A three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520937843.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-01
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-05-13
AI Technical Summary
[0003]在现有的制作光纤陀螺的生产方案中，通常将光源、耦合器、Y波导、光纤环、探测器这五个分立的器件，按照光路的连接关系通过尾纤进行熔接，完成各个器件的连接后盘装；在该生产过程中，需要精确控制各段尾纤的长度，其中，整个光学器件的尾纤切割、熔接、涂覆盘装等复杂工序均涉及到了对尾纤长度的控制，其中一个工序操作失误，就会对整个制作过程造成不良影响
[0019]第一、本实用新型中的技术方案能够通过光路微组装的方式将光源、耦合器、探测器以及出光尾纤的端口集成在一个密封的空间中，形成一个光组件；本实用新型的技术方案采用空间耦合代替传统的尾纤耦合，集成化更高，体积更小，相比现有技术中对各个分立器件均采用人工熔接的方案，本实用新型中的技术方案减小了光纤的熔接点位数量，在微调平台的辅助下，能够通过用机械装配代替人工装配，装配工艺并不依赖于熟练工人，有效提升了生产效率，对于单个光纤陀螺能够节省的装配时间约为2h；本实用新型中的装置在装配过程中能够以光电流值和光功率值为参考调节各个组成器件的位置，使得空间光路耦合效率达到最优，有效提升了装配可靠性，同时避免了盘装光纤时对熔接点造成的损伤，以及避免了熔接点存在的气泡瑕疵问题，降低了光路损耗。
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Figure CN224707489U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of fiber optic gyroscopes, and more specifically, to a three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver component for fiber optic gyroscopes. Background Technology
[0002] A typical fiber optic gyroscope consists of five separate optical components: an optical source, a coupler, a Y-waveguide, a fiber optic loop, and a detector. These components are typically connected via optical fibers, as shown in the diagram. Figure 4 As shown.
[0003] In existing fiber optic gyroscope manufacturing processes, five separate components—the light source, coupler, Y-waveguide, fiber optic ring, and detector—are typically fused together using pigtails according to their optical path connections. After connection, these components are then coiled together. This process requires precise control of the pigtail length. Complex steps such as pigtail cutting, splicing, coating, and coiling all involve controlling the pigtail length; an error in any one step can negatively impact the entire manufacturing process. Current assembly processes heavily rely on skilled workers, with each complex step requiring manual operation and monitoring. This results in low assembly consistency and reliability, making it difficult to control. Furthermore, assembling a single fiber optic gyroscope is time-consuming, taking approximately five hours to produce one, leading to low production efficiency and unsuitability for mass production. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver component for fiber optic gyroscopes. By using a fine-tuning device to micro-assemble the optical path, the light source, coupler, and detector in the optical path are integrated into a single optical component, eliminating the need for two fusion splices and significantly improving production efficiency and assembly reliability.
[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is: to provide a three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver component for fiber optic gyroscopes, which includes: a light source, a coupler, a detector and an output fiber optic pigtail, wherein the coupler includes a light source input port, a common port and a detector output port;
[0006] The light source output terminal is positioned opposite to the light source input port of the coupler, and the light emitted from the light source output terminal is coupled into the light source input port;
[0007] The port on one side of the output fiber is positioned opposite to the common port of the coupler, and the other side is connected to the fiber optic ring;
[0008] The coupler is used to output the light from the light source input port through the common port; the light from the light source output through the common port is coupled to the output pigtail.
[0009] The output pigtail is used to guide the light emitted from the common port to the fiber optic ring, and after receiving the beam returned from the fiber optic ring, it emits it back to the common port.
[0010] The coupler is also used to send the return light of the fiber optic loop connected to the common port out of the detector output port.
[0011] The detector is a PD with a pigtail, and the end port of the pigtail is set opposite to the detector output port of the coupler. The return light emitted from the detector output port is coupled to the detector receiver.
[0012] Furthermore, the three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes also includes a housing and a semiconductor cooler;
[0013] The semiconductor cooler has a plate-shaped structure and is disposed on the inner wall of the housing.
[0014] Furthermore, the light source, coupler, detector receiver, and port on the output fiber side are respectively mounted on the semiconductor cooler and are tightly fitted to the semiconductor cooler.
