Method for estimating the orientation of optical fibers and method for manufacturing optical fiber components

Abstract

A method for estimating an orientation about the center axis of an optical fiber, according to the present invention, includes: radiating light from a light source toward the side face of the optical fiber; capturing an image concerning the side face of the optical fiber by receiving the light transmitted through the optical fiber at a plurality of pixels disposed along a direction crossing the center axis of the optical fiber; generating a luminance profile concerning the optical fiber on the basis of the luminance values of the light received by the plurality of pixels; and estimating the orientation about the center axis of the optical fiber by using the luminance profile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber and a method for manufacturing an optical fiber component. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2020-212740 filed on December 22, 2020, and incorporates all the descriptions described in the above Japanese application.

Background Art

[0002] For an optical fiber whose internal structure is not axially symmetric, such as a multi-core optical fiber, it is required to specify the orientation around the central axis. In Non-Patent Document 1, it is shown that the orientation is estimated by monitoring the luminance at a predetermined position of an observation image obtained by imaging a multi-core optical fiber from the side.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to the present disclosure includes irradiating light from a light source toward the side surface of the optical fiber, receiving the light transmitted through the optical fiber in a plurality of pixels arranged along a direction intersecting the central axis of the optical fiber to perform imaging of the side surface of the optical fiber, generating a luminance profile related to the optical fiber based on the luminance values of the light received by the plurality of pixels, and estimating the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber using the luminance profile.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of an optical fiber orientation estimation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of pixel arrangement in the detection unit. [Figure 3] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a luminance profile. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how to create an operation matrix. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of how to assemble optical fiber components. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a fiber array, which is an example of an optical fiber component. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the schematic configuration of a tape fiber, which is an example of an optical fiber component. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a single-core connector, which is an example of an optical fiber component. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a multi-core connector, which is an example of an optical fiber component. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] [Issues this disclosure aims to address] The method described in Non-Patent Document 1 may not accurately estimate the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber due to stray light and other factors.

[0007] This disclosure is made in view of the above and aims to provide a technology that enables more accurate estimation of the orientation around the central axis of an optical fiber.

[0008] [Effects of this disclosure] This disclosure provides a technique that enables more accurate estimation of the orientation around the central axis of an optical fiber.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of this Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. An orientation estimation method for an optical fiber according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: irradiating the side of the optical fiber with light from a light source; receiving the light transmitted through the optical fiber at a plurality of pixels arranged along a direction intersecting the central axis of the optical fiber to perform imaging of the side of the optical fiber; generating a luminance profile for the optical fiber based on the luminance values ​​of the light received by the plurality of pixels; and estimating the orientation of the optical fiber about the central axis using the luminance profile.

[0010] Estimating the orientation around the central axis may include applying a calculation matrix that extracts the orientation around the central axis from the luminance profile to the luminance profile relating to the optical fiber.

[0011] The method may further include calculating the operation matrix based on a plurality of luminance profiles obtained from optical fibers that are different from each other and whose orientations around the central axis are known.

[0012] Calculating the aforementioned operation matrix may include performing multivariate analysis on the multiple luminance profiles obtained from different optical fibers whose orientations around the central axis are known, and obtaining regression coefficients and constants for a regression equation in which the orientation around the central axis is the dependent variable and each luminance value included in the luminance profile is an independent variable.

[0013] The generation of the luminance profile may include preprocessing the luminance values ​​of the light received by the plurality of pixels.

[0014] The optical fiber may be a polarization-maintaining optical fiber. The optical fiber may be a multi-core optical fiber.

[0015] The optical fiber may be in a mode without a coating member on the outer periphery of the glass cladding. The optical fiber may be in a mode with a coating member on the outer periphery of the glass cladding.

[0016] A method for manufacturing an optical fiber component according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the method for estimating the orientation of the optical fiber of the present disclosure, adjusting the orientations of a plurality of optical fibers based on the orientation around the estimated central axis, and arranging the plurality of optical fibers with adjusted orientations in V-grooves on a substrate to assemble a fiber array.

[0017] A method for manufacturing an optical fiber component according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the method for estimating the orientation of the optical fiber of the present disclosure, adjusting each of the plurality of optical fibers so as to have a predetermined orientation with respect to a straight line passing through the plurality of optical fibers based on the orientation around the estimated central axis, and arranging the plurality of optical fibers with adjusted orientations to assemble a tape fiber.

[0018] A method for manufacturing an optical fiber component according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the method for estimating the orientation of the optical fiber of the present disclosure, adjusting the optical fiber so as to have a predetermined orientation with respect to a reference orientation provided in a housing based on the orientation around the estimated central axis, and assembling a single-core connector by housing the optical fiber with adjusted orientation in the housing.

