be tested; 8: optical channel converter (output end); 9: rotatable polarizer; 10: detector; 11: host computer; 12: main rotating base; 13: vertical bracket; 14: horizontal bracket; 15: secondary rotating base; 16: slot A; 17: fixing screw C; 18: structural part D; 19: slot B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model more clear, the utility model is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the utility model and are not used to limit the utility model. In addition, the technical features involved in each embodiment of the utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0025] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in the specification and claims of the utility model and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally includes steps or units that are not listed, or optionally includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the first embodiment of the utility model provides a polarization crosstalk test device for polarization-maintaining optical fiber, for example, including: a polarizing component, an optical channel converter and a polarization analyzer component. The polarizing component is composed of a light source 1 and a polarizer 2, which is used to convert the light emitted by the wide-bandwidth light source 1 into linearly polarized light.

[0027] The structure of the optical channel converter (input end) 4 is shown in FIG. Figures 2 to 4 , a rotating structure consisting of a main rotating base 12 and a plurality of secondary rotating bases 15, that is, the number of channel conversions can be realized as many as the number of secondary rotating bases 15. This embodiment is described by taking three ports as an example. The optical channel converters mentioned below all refer to Figure 2 The three-channel converter shown.

[0028] Rotation structure see Figure 5As shown in the partial enlarged view, three secondary rotating bases 15 are rotatably connected to the entire main rotating base 12, and a fiber optic connector 3 is placed on each secondary rotating base 15. The connection from the polarizer 2 to the fiber optic connector 3 is a "one-to-three" connection, that is, the front end of the same standard polarization-maintaining fiber jumper is fixed to the output end of the polarizer 2, and the rear end of the jumper is connected to one of the three fiber optic connectors in turn, and the rear ends of the three fiber optic connectors are connected to their respective samples 5, 6, and 7 to be tested.

[0029] Furthermore, the circular main rotating base 12 is connected to the host computer via a data cable, and the signal sent by the host computer can control the rotation of the main rotating base 12 itself. Taking the above-mentioned three-channel converter as an example, the positions of the three optical fiber connectors 3 are evenly divided over the entire 360-degree circumference. After each command of rotating 120 degrees is issued by the host computer, the optical fiber connector 3 is switched to another adjacent position.

[0030] The polarization analyzer assembly consists of a rotatable polarizer 9 and a detector 10, and is used to detect the power of the optical signal output from the sample to be tested, so as to obtain the corresponding polarization crosstalk test result.

[0031] In one embodiment, the optical channel converter 4 further includes a vertical bracket 13 and a horizontal bracket 14. The vertical bracket 13 is used to adjust the height of the optical channel converter 4 in the vertical direction, and the horizontal bracket 14 is used to adjust the position of the entire optical channel converter 4 in the horizontal direction.

[0032] In one embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, the optical fiber connector 3 is provided with two end slots 16 (A), a slot 19 (B), a fixing screw 17 (C) and a structural member 18 (D). The slot A is used to fix one end of the polarization-maintaining jumper wire led out from the polarizer, the fixing screw C fixes the slot A and the polarization-maintaining jumper wire on the secondary rotating base 15, and the slot B is fixed on the structural member D for fixing the sample to be tested.

[0033] In one embodiment, the polarization crosstalk test device for polarization-maintaining optical fiber includes an optical channel converter (input end) 4 and an optical channel converter (output end) 8, both of which include a main rotating base 12 and an optical fiber connector 3 disposed on the main rotating base 12. The front end of the optical fiber connector 3 of the optical channel converter (input end) 4 is connected to the polarizer 2 through a jumper, and the rear end is connected to one end of the sample to be tested, and the other end of the sample to be tested is connected to the optical fiber connector 3 of the optical channel converter (output end) 8.

[0034] It should be noted that the optical channel converter (input end) 4 and the optical channel converter (output end) 8 can have the same structure and both are provided with a sub-rotation base 15, or the sub-rotation base 15 can be provided only in the optical channel converter (input end) 4, while the optical channel converter (output end) 8 is not provided. As long as the polarization direction of the signal in the polarization-maintaining jumper and the optical axis direction of the sample to be tested can be rotationally coupled during the rotation of the sub-rotation base of the optical channel converter (input end) 4, thereby completing the polarization crosstalk test, the present embodiment is not limited to this.

[0035] In addition, the second embodiment of the present invention also proposes a polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test system, comprising: a host computer and the polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test device described in the first embodiment. Specifically, the host computer 11 is connected to the main rotating base 12 of the optical channel converter (input end) 4 and the main rotating base 12 of the optical channel converter (output end) 8, for example, respectively, and by synchronously sending a consistent rotation signal, the main rotating bases 12 of the input end and the output end of the optical channel converter can rotate synchronously, that is, rotate in the same target rotation direction and the same rotation angle, and the actual rotation direction can be the same or mirror-symmetrical, depending on the placement position of the input end and the output end optical channel converter.

