Real-time optical reflection detection device for fiber optic amplifiers

Abstract

This invention provides a real-time optical reflection detection device for an optical fiber amplifier, comprising an optical fiber amplifier, a coupler, a splitter, a photodetector, a processing module, and a main controller. The straight-through arm of the coupler is connected to the optical fiber amplifier, the input arm of the coupler is connected to the optical splitter, the coupling arm of the coupler is connected to the photodetector, the photodetector is connected to the processing module, and the processing module is connected to the main controller. The main controller is connected to the optical fiber amplifier. The processing module converts the current signal output by the photodetector into a logarithmically correlated voltage signal. This invention monitors and provides feedback on the optical reflection intensity in real time, and uses the intensity to determine whether the system is at risk of instability or damage, ensuring timely troubleshooting in case of faults and guaranteeing the normal operation of the optical fiber amplifier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fiber optic amplifier technology, and in particular to a real-time detection device for optical reflection of fiber optic amplifiers. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, fiber optic amplifiers on the market do not have built-in real-time light reflection monitoring capabilities. Fiber optic amplifiers are used to test and verify whether the light reflection meets design specifications during the initial installation and commissioning of fiber optic links. However, in subsequent actual use, when repairing or replacing optical link components, the light reflection may be critically low or below the design value. Furthermore, because fiber optic amplifiers contain multiple optical splitters, corresponding to multiple output fiber optic links, light reflection testers can only test each fiber optic link individually. They cannot accurately and in real-time measure the combined light reflection intensity of multiple fiber optic links after being mixed by the internal optical splitters of the fiber optic amplifier. Moreover, in actual use, because the light reflection intensity cannot be monitored in real-time, it is impossible to determine whether the system is at risk of instability or damage based on the light reflection intensity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a real-time optical reflection detection device for fiber optic amplifiers.

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a real-time optical reflection detection device for an optical fiber amplifier, comprising an optical fiber amplifier, a coupler, a splitter, a photodetector, a processing module, and a main controller. The through arm of the coupler is connected to the optical fiber amplifier, the input arm of the coupler is connected to the optical splitter, the coupling arm of the coupler is connected to the photodetector, the photodetector is connected to the processing module, and the processing module is connected to the main controller. The main controller is connected to the optical fiber amplifier. The processing module is used to convert the current signal output by the photodetector into a logarithmically correlated voltage signal.

[0005] Preferably, the processing module is a dedicated logarithmic amplifier for optical power detection.

[0006] Preferably, one end of the coupler is provided with an inlet cone and the other end is provided with an outlet cone, and there is a coupling region between the inlet cone and the outlet cone; the end of the coupler where the inlet cone is located is provided with an input arm and a backscattering arm, and the end of the coupler where the outlet cone is located is provided with a through arm and a coupling arm.

[0007] Preferably, the coupler is a 2*2 coupler.

[0008] Preferably, the photodetector is a photoelectron emission detector.

[0009] Preferably, the main controller is a 32-bit microcontroller.

[0010] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: by real-time monitoring and feedback of light reflection intensity, and by judging whether there is a risk of instability and damage in the system, this utility model can ensure that faults can be eliminated in a timely manner when they occur, and ensure the normal operation of the fiber optic amplifier. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure and principle of the coupler.

[0013] In the diagram: 1. Fiber optic amplifier, 2. Coupler, 3. Optical splitter, 4. Photodetector, 5. Processing module, 6. Main controller, 7. Inlet cone, 8. Outlet cone, 9. Coupling area. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0015] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the real-time optical reflection detection device for an optical fiber amplifier includes an optical fiber amplifier 1, a coupler 2, a splitter, a photodetector 4, a processing module 5, and a main controller 6. The through arm of the coupler 2 is connected to the optical fiber amplifier 1, the input arm of the coupler 2 is connected to the optical splitter 3, the coupling arm of the coupler 2 is connected to the photodetector 4, the photodetector 4 is connected to the processing module 5, and the processing module 5 is connected to the main controller 6. The main controller 6 is connected to the optical fiber amplifier 1. The processing module 5 is used to convert the current signal output by the photodetector 4 into a logarithmically correlated voltage signal.

[0016] In this invention, the light output path is as follows: the input light is amplified by the fiber optic amplifier 1, then sequentially passes through the coupler 2 and the optical splitter 3 before being output. The reflected light detection path is as follows: the reflected light passes through the optical splitter 3, enters the coupler 2 via the input arm, and then, through the coupling ratio on the coupler 2, is input to the photodetector 4. The reflected light irradiates the photodetector 4, causing the semiconductor material surface in the photodetector 4 to emit photoelectrons. These electrons are collected to form a current (external photoelectric effect). The photodetector 4 converts the reflected light signal into a current signal of a certain magnitude, which is then transmitted to the processing module 5. The processing module 5 converts the current signal output by the photodetector 4 into a logarithmically correlated voltage signal. The processing module 5 sends the voltage signal to the main controller 6, which collects the voltage signal and analyzes the reflected light intensity. The stronger the voltage signal, the greater the surface reflected light intensity. When the light reflection intensity is abnormal, the main controller 6 will generate an alarm signal, prompting personnel to troubleshoot the problem. For example, when the light reflection intensity is too high and exceeds a preset threshold, the light reflection intensity is judged to be abnormal, prompting personnel to troubleshoot the problem.