[0019] A method for manufacturing an optical fiber component according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: the method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber of the present disclosure; and based on the orientation around the estimated central axis, adjusting the plurality of optical fibers so that they each have a predetermined orientation with respect to a reference orientation defined by a straight line connecting a plurality of through holes provided in a ferrule for holding each of the plurality of optical fibers; and assembling a multi-core connector by accommodating the plurality of optical fibers whose orientations have been adjusted in the ferrule.

[0020] A method for manufacturing an optical fiber component according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: the method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber of the present disclosure; and adjusting the plurality of optical fibers so that they each have a predetermined orientation with respect to a reference orientation defined by a straight line connecting a plurality of through holes provided in a ferrule for holding each of the plurality of optical fibers, based on the orientation around the estimated central axis; and assembling a multi-core connector by accommodating the plurality of optical fibers whose orientations have been adjusted in the ferrule.

[0021] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims, which are defined by the claims.

[0022] (Apparatus for Estimating Orientation around Central Axis) The apparatus for estimating the orientation around the central axis of an optical fiber according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The orientation estimation apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 has the function of imaging the side surface of the target optical fiber and estimating the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber based on the imaging results. The orientation around the central axis of an optical fiber refers to the angle made between a reference line and, for example, a straight line connecting the central axis and a specific core in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis, for an optical fiber placed in the orientation estimation apparatus 1. The optical fiber to be subjected to orientation estimation has a circular cross section. For example, in the case of optical fibers that have a non-axially symmetric configuration of internal cores, etc., such as polarization-maintaining optical fibers and multi-core optical fibers, accurately estimating the orientation around the central axis (i.e., estimating the internal structure) is often important to prevent performance degradation of optical components. Therefore, the orientation estimation apparatus 1 estimates the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber nondestructively.

[0023] The orientation estimation device 1 receives transmitted light emitted from the target optical fiber 90 by irradiating it with measurement light L1, and obtains the brightness profile of the light that has passed through the optical fiber 90. Based on this brightness profile, it estimates the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90. For this purpose, the orientation estimation device 1 has a light source 10, a support unit 20, a detection unit 30, and an analysis unit 40. In Figure 1, the case where the target optical fiber 90 is a multicore optical fiber is explained. For example, the optical fiber 90 has multiple cores 91 arranged inside a cylindrical glass cladding 92.

[0024] A luminance profile is information that includes information about the distribution of luminance of light emitted from an optical fiber 90 after light is shone from a light source 10 onto the side surface of the optical fiber 90. The luminance profile includes information about the distribution of luminance along a direction that intersects the direction of extension (central axis) of the optical fiber 90 (for example, a direction perpendicular to it).

[0025] The light source 10 directs the measurement light towards a predetermined area. The predetermined area is the area in which the measurement light overlaps with the optical fiber 90 when the optical fiber 90 is supported by the support part 20. The wavelength of the measurement light emitted by the light source 10 can be appropriately selected according to the characteristics and condition of the optical fiber 90. For example, if the optical fiber 90 is not covered by a coating member, the measurement light emitted from the light source 10 can be visible light. If the sides of the optical fiber 90 are covered by a coating member, for example, near-infrared light that can penetrate the coating member (for example, light with a wavelength range of 800 nm to 2500 nm) may be used. In the following embodiment, the case where an optical fiber 90 not covered by a coating member is the target of orientation estimation around its central axis will be described.

[0026] The light source 10 emits measurement light L1 towards the area on which the optical fiber 90 is placed. The light source 10 may include a waveguide optical system or the like for irradiating with measurement light L1.

[0027] The support portion 20 has the function of supporting the optical fiber 90 in a predetermined position. In Figure 1, a member with a V-shaped groove is shown as an example of the support portion 20, but the support portion 20 is not particularly limited in its configuration as long as it can support the optical fiber 90 while restricting its movement. Alternatively, the optical fiber 90 may be supported and imaging performed without using the support portion 20. For example, when estimating the orientation around the central axis of an optical fiber during the assembly of optical components, the measurement light L1 may be irradiated from the light source 10 onto the side of the optical fiber supported by the optical components during assembly.

[0028] The measurement light L1 output from the light source 10 passes through the optical fiber 90 supported by the support unit 20. A portion of it then enters the detection unit 30 as transmitted light L2.