[0036] In one embodiment, the host computer 11 is also connected to the horizontal bracket 14 of the optical channel converter (input end) 4 and the horizontal bracket 14 of the optical channel converter (output end) 8, respectively, and the horizontal bracket 14 of the input end and the output end of the optical channel converter can be synchronously translated by synchronously sending consistent translation signals. Before the host computer 11 issues a rotation command to the main rotating base 12, it is necessary to first issue a translation command to the horizontal bracket 14, so that the entire optical channel converter moves a suitable distance away from the jumper end, so that the ferrule in the jumper end can be sufficiently disengaged from the card slot A of the optical fiber connector, thereby obtaining a sufficient safety distance so that the main rotating base 12 will not touch the jumper end during the automatic rotation process.

[0037] Each translation and rotation of the optical channel converter (input end) 4 and the optical channel converter (output end) 8 occurs synchronously, so that the polarization signal emitted from the polarizer 2 can be connected to different samples to be tested at the back end in turn after passing through different optical fiber connectors 3 in turn, that is, the process of optical channel conversion, playing the role of an optical switch, and finally passing through the rotatable polarizer 9 and then being received by the detector 10, thereby achieving the purpose of switching the linearly polarized light output by the polarizer 2 in different channels and coupling it to different polarization-maintaining optical fiber samples to be tested for separate testing.

[0038] In one embodiment, the host computer 11 is also connected to the three secondary rotating bases 15 of the optical channel converter (input end) 4. Each time the main rotating base 12 rotates 120 degrees to switch to one of the optical channels, the secondary rotating base 15 will automatically rotate a total of 180 degrees at a set angular velocity within a unit test time, so that the polarization direction of the signal in the polarization-maintaining jumper and the optical axis direction of the sample to be tested can be rotationally coupled during the rotation of the secondary rotating base 15. During this period, the polarization analyzer component maintains continuous testing, and the host computer 11 records all polarization crosstalk results in this process and finds the maximum absolute value of the crosstalk.

[0039] For polarization-maintaining optical fiber, the symmetrical stress around the core realizes stress traction in a specific direction, so that birefringence is generated inside the polarization-maintaining optical fiber. The two perpendicular axes (slow axis and fast axis) transmit the light signal emitted by the light source at different speeds. The logarithm of the ratio of the two orthogonal polarization components is the polarization crosstalk at this time. Only when the linear polarized light coincides with one of the two axes (usually the slow axis) can the polarization state be maintained to the highest degree, that is, when the polarized light coincides with the slow axis of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber, the absolute value of the polarization crosstalk value reaches the maximum. Combined with the above definition of polarization crosstalk, when the secondary rotating base 15 rotates 180 degrees, it will definitely experience the moment when the polarization direction of the linear polarized light output by the polarizer coincides with the slow axis of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber to be tested. The upper computer records the polarization crosstalk value during the entire rotation process. Then, when the absolute value reaches the peak value, it is considered that the optical fiber is aligned with the axis, so this maximum value is taken as the final polarization crosstalk test result of the sample to be tested in this unit test time.

[0040] The following is an explanation of the specific test steps:

[0041] Step 1: Connect the light source, polarizer, and a standard polarization-maintaining jumper cable in sequence, and align the output end of the standard polarization-maintaining jumper cable with the slot A position of any optical fiber connector of the optical channel converter;

[0042] Step 2: Each optical fiber connector 3 clamps the optical fiber sample of the corresponding channel through a bare fiber adapter, and the optical fiber heads at both ends of each optical fiber sample to be tested are stripped and cut to produce a flat optical fiber end face. The cover plate of the bare fiber adapter is used to press the tail of the optical fiber to be tested, and the bare fiber adapter is inserted into the card slot B of the optical fiber connector together with the optical fiber to be tested;

[0043] The bare fiber adapter is a simple auxiliary tool for optical fiber testing. It is easy to plug and unplug bare fiber samples and can be reused. When using standard general specifications, its outer card slot adapts to the card slot B of the optical fiber connector, and its ferrule inner diameter can be customized according to the geometric dimensions of the optical fiber to be tested.

[0044] Step 3: Repeat the above steps, connect the other end of the optical fiber sample to be tested to the optical channel converter (output end) 8 through a bare fiber adapter, and then connect it to the rotatable polarizer 9, connect the rotatable polarizer 9 to the detector 10, and connect the detector 10 to the host computer 11. The host computer 11 records the power value of the detector 10 and finally calculates the current polarization crosstalk value.

[0045] By writing control software on the host computer 11, the shaft of the optical channel converter can be rotated at a specified rotation frequency (120 degrees each time). For example, channel 1 can be switched to channel 2 at fixed intervals, which is equivalent to switching test sample 1 to sample 2, thereby realizing the switching of optical channels.