[0015] Furthermore, the PD with a fiber optic pigtail includes a main body and a detector pigtail, which are fixedly connected. The end port of the detector pigtail serves as the detector receiver and is located inside the housing, while the main body is located outside the housing.
[0016] Furthermore, the coupler is located in the central region of the inner wall on one side of the housing. The detector receiving end is coupled and aligned with the detector output port of the coupler, the port of the optical fiber is coupled and aligned with the common port of the coupler, and the light source output end is coupled and aligned with the light source input port of the coupler.
[0017] The present invention also provides a fiber optic gyroscope, which is composed of a Y-waveguide, a fiber optic ring, and the aforementioned three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes. The output fiber extending to the outside of the housing is connected to the fiber optic ring through the Y-waveguide.
[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0019] First, the technical solution of this utility model integrates the light source, coupler, detector, and output pigtail port into a sealed space through optical path micro-assembly, forming an optical component. This solution uses spatial coupling instead of traditional pigtail coupling, resulting in higher integration and smaller size. Compared to existing technologies that use manual fusion splicing for each discrete component, this solution reduces the number of fiber optic splice points. With the assistance of a fine-tuning platform, mechanical assembly can replace manual assembly, eliminating reliance on skilled workers and effectively improving production efficiency. For a single fiber optic gyroscope, this saves approximately 2 hours of assembly time. During assembly, the device can adjust the position of each component based on photocurrent and optical power values, optimizing spatial optical path coupling efficiency and improving assembly reliability. It also avoids damage to splice points during fiber coiling and eliminates bubble defects at splice points, reducing optical path loss.
[0020] Secondly, in the preferred embodiment of this utility model, the detector adopts a PD with a pigtail, which reduces the cost compared to the traditional PIN-FET detector. At the same time, since the end port of the pigtail of the detector is set inside the housing as the detector receiver, while its main part, the PD, is set outside the housing and away from the cooler, the interference of the laser cooler circuit on the weak photocurrent signal in the PD is avoided, which greatly improves the overall performance of the fiber optic gyroscope. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The advantages of the above and / or additional aspects of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood in the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:
[0022] Figure 1 This is a front structural schematic diagram of a three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of a three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for a fiber optic gyroscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 3 This is a top view of a three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for a fiber optic gyroscope according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the composition and structure of an existing fiber optic gyroscope.
[0026] Among them, 1-light source, 2-coupler, 21-light source input port, 22-common port, 23-detector output port, 3-detector, 31-main body, 32-detector pigtail, 33-detector receiver, 4-light output pigtail, 41-light output pigtail port, 5-housing, 51-pin, 6-semiconductor cooler. Detailed Implementation
[0027] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this utility model and the features thereof can be combined with each other.
[0028] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0029] In this embodiment, two-dimensional displacement adjustment is an optical alignment method, which refers to precise linear position adjustment in a plane (usually in the X and Y axis directions) to achieve alignment of the target position. It is widely used in optics, mechanics, electronics and other fields to optimize optical path coupling, align detector positions or precision assembly.
[0030] In this embodiment, existing fine-tuning platforms can be used to achieve two-dimensional displacement adjustment, such as the T-LSR XY electric linear slide (model T-LSR150B) and the nano-precision XY electric platform (model M-687.2).
[0031] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver component for fiber optic gyroscopes. The component includes: a light source 1, a coupler 2, a detector 3, and an output fiber optic pigtail 4.
[0032] Coupler 2 includes a light source input port 21, a common port 22, and a detector output port 23.
[0033] The light source input port 21 is used to receive the light signal from the light source 1; the common port 22 is used to output the light signal from the light source to the optical fiber 4 and to receive the light signal returned by the optical fiber 4; the detector output port 23 is used to output the light signal returned by the optical fiber 4 to the detector 3.
[0034] The output end of the light source 1 is positioned opposite to the light source input port 21 of the coupler 2, and the light emitted from the output end of the light source 1 is coupled to the light source input port 21 of the coupler 2.
[0035] One side of the output pigtail 4 is positioned opposite to the common port 22 of the coupler 2, and the other side is connected to an external fiber optic ring via a Y-waveguide; the port on the output pigtail 4 is referred to as the output pigtail port 41.