[0029] The detection unit 30 acquires an image of the side of the optical fiber 90 by, for example, multiple pixels arranged in an array. Specifically, an array-type sensor in which multiple pixels are arranged in one or two dimensions can be used as the detection unit 30. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of multiple pixels 31 in the detection unit 30. Figure 2 also schematically shows the optical fiber 90 supported by the support unit 20. Multiple pixels 31 are arranged along arrow A which extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis X of the optical fiber 90. Multiple pixels 31 may also be arranged along the direction of extension of the central axis X. Figure 2 shows a state in which the pixels 31 are arranged in two dimensions, but in the case of a one-dimensional arrangement, they can be arranged at least along arrow A.

[0030] Alternatively, instead of using a sensor with multiple pixels 31 as the detection unit 30, a single-pixel sensor may be used. However, in order to obtain a brightness profile, image information captured at different positions along the optical fiber 90 is required, as described later. Therefore, in order to use a single-pixel sensor, it is necessary to change the path of light incident on the pixels of the detection unit 30 (the region from which transmitted light L2 is emitted in the optical fiber 90) in order to obtain a brightness profile. For this reason, when using a single-pixel sensor, it is conceivable to move the optical fiber 90 and the detection unit 30 relative to each other.

[0031] Each pixel 31 acquires information that identifies the brightness value of the light it receives. Each pixel 31 records the brightness value in, for example, 256 steps (0-255). Each pixel 31 outputs the result to the analysis unit 40. Alternatively, the detection unit 30 may collect the brightness value information for each pixel 31 and then transmit it to the analysis unit 40.

[0032] The analysis unit 40 has the function of creating a brightness profile from the brightness values ​​detected by the detection unit 30 and estimating the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90 based on this brightness profile. Therefore, the analysis unit 40 is composed of a brightness profile creation unit 41, an operation matrix learning unit 42, an orientation estimation unit 43, and an operation matrix holding unit 44.

[0033] The luminance profile creation unit 41 has the function of creating a luminance profile based on information related to the luminance value obtained from the detection unit 30.

[0034] The luminance profile will be explained with reference to Figure 3. The luminance profile shows the distribution of luminance values ​​when the optical fiber 90 is imaged from the side. Image D1 at the top of Figure 3 shows an example of an image captured by the detection unit 30, and the bottom of Figure 3 shows an example of a luminance profile created based on image D1. The image shown in Figure 3 shows the optical fiber 90 extending vertically through the center. The arrow A shown in image D1 of Figure 3 indicates a direction perpendicular to the central axis X of the optical fiber 90, similar to arrow A in Figure 2. The luminance profile is the distribution of luminance along this arrow A direction. As an example, the luminance profile D2 shown in Figure 3 shows an example where the number of pixels in the direction of arrow A is 463. As shown in the luminance profile D2 of Figure 3, the luminance is about 100 in the area where the optical fiber 90 is not imaged, while the luminance changes significantly in the area where the optical fiber 90 is imaged. This change in luminance is due to the transmittance of light incident on the optical fiber 90 in the core and glass cladding, and the difference in refractive index between the core and glass cladding, etc.

[0035] The luminance profile creation unit 41 creates information corresponding to the luminance profile D2 shown in Figure 3 from the luminance values ​​obtained from the detection unit 30. Note that the luminance profile is not limited to directly reflecting the luminance values ​​of each pixel 31, but may, for example, be an average of the luminance values ​​of multiple pixels that are continuously arranged in the direction of the central axis of the optical fiber 90. Thus, the luminance profile creation unit 41 may perform various calculations when creating the luminance profile.

[0036] Furthermore, by looking at the luminance profile D2, the arrangement of cores in a multicore optical fiber can be estimated to some extent. For example, if the optical fiber 90 in question is a multicore optical fiber with a rotationally symmetric core arrangement, the cores can be identified by using the light refraction at the marker (an identification marker attached to the optical fiber) and the resulting change in the luminance profile. On the other hand, for MCF (Multi Core Fiber) with a rotationally asymmetric core arrangement, the cores can be identified by using the light refraction at the asymmetric core and the resulting change in the luminance profile D2.

[0037] The arithmetic matrix learning unit 42 has the function of learning an arithmetic matrix for estimating the orientation around the central axis based on the created brightness profile.

[0038] An operation matrix is ​​created using a luminance profile with known orientations around the central axis, in order to estimate the orientation around the central axis from the luminance profile. Specifically, a regression equation is obtained by performing multivariate analysis, with the orientation around the central axis as the dependent variable and each luminance value included in the luminance profile as the independent variable. The operation matrix consists of the regression coefficients and constants (intercepts) in this regression equation.

[0039] As an example of regression analysis, a type of multivariate analysis, we will describe the case of performing linear regression analysis. For example, when performing linear regression analysis of the luminance profile and the orientation around the central axis using a multivariate analysis method, a regression coefficient vector B1 and a constant b2 are obtained, which are used to calculate the predicted values ​​of the orientation around the central axis. In this embodiment, the regression coefficient vector B1 and the constant b2 are called the operation matrix.