[0046] The rotating motor of the secondary rotating base 15 of the optical channel converter 4 is also connected to the host computer. Each time after switching to one of the channels, the secondary rotating base 15 will automatically rotate a total of 180 degrees at a set angular velocity within the unit test time. During this period, the polarization analyzer component maintains continuous testing. The host computer records all polarization crosstalk results in this process and finds the maximum absolute value thereof. This maximum value is the final polarization crosstalk test result of the sample to be tested within this unit test time.

[0047] In summary, the polarization crosstalk test device and system for polarization-maintaining optical fiber proposed in the embodiment of the utility model, by setting an optical channel converter including a main rotating base and several secondary rotating bases on the main rotating base, the optical fiber connector is fixed on the secondary rotating base, the main rotating base realizes channel switching by rotation, and the secondary rotating base rotates to realize the coupling between the polarization direction of the signal in the polarization-maintaining jumper and the optical axis of the sample to be tested, thereby completing the polarization crosstalk test, and realizing the polarization crosstalk test of multi-channel optical fiber samples on the basis of using the same set of polarizing components and analyzing components, and the test can be automatically switched between different channels, and the test process can realize long-term continuous monitoring without manual operation; the device design is simple to operate, and has good repeatability and environmental adaptability, which greatly reduces the economic cost of repeatedly purchasing multiple sets of polarizing components and analyzing components, making it possible to automatically and continuously monitor polarization crosstalk in multiple channels, and at the same time, it can also reduce the uncertainty error of different test equipment testing each channel optical fiber sample separately.

[0048] The above is only an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure cannot be limited thereto. That is, any equivalent changes and modifications made according to the teachings of the present disclosure are still within the scope of the present disclosure. After considering the specification and practicing the disclosure here, those skilled in the art will easily think of the implementation scheme of the present disclosure. The utility model is intended to cover any variation, use or adaptive change of the present disclosure, which follows the general principles of the present disclosure and includes common knowledge or customary technical means in the technical field that are not recorded in the present disclosure. The description and examples are regarded as exemplary only, and the scope and spirit of the present disclosure are defined by the claims.

[0049] The technical features of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0050] It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test device, characterized in that: include: A polarizing component, comprising a light source and a polarizer, wherein the polarizer converts the light emitted by the light source into linearly polarized light; An optical channel converter, comprising a main rotating base and a plurality of secondary rotating bases, wherein an optical fiber connector is fixed on the secondary rotating base, wherein the front end of the optical fiber connector is connected to the polarizer via a jumper, and the rear end of the optical fiber connector is connected to a sample to be tested; A polarization analyzing assembly, comprising a rotatable polarizer and a detector, for detecting the power of an optical signal output from the sample under test; The main rotating base realizes channel switching by rotating, and the secondary rotating base realizes coupling between the polarization direction of the signal in the polarization-maintaining jumper and the optical axis of the sample to be tested by self-rotation, thereby completing the polarization crosstalk test.

2. The polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical channel converter comprises an input end and an output end, wherein both the input end and the output end comprise the main rotating base and the optical fiber connector disposed on the main rotating base; The front end of the optical fiber connector at the input end is connected to the polarizer through a jumper, and the rear end is connected to one end of the sample under test, and the other end of the sample under test is connected to the optical fiber connector at the output end.

3. The polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The secondary rotating base is arranged on the main rotating base of at least the input end of the input end and the output end.

4. The polarization crosstalk test device for polarization-maintaining optical fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A vertical bracket, movably connected to the optical channel converter, and used to adjust the position of the optical channel converter in the vertical direction; The horizontal bracket is movably connected to the vertical bracket and is used to adjust the position of the optical channel converter in the horizontal direction.

5. The polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber connector is provided with two end slots A / B, a fixing screw C and a structural member D. The slot A is used to fix one end of a polarization-maintaining jumper led out from a polarizer, the fixing screw C fixes the slot A and the polarization-maintaining jumper on the secondary rotating base, and the slot B is fixed on the structural member D and is used to fix the sample to be tested.

6. A polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test system, characterized in that: include: The polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The host computer is respectively connected to the main rotating bases of the input end and the output end of the optical channel converter, and is used to synchronously send consistent rotation signals so that the main rotating bases of the input end and the output end rotate synchronously.

7. The polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The host computer is also connected to the horizontal support for synchronously sending consistent translation signals so that the optical channel converters at the input end and the output end are synchronously translated relative to the horizontal support.

8. The polarization-maintaining optical fiber polarization crosstalk test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The host computer is also connected to the secondary rotating base at the input end, and is used to control the rotation of the corresponding secondary rotating base after switching to a certain optical channel, so that the polarization direction of the signal in the polarization-maintaining jumper and the optical axis direction of the sample to be tested can be rotationally coupled during the rotation of the secondary rotating base, thereby completing the polarization crosstalk test.

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