[0036] Coupler 2 is used to emit light from the light source input port 21 through the common port 22; the common port 22 of coupler 2 is set opposite to the port of the output fiber 4, and the light source emitted from the common port 22 is coupled to the port of the output fiber 4.
[0037] The output pigtail 4 is used to guide the light source emitted from the common port 22 to the fiber optic ring. After the light source propagates through the fiber optic ring, it returns to the output pigtail 4. The output pigtail 4 is also used to output the returned light received from the fiber optic ring to the common port 22.
[0038] Coupler 2 connects the common port 22 to the output fiber 4, and the return light is emitted from the detector output port 23.
[0039] The detector 3 is a PD (photodiode) with a pigtail. The end port of the pigtail is set as the detector receiver 33 and is opposite to the detector output port 23 of the coupler 2. The return light emitted from the detector output port 23 of the coupler 2 is coupled to the detector receiver 33.
[0040] In this embodiment, the port of the output fiber 4 is a smooth end face after cutting and polishing. This smooth end face can directly realize the emission of light. The fiber core of the smooth end face is clearly exposed and without cracks. It can be cut with a high-quality fiber optic cutting tool to ensure that the optical signal can be emitted along the axial direction of the output fiber 4 and reduce light loss.
[0041] The three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes also includes a housing 5 and a semiconductor cooler 6. The semiconductor cooler 6 has a plate-shaped structure and is disposed on the inner wall of the housing 5. It is connected to an external power supply through pins 51 provided on the housing 5.
[0042] The light source 1, coupler 2, detector receiver 33 and optical fiber output port 41 are respectively mounted on the semiconductor cooler 6 and are in close contact with the semiconductor cooler 6.
[0043] In this embodiment, the semiconductor cooler 6 can be a Peltier, which will be fixed to the inner wall of one side of the housing 5 during assembly.
[0044] The PD with a fiber optic pigtail includes a main body 31 and a detector pigtail 32, which are fixedly connected. The end port of the detector pigtail 32 is located inside the housing 5 as a detector receiver 33, while the main body 31 is located outside the housing 5.
[0045] In this embodiment, light source 1 is an SLD light source (Superluminescent Diode).
[0046] One end of the output fiber 4 is located inside the housing 5, and the other end of the output fiber 4 extends to the outside of the housing 5 for connection with the external fiber optic ring via the Y waveguide.
[0047] In this embodiment, the coupler 2 can be a semi-transparent mirror or a 1-to-2 silicon waveguide, such as when a 1-to-2 silicon waveguide is selected (a 1-to-2 silicon waveguide can transmit bidirectionally), for example... Figure 1 As shown, during assembly, one side port of the silicon waveguide is used as the common port 22 and aligned with the output fiber port 41. The two ports on the other side are used as the light source input port 21 and the detector output port 23, respectively, and aligned with the light source 1 and the detector receiving end 33, respectively.
[0048] Coupler 2 is located in the central area of the inner wall of one side of housing 5. The detector receiver 33 is coupled and aligned with the detector output port 23 of coupler 2 by means of two-dimensional displacement adjustment. The detector receiver 33 is set at the position where the optical power of the detector output port 23 is constant and the detector 3 measures the maximum photocurrent.
[0049] Specifically, taking the plane containing the optical axis of the emitted light from the detector output port 23 of coupler 2 as the displacement plane, the detector receiver 33 is placed on the fine-tuning platform, so that the detector receiver 33 faces the detector output port 23, and the emitted light beam from the detector output port 23 illuminates the detector receiver 33. The position of the detector receiver 33 is finely adjusted in the displacement plane using the fine-tuning platform so that the photocurrent measured by the detector 3 reaches the maximum value. The position where the detector 3 measures the maximum photocurrent is taken as the optimal coupling position between coupler 2 and detector 3. The detector receiver 33 is fixed while keeping its position unchanged.
[0050] The port of the output fiber 4 is coupled and aligned with the common port 22 of the coupler 2 by means of two-dimensional displacement adjustment. The port of the output fiber 4 is set at the position where the detector receiver 33 is fixed and the detector 3 measures the maximum photocurrent.