[0040] The regression coefficient vector B1 and constant b2 described above are elements that constitute a regression equation that allows for the extraction of the direction around the central axis by performing a linear operation on the luminance profile. Therefore, it is possible to extract the direction around the central axis using the following equation (1). In equation (1), A(x) represents the luminance profile, and the regression coefficient vector B1(x) represents a vector of the same dimension as the luminance profile A(x). The constant b2 is a scalar value. Predicted direction around the central axis = B1(x)·A(x)+b2 …(1)

[0041] The process of pre-determining the regression coefficient vector B1 and constant b2 for extracting the orientation around the central axis from the luminance profile using linear regression analysis is called learning the operation matrix. Using multiple luminance profiles measured at various orientations around the central axis, where the orientation around the central axis is known, parameters involved in the correspondence between the orientation around the central axis and the luminance profile are calculated. These parameters correspond to the operation matrix (regression coefficient vector B1 and constant b2).

[0042] Furthermore, while the image of the side surface of the optical fiber 90 and the brightness profile obtained from this image may change depending on the orientation around the central axis as described above, they may also be affected by other factors. For example, variations in the position of the optical fiber 90 itself, variations in the diameter of the glass cladding 92 of the optical fiber 90 due to manufacturing lots, and variations in the position of refractive index change areas formed at the interface between the core 91 and the glass cladding 92 can all cause variations in the brightness profile. On the other hand, by performing calculations using matrices, it is possible to separate the variations in the brightness profile that originate from the orientation around the central axis from the variations in the brightness profile that originate from other factors (as described above).

[0043] For example, if the luminance profile is 1 × n data obtained from n pixel sensors, the luminance profile can be represented as a single point in n-dimensional space. Performing the above calculation matrix (regression coefficient vector B1 and constant b2) on the luminance profile whose orientation around the central axis is to be estimated means projecting the data in n-dimensional space onto the luminance variation axis due to rotation and extracting only the luminance variation component due to rotation. This calculation removes profile variations on variation axes other than rotation. Therefore, the method using the above calculation matrix can be an orientation detection method around the central axis that does not suffer from reduced accuracy even if there are variations due to external factors such as differences in manufacturing lots.

[0044] As an example of regression analysis, nonlinear regression analysis may also be performed. For example, when performing nonlinear regression analysis of the luminance profile and the orientation around the central axis using a multivariate analysis method, a regression coefficient vector B1, a constant b2, and a nonlinear function f are obtained, which are used to calculate the predicted values ​​of the orientation around the central axis. In the case of nonlinear regression analysis, in this embodiment, the regression coefficient vector B1, the constant b2, and the nonlinear function f are called the operation matrix.

[0045] The regression coefficient vector B1, the constant b2, and the nonlinear function f described above are elements that allow us to extract the orientation around the central axis by performing a nonlinear operation with the luminance profile. Therefore, equation (2) is shown below: Predicted direction around the central axis = f(B1(x), A(x)) + b2 …(2) This allows us to extract the orientation around the central axis. In equation (2), A(x) represents the luminance profile, and the regression coefficient vector B1(x) represents a vector of the same dimension as the luminance profile A(x). The constant b2 is a scalar value. The nonlinear function f is defined as a nonlinear function with the regression coefficient vector B1(x) and the luminance profile A(x) as variables.

[0046] In nonlinear regression analysis, the relationship between the regression coefficient vector B1 and the luminance profile A(x) is determined by a nonlinear function f.

[0047] In the calculation matrix learning unit 42, it may be predetermined which of the multivariate analysis methods to use. Alternatively, it may be determined by referring to the acquired luminance profiles and considering the correlation between the luminance profiles and the orientation around the central axis. Then, based on the multiple luminance profiles created to calculate the calculation matrix, a calculation matrix for estimating the orientation around the central axis is calculated. The calculation matrix calculated through the above process is stored in the calculation matrix holding unit 44.

[0048] The orientation estimation unit 43 has the function of estimating the orientation around the central axis based on the brightness profile obtained by imaging the target optical fiber 90. When estimating the orientation around the central axis, the calculation matrix calculated by the calculation matrix learning unit 42 and held by the calculation matrix holding unit 44 is applied to the brightness profile. This calculates the orientation around the central axis of the target optical fiber 90.

[0049] The arithmetic matrix holding unit 44 has the function of holding the arithmetic matrix calculated by the arithmetic matrix learning unit 42.

[0050] (Method for learning arithmetic matrices) Referring to Figure 4, we will now explain how the azimuth estimation device 1 calculates (learns) the operation matrix used to estimate the azimuth around the central axis.