[0017] The main controller 6 can be connected to a remote monitoring terminal to monitor the intensity of the light reflection signal in real time and send alarm signals to the remote monitoring terminal, thus achieving remote real-time monitoring. By monitoring and feeding back the light reflection intensity in real time, and judging whether there is a risk of instability or damage to the system, it ensures that faults can be eliminated in a timely manner in case of failure, and guarantees the normal operation of the fiber optic amplifier 1.

[0018] The main controller 6 is connected to the fiber optic amplifier 1 and can perform feedback control on the fiber optic amplifier 1. In actual use, a maximum threshold can be set. When the light reflection intensity exceeds the threshold value, the main controller 6 can control the fiber optic amplifier 1 to shut down, ensuring that the fiber optic amplifier 1 works in a normal state.

[0019] Since the impact of the reflected light from the optical link on the performance of fiber amplifier 1 mainly exists at the output end of fiber amplifier 1, and the reflected light power at the input end is extremely low, the actual impact of the detection path of the reflected light on fiber amplifier 1 can be ignored.

[0020] The processing module 5 is a dedicated logarithmic amplifier for optical power detection.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, one end of the coupler 2 is provided with an inlet cone 7, and the other end is provided with an outlet cone 8. There is a coupling region 9 between the inlet cone 7 and the outlet cone 8. The inlet cone 7 on the coupler 2 is provided with an input arm and a backscattering arm, and the outlet cone 8 on the coupler 2 is provided with a through arm and a coupling arm.

[0022] In this embodiment, the coupler 2 is a 2x2 coupler. To reduce insertion loss on the output light, the splitting ratio of the 2x2 coupler 2 is adjusted according to the total output power of the fiber amplifier 1. A smaller splitting ratio is better while maintaining detection accuracy. Simultaneously, the maximum power handling capacity of the 2x2 coupler must be greater than the total output power of the fiber amplifier 1. Furthermore, the 2x2 coupler in this solution requires high directionality to prevent the output light from the straight arm from interfering with the intensity detection of the reflected light from the coupled arm. Therefore, the fiber in the backscattering arm needs to be wound into smaller loops to reduce interference. In fiber optic communication or sensing solutions, this "small loop" treatment refers to winding the fiber into loops with a small bending radius (typically a few millimeters to tens of millimeters), artificially introducing macro-bending loss to attenuate the light signal in a specific direction, thereby reducing interference.

[0023] In this embodiment, the photodetector 4 is a photoelectron emission detector. The selection of the photodetector 4 must meet the characteristics of high responsivity, low return loss, and low dark current detection.

[0024] In this embodiment, the main controller 6 is a 32-bit microcontroller. The main controller 6 includes a 12-bit ADC acquisition function.

[0025] This utility model is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Anyone can derive other forms of products under the guidance of this utility model. However, regardless of any changes made in their shape or structure, any technical solution that is the same as or similar to this application falls within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A real-time optical reflection detection device for fiber optic amplifiers, characterized in that, It includes an optical fiber amplifier, a coupler, a splitter, a photodetector, a processing module, and a main controller. The straight-through arm of the coupler is connected to the optical fiber amplifier, the input arm of the coupler is connected to the optical splitter, the coupling arm of the coupler is connected to the photodetector, the photodetector is connected to the processing module, and the processing module is connected to the main controller. The main controller is connected to the optical fiber amplifier. The processing module is used to convert the current signal output by the photodetector into a logarithmically correlated voltage signal.

2. The optical fiber amplifier optical reflection real-time detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing module is a dedicated logarithmic amplifier for optical power detection.

3. The optical fiber amplifier optical reflection real-time detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupler has an inlet cone at one end and an outlet cone at the other end, with a coupling region between the inlet cone and the outlet cone; the inlet cone is provided with an input arm and a backscattering arm at one end of the coupler, and the outlet cone is provided with a through arm and a coupling arm at the other end of the coupler.

4. The real-time optical reflection detection device for fiber optic amplifiers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupler is a 2*2 coupler.

5. The real-time optical reflection detection device for fiber optic amplifiers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photodetector is a photoelectron emission detector.

6. The real-time optical reflection detection device for fiber optic amplifiers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main controller is a 32-bit microcontroller.

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