[0051] Specifically, the plane containing the optical axis of the emitted light from the common port 22 of coupler 2 is taken as the displacement plane. At this time, the position of the detector receiving end 33 is fixed. The port of the emitted fiber 4 is set on the fine-tuning platform, so that the port of the emitted fiber 4 faces the common port 22. The emitted light beam from the port of the emitted fiber 4 illuminates the common port 22. The position of the port of the emitted fiber 4 is finely adjusted in the displacement plane using the fine-tuning platform so that the photocurrent measured by the detector 3 reaches the maximum value. The position where the detector 3 measures the maximum photocurrent is taken as the optimal coupling position between the emitted fiber 4 and the coupler 2. The position of the port of the emitted fiber 4 is fixed while keeping the position of the port unchanged.
[0052] The output end of the light source 1 is coupled and aligned with the light source input port 21 of the coupler 2 through a two-dimensional displacement adjustment. The output end of the light source 1 is set at the position where the port of the light output pigtail 4 is fixed and the light power at the other port of the light output pigtail 4 reaches its maximum.
[0053] Specifically, the plane containing the axis perpendicular to the center of the light source input port 21 of the coupler 2 is taken as the displacement plane. At this time, the position of the output fiber 4 port is fixed. The light source 1 is placed on the fine-tuning platform, so that the output end of the light source 1 faces the light source input port 21 of the coupler 2. The light beam emitted from the output end of the light source 1 illuminates the light source input port 21. The position of the light source 1 is finely adjusted in the displacement plane using the fine-tuning platform so that the optical power monitored at the other port of the output fiber 4 reaches the maximum value. The position where the optical power monitored at the other port of the output fiber 4 reaches the maximum value is taken as the optimal coupling position between the light source 1 and the coupler 2. The position of the light source 1 is fixed while keeping the position of the light source 1 unchanged.
[0054] In this embodiment, the fiber optic gyroscope uses a three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly assembled in the following manner, specifically including:
[0055] First, fix the chip-shaped thermoelectric cooler 6 to the inner wall of one side of the housing 5 by means of adhesive or screw connection. Then fix the coupler 2 to the thermoelectric cooler 6 by means of adhesive, so that it is located in the central area of the inner wall of the housing 5.
[0056] Set the port of the output fiber 4 to a pre-selected initial position, and connect the optical signal from the other end of the output fiber 4 so that its emitted light illuminates the common port 22 of the coupler 2. Fix the detector receiver 33 to the fine-tuning platform with a clamp, and let the emitted light beam from the detector output port 23 illuminate the detector receiver 33. Using the plane where the optical axis of the emitted light from the detector output port 23 of the coupler 2 is located as the displacement plane, use the fine-tuning platform to fine-tune the position of the detector receiver 33 within the displacement plane, and monitor the photocurrent value measured by the detector 3 in real time. When the photocurrent measured by the detector 3 reaches the maximum value, stop the fine-tuning, and take the current position of the detector receiver 33 as the optimal coupling position. Fix the detector receiver 33 by adhesive.
[0057] The port of the output fiber 4 is fixed to the fine-tuning platform using a clamp, so that the emitted light from the port of the output fiber 4 illuminates the common port 22 of the coupler 2. The plane where the optical axis of the emitted light from the common port 22 of the coupler 2 is located is used as the displacement plane. The position of the port of the output fiber 4 is finely adjusted within the displacement plane using the fine-tuning platform. The photocurrent value measured by the detector 3 is monitored in real time. When the photocurrent measured by the detector 3 reaches the maximum value again, the fine-tuning is stopped. The current position of the port of the output fiber 4 is taken as the optimal coupling position, and the port of the output fiber 4 is fixed by adhesive.
[0058] Light source 1 is fixed on the fine-tuning platform using a clamp. Light source 1 is powered on so that its emitted light shines on the light source input port 21 of coupler 2. The plane containing the axis perpendicular to the center of the light source input port 21 of coupler 2 is used as the displacement plane. The position of light source 1 is fine-tuned within this displacement plane using the fine-tuning platform. The output optical power value of the other end of the optical pigtail 4 is monitored in real time using an optical power meter. When the output optical power value of the other end of the optical pigtail 4 reaches the maximum value, the fine-tuning is stopped. The current position of light source 1 is taken as the optimal coupling position, and light source 1 is fixed by adhesive.