[0051] In step S01, with the optical fiber 90, whose orientation around its central axis is known, supported by the support part 20, measurement light L1 is irradiated from the light source 10 onto the side surface of the optical fiber 90, and overlight By receiving light L2 at each pixel 31 of the detection unit 30, the optical fiber 90 is imaged from the side.

[0052] The method for performing imaging when the orientation around the central axis is known is not particularly limited, but for example, a method for measuring the orientation around the central axis using a method other than imaging with a light source 10 and a detection unit 30 can be used. As an example, with the end face of the optical fiber 90 being observed and the orientation around the central axis being determined, the optical fiber 90 is rotated, or the light source 10 and detection unit 30 are moved along the outer circumference of the optical fiber 90. This makes it possible to obtain images of the optical fiber 90 observed from the side for each orientation around the central axis. As another example, an optical fiber (master fiber) with a known core arrangement is prepared and placed with the optical fiber 90 to be used for acquiring lateral images facing each other. In this state, light is guided through the core along the central axis of the master fiber and received by the optical fiber 90 via the opposing end faces. The intensity of the light received by the optical fiber 90 may change depending on the relationship between the core arrangements of the master fiber and the optical fiber 90. Therefore, by measuring the intensity of the light received by the optical fiber 90, the orientation of the optical fiber 90 around the central axis relative to the master fiber can be determined. While monitoring the intensity of the light received by the optical fiber 90 from the master fiber, the optical fiber 90 is rotated, or the light source 10 and detection unit 30 are moved along the outer circumference of the optical fiber 90. This makes it possible to obtain images of the optical fiber 90 observed from the side for each orientation around the central axis.

[0053] Alternatively, instead of measuring the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90, a combination of simulations or other methods may be used. For example, assuming that the optical fiber has the shape and characteristics as designed, the path of light when light is shone onto the optical fiber from the light source 10 can be calculated in advance using a simulation, and a side image at a specific orientation around the central axis can be obtained from the simulation results.

[0054] Returning to Figure 4, step S02 performs the process of creating a luminance profile. Specifically, the luminance profile creation unit 41 of the analysis unit 40 creates information corresponding to the luminance profile shown in Figure 3 from the information related to the luminance values ​​obtained in the detection unit 30 as described above. At this time, as described above, appropriate preprocessing may be performed, for example, by averaging the luminance values ​​of multiple pixels that are continuously arranged in the direction of the central axis of the optical fiber 90.

[0055] In some cases, the optical fiber 90 may be imaged while it is moving (shifted) along a direction perpendicular to the central axis X (direction of arrow A). In this case, the outer circumference of the optical fiber 90 (the boundary between the glass cladding 92 and the outside) can be identified from the change in brightness value measured at each pixel 31, and correction can be performed along the direction of arrow A. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, peaks P1 and P2 are shown where the brightness value changes significantly at the boundary between the glass cladding 92 and the outside. Outside of these peaks P1 and P2, the brightness value is around 100, while inside (between peaks P1 and P2), the brightness value changes significantly. Therefore, it can be seen that peaks P1 and P2 indicate the boundary between the inside and outside of the optical fiber 90. Even if the optical fiber 90 is imaged while it is slightly moved in the direction of arrow A (for example, by a few pixels), it is thought that peaks P1 and P2 shown in Figure 3 can be identified. Therefore, by using the change in brightness values ​​included in the brightness profile to adjust the position of the pixels 31 in the direction of the array (arrow A direction), and calculating the calculation matrix with the outer perimeter of the optical fibers 90 aligned, the imaging conditions for the brightness profile obtained from the image captured of each optical fiber 90 can be kept constant. Note that the position adjustment of the pixels 31 in the direction of the array (arrow A direction) can also be performed similarly for the brightness profile obtained from the optical fibers 90 that are the target of orientation estimation around the central axis.

[0056] In step S03, a calculation matrix is ​​calculated to estimate the direction around the central axis. Specifically, the calculation matrix learning unit 42 of the analysis unit 40 calculates a calculation matrix for estimating the direction around the central axis based on the created luminance profile. The calculated calculation matrix is ​​stored in the calculation matrix holding unit 44. With the above processing, the calculation of the calculation matrix, which is a preliminary step to estimating the direction around the central axis, is completed. After the process of calculating the calculation matrix, for example, cross-validation may be performed to verify the accuracy of the calculation matrix. In that case, a luminance profile necessary for cross-validation may be prepared separately.

[0057] (Method for estimating direction around the central axis) Referring to Figure 5, we will now explain how to estimate the orientation around the central axis of an optical fiber 90 whose orientation around the central axis is unknown, using the orientation estimation device 1.