[0059] After completing the above operations, the spatial optical path coupling efficiency of the device is optimized. Finally, gold wire bonding (i.e., the process of establishing electrical connections between various components using metal wires) is used to connect the power supply and the semiconductor cooler 6 to different pins 51 of the housing 5. The power supply can be connected to an external power source through the pins to conduct electricity, and the semiconductor cooler 6 can be connected to an external power source through the pins to conduct electricity to achieve cooling. Nitrogen gas is then introduced into the housing 5 and the top cover is sealed to complete the assembly of the entire device.
[0060] This embodiment also provides a fiber optic gyroscope, which consists of a Y-waveguide, a fiber optic ring, and the aforementioned three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes.
[0061] The light-emitting pigtail 4, which extends to the outside of the housing 5, is connected to the fiber optic ring via a Y-waveguide. The Y-waveguide is used to split the light beam from the coupler 2 into two beams and guide the two beams to propagate in the fiber optic ring in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, respectively. The fiber optic ring is the core sensing element of the fiber optic gyroscope, which is used to detect the rotational angular velocity.
[0062] In this embodiment, the working principle of the fiber optic gyroscope is as follows:
[0063] After the light source 1 is powered on, the light generated is coupled to the light source input port 21 of the coupler 2. The coupler 2 guides the light source to the common port 22 and illuminates the output pigtail 4 port. The output pigtail 4 transmits the light source to the Y waveguide. The Y waveguide splits the light source into two beams and guides the two beams to propagate in the fiber optic loop in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, respectively. After the two beams complete their loop in the fiber optic loop, they are merged into one beam by the Y waveguide and return to the common port 22 of the coupler 2 through the output pigtail 4. The coupler 2 guides the return light from the common port 22 to the detector output port 23 and illuminates the detector receiver 33. The detector 3 receives the optical signal and converts it into an electrical signal. The signal processing system calculates the rotational angular velocity based on the electrical signal.
[0064] In this utility model, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "linking" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0065] The shapes of the components in the accompanying drawings are schematic and may differ from their actual shapes. The drawings are only used to illustrate the principle of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.
[0066] Although the present invention has been disclosed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the application of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and may include various modifications, alterations, and equivalents made to the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Claims
1. A three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes, characterized in that, The three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for the fiber optic gyroscope includes: a light source (1), a coupler (2), a detector (3), and an output fiber (4), wherein the coupler (2) includes a light source input port (21), a common port (22), and a detector output port (23). The output end of the light source (1) is positioned opposite to the light source input port (21) of the coupler (2), and the light emitted from the output end of the light source (1) is coupled into the light source input port (21); The port on one side of the output fiber (4) is opposite to the common port (22) of the coupler (2), and the other side is connected to the fiber optic ring; The coupler (2) is used to output the light source light connected to the light source input port (21) from the common port (22); the light source light output from the common port (22) is coupled to the output pigtail (4); The output fiber (4) is used to guide the light source emitted from the common port (22) to the fiber optic ring, and after receiving the light beam returned from the fiber optic ring, it is emitted to the common port (22). The coupler (2) is also used to send the return light of the fiber loop connected to the common port (22) out from the detector output port (23); The detector (3) is a PD with a pigtail. The end port of the pigtail is set opposite to the detector output port (23) of the coupler (2). The return light emitted from the detector output port (23) is coupled to the detector receiver (33).
2. The three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber optic gyroscope three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly also includes a housing (5).
3. The three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The PD with a pigtail includes a main body (31) and a detector pigtail (32). The main body (31) and the detector pigtail (32) are fixedly connected. The end port of the detector pigtail (32) is set inside the housing (5) as a detector receiver (33), and the main body (31) is set outside the housing (5).
4. The three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The coupler (2) is located in the central area of the inner wall of one side of the housing (5). The detector receiving end (33) is coupled and aligned with the detector output port (23) of the coupler (2). The port of the output fiber (4) is coupled and aligned with the common port (22) of the coupler (2). The output end of the light source (1) is coupled and aligned with the light source input port (21) of the coupler (2).
5. A fiber optic gyroscope, characterized in that, The fiber optic gyroscope is composed of a Y-waveguide, a fiber optic ring, and a three-in-one optoelectronic transceiver assembly for fiber optic gyroscopes as described in any one of claims 1-4. The output fiber optic tail (4) extending to the outside of the housing (5) is connected to the fiber optic ring through the Y-waveguide.