[0058] In step S11, with the optical fiber 90, whose orientation around its central axis is unknown, supported by the support part 20, measurement light L1 is irradiated from the light source 10 onto the side surface of the optical fiber 90, and overlight By receiving light L2 at each pixel 31 of the detection unit 30, the optical fiber 90 is imaged from the side. The optical fiber 90, whose orientation around its central axis is unknown, is imaged under the same conditions as when acquiring the luminance profile used to calculate the calculation matrix. This provides imaging results suitable for use with the calculation matrix.

[0059] In step S12, a luminance profile is created from the imaging results of the optical fiber 90. Specifically, the luminance profile creation unit 41 of the analysis unit 40 creates information corresponding to the luminance profile D2 shown in Figure 3 from the information related to the luminance values ​​obtained in the detection unit 30 as described above. At this time, appropriate preprocessing may be performed, for example, by averaging the luminance values ​​of multiple pixels that are continuously arranged in the direction of the central axis of the optical fiber 90. If preprocessing is performed, it is required to perform the same preprocessing as when the calculation matrix was created.

[0060] In step S13, the orientation around the central axis is estimated based on the luminance profile. Specifically, the orientation estimation unit 43 of the analysis unit 40 estimates the orientation around the central axis by applying the calculation matrix held in the calculation matrix holding unit 44 to the luminance profile. The estimation of the orientation around the central axis is completed with the above processing. The estimation result may be output to an external source, for example, or to a monitor connected to the analysis unit 40.

[0061] (Method for assembling optical fiber components) Referring to Figure 6, we will explain how to assemble optical fiber components (optical components incorporating optical fibers) using optical fibers whose orientation around the central axis has been estimated using the orientation estimation device 1. As mentioned above, differences in the orientation around the central axis of an optical fiber can affect the coupling loss of light when optical fibers are connected. Therefore, if the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90 can be estimated more accurately using the orientation estimation device 1, it is possible to manufacture optical fiber components with lower loss by taking the orientation around the central axis into consideration. Figure 6 shows the method for assembling optical fiber components.

[0062] In step S21, the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90, whose orientation around the central axis is unknown, is estimated. The specific method for estimating the orientation around the central axis is based on the procedure shown in Figure 5. The orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90 is estimated by the method shown in Figure 5. Note that the estimation of the orientation around the central axis may be performed, for example, during the assembly of the optical fiber component. In that case, for example, the light source 10 and the detection unit 30 may be positioned to the side of the optical fiber component in the process of assembly without using the support unit 20 to perform imaging.

[0063] In step S22, the orientation around the central axis is adjusted based on the estimation result of the orientation around the central axis. In step S23, the optical fiber components are assembled. Steps S22 and S23 may be performed simultaneously (in parallel). As an example, the angle of the optical fiber 90 may be adjusted so that the optical fiber 90 is in a predetermined orientation based on the estimation result of the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90 placed on the support part 20. If the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90 is estimated during assembly, the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90 may be fine-tuned based on the estimation result.

[0064] Figures 7 to 10 illustrate optical fiber components that can be manufactured by estimating the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90 described above.

[0065] Figure 7 shows a fiber array as an example of an optical fiber component. The fiber array 5 is a component in which multiple optical fibers 90 are arranged between a glass substrate 51 with V-grooves 52 formed therein and a retaining glass plate 53. The optical fibers 90 are fixed in place by, for example, resin, while positioned in each of the multiple V-grooves 52. In the region sandwiched between the glass substrate 51 and the retaining glass plate 53, the coating 93 of the optical fibers 90 is removed.

[0066] The fiber array 5 described above requires proper control of the orientation of the end faces of the multiple optical fibers 90 sandwiched between the glass substrate 51 and the retaining glass plate 53, around the central axis of each optical fiber 90. In other words, the performance of the fiber array 5 is improved by fixing each of the multiple optical fibers 90 with resin after adjusting their orientation around the central axis. Therefore, by adjusting the orientation around the central axis of each of the multiple optical fibers 90 using the method described above, and then fixing them with resin to assemble the fiber array 5, a fiber array 5 with higher performance can be manufactured. The reference orientation that serves as the basis for adjusting the orientation around the central axis at this time can be provided, for example, in the V-groove 52 of the glass substrate 51.

[0067] Figure 8 shows a tape fiber as an example of an optical fiber component. The tape fiber 6 is formed by solidifying multiple optical fibers 90 arranged in one direction with a single, integrated coating 61 made of resin or the like. The shape of the coating is not particularly limited. The tape fiber 6 requires that the orientation of each optical fiber 90 around its central axis at the end faces of the multiple optical fibers 90 be appropriately controlled. That is, the performance of the tape fiber 6 is improved by fixing each of the multiple optical fibers 90 with resin after adjusting their orientation around their respective central axes. Therefore, by adjusting the orientation around the central axis of each of the multiple optical fibers 90 using the method described above and then fixing them with resin, a tape fiber 6 with higher performance can be manufactured. The reference orientation used as the basis for adjusting the orientation around the central axis at this time can be, for example, a line passing through the multiple optical fibers 90.

[0068] Figure 9 shows a single-core connector as an example of an optical fiber component. The single-core connector 7 is a connector for one optical fiber 90. The single-core connector 7 has a housing 71 and a boot 73. The housing 71 is the part that covers the end of the optical fiber 90 and supports the end of the optical fiber 90. The housing 71 may include a latch portion 72 that engages with the adapter when the single-core connector 7 is introduced into the mating adapter. The boot 73 is a substantially cylindrical member that prevents excessive bending stress from occurring in the optical fiber 90 extending outward from the housing 71.

[0069] The single-core connector 7 described above requires proper control of the orientation of the optical fiber 90 around its central axis, particularly at the end face of the optical fiber 90 within the housing 71 (the portion where the optical fiber 90 is exposed at the tip of the housing 71). In other words, the performance of the single-core connector 7 is improved by housing the optical fiber 90 in the housing 71 with its orientation around its central axis adjusted. Therefore, by adjusting the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber 90 using the method described above and then fixing the optical fiber 90 to the housing 71, a single-core connector 7 with higher performance can be manufactured. The reference orientation used as the basis for adjusting the orientation around the central axis at this time can be provided, for example, in the housing 71.

[0070] Figure 10 shows a multi-core connector as an example of an optical fiber component. The multi-core connector 8 is composed of a ferrule 81 having multiple through-holes 82. Multiple optical fibers 90 are inserted into the through-holes 82 of the ferrule 81, each with its coating removed. In this state, each of the multiple optical fibers 90 is connected to an optical fiber on the adapter side by engaging the end of the ferrule 81 with an adapter (not shown).

[0071] The multi-core connector 8 described above requires proper control of the orientation of each optical fiber 90 around its central axis, particularly at the end faces of the optical fibers 90 within the through-holes 82 of the ferrule 81 (the portion where the optical fiber 90 is exposed at the end of the through-hole 82). In other words, the performance of the multi-core connector 8 is improved when the optical fibers 90 are inserted into and fixed in the through-holes 82 of the ferrule 81 with the orientation around the central axis of each optical fiber 90 adjusted. Therefore, by adjusting the orientation around the central axis of the optical fibers 90 using the method described above and then fixing the optical fibers 90 in the through-holes 82 of the ferrule 81, a multi-core connector 8 with higher performance can be manufactured. The reference orientation used as the basis for adjusting the orientation around the central axis at this time may be, for example, a straight line connecting the multiple through-holes 82. Alternatively, a reference line separately provided on the ferrule 81 may be used.

[0072] (action) The brightness profile obtained by imaging the side surface of an optical fiber may include brightness changes that reflect the internal structure of the optical fiber. Therefore, by using this information to estimate the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber, the estimation of the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber can be performed with greater accuracy.

[0073] Furthermore, by applying a calculation matrix to the luminance profile that extracts the relationship between the luminance profile and the orientation around the central axis, the orientation around the central axis can be estimated. This configuration allows for the separation of profile changes originating from elements other than the orientation around the central axis from profile changes originating from the orientation around the central axis. Therefore, the orientation around the central axis can be estimated with greater accuracy. It should be noted that a configuration that does not use a calculation matrix can also be used to estimate the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber. For example, a method can be used to estimate the orientation around the central axis from the change in luminance value at a specific location in the luminance profile.

[0074] Furthermore, by performing multivariate analysis on multiple luminance profiles obtained from optical fibers whose orientation around the central axis is known, a regression equation is obtained in which the orientation around the central axis is the dependent variable and each luminance value included in the luminance profile is the independent variable. The regression coefficients and constants at this time are used as the operation matrix. In this case, since an operation matrix that appropriately reflects each component included in the luminance profile is obtained, the orientation around the central axis can be estimated with greater accuracy.

[0075] In the above embodiment, regression analysis was described as an example of multivariate analysis. However, the method for creating the operation matrix, that is, the method for identifying the relationship between the luminance profile and the orientation around the central axis, is not limited to regression analysis, and known multivariate analysis methods can be used. Furthermore, the operation matrix may be calculated using a method different from multivariate analysis. Examples of methods for calculating the operation matrix include principal component analysis, partial least squares regression, and support vector machines.

[0076] Furthermore, by calculating a computation matrix based on multiple luminance profiles obtained from optical fibers whose orientation around the central axis is known and whose orientations around the central axis differ from each other, it is possible to obtain a computation matrix that more appropriately reflects the relationship between the luminance profile and the orientation around the central axis.

[0077] Furthermore, instead of directly using the luminance values ​​of light received by multiple pixels as the luminance profile, a configuration that performs some kind of calculation on the luminance values ​​and then generates the luminance profile after preprocessing makes it possible to reduce noise-derived components through preprocessing, thus enabling more accurate estimation of the direction around the central axis. Note that the preprocessing method is not limited to those described above; for example, processing such as normalization may also be performed.

[0078] Furthermore, the above method for estimating the orientation around the central axis is useful for optical fibers that require alignment, such as polarization-maintaining optical fibers and multicore optical fibers, where differences in orientation around the central axis can affect coupling loss and other factors.

[0079] Furthermore, the optical fiber may be configured without a covering member on the outer circumference of the glass cladding, or it may be configured with a covering member. By appropriately selecting a light source, the orientation around the central axis can be accurately estimated regardless of the presence or absence of a covering member.

[0080] Furthermore, the above embodiment describes a method for manufacturing multiple types of optical fiber components. In the above example, the orientation of the optical fiber around the central axis of the optical fiber contained in the optical fiber component is estimated using the optical fiber orientation estimation method described above, and the optical fiber is adjusted based on the estimated orientation around the central axis. After that, each optical fiber component is assembled. According to the above method for manufacturing optical fiber components, since the optical fiber components are manufactured using optical fibers whose orientation around the central axis has been more accurately estimated using the optical fiber orientation estimation method, optical fiber components are manufactured with more precise angle adjustment. Therefore, optical fiber components with higher performance can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1... Orientation estimation device 5…Fiber array 6… Tape Fiber 7…Single-core connector 8…Multi-core connector 10…Light source 20...Support part 30...Detection unit 31... pixels 40…Analysis department 41…Brightness Profile Creation Section 42... Matrices Learning Unit 43…Direction estimation section 44... Arithmetic matrix holding unit 51…Glass substrate 52...V groove 53...Retaining glass plate 61... Covering 71… Housing 72...Latch part 73... Boots 81... Ferrule 82…Through hole 90… Fiber optic 91... Core 92... Glass cladding 93... Covering D1...Image D2…Brightness Profile f...nonlinear function L1... Measuring light L2…through light P1,P2…ピーク X…Central axis

Claims

1. Shining light from a light source towards the side of the optical fiber, The light transmitted through the optical fiber is received by a plurality of pixels arranged along a direction intersecting the central axis of the optical fiber, thereby imaging the side surface of the optical fiber. Based on the brightness values ​​of the light received by the plurality of pixels, a brightness profile for the optical fiber is generated, The orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber is estimated using the luminance profile, Includes, In the estimation described above, the orientation around the central axis of the optical fiber is estimated using the luminance profile of the optical fiber and the luminance profile of an optical fiber whose orientation around the central axis is known, or The above estimation method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber is performed by estimating the orientation of the optical fiber around its central axis using the luminance profile of the optical fiber and the calculation results of the simulation.

2. The method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to claim 1, wherein estimating the orientation around the central axis includes extracting the orientation around the central axis from the luminance profile, and applying to the luminance profile of the optical fiber in a state where the orientation around the central axis is known, or an operation matrix calculated based on the calculation results of the simulation.

3. The calculation matrix is ​​further calculated based on a plurality of luminance profiles obtained from different optical fibers whose orientations around the central axis are known. The method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to claim 2.

4. The method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to claim 3, wherein calculating the operation matrix includes performing a multivariate analysis on a plurality of luminance profiles obtained from optical fibers that are different from each other and whose orientations around the central axis are known, and obtaining regression coefficients and constants of a regression equation in which the orientation around the central axis is the dependent variable and each luminance value included in the luminance profile is the independent variable.

5. The generation of the luminance profile includes preprocessing the luminance values ​​of the light received by the plurality of pixels. A method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The optical fiber is a polarization-maintaining optical fiber. A method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The optical fiber is a multicore optical fiber. A method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The optical fiber does not have a covering member on the outer circumference of the glass cladding. A method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The optical fiber has a covering member on the outer circumference of the glass cladding. A method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Based on the estimated orientation around the central axis, the orientations of multiple optical fibers are adjusted, and the multiple optical fibers with adjusted orientations are arranged in V-grooves on a substrate to assemble a fiber array. A method for manufacturing optical fiber components, including [the specified part of the method].

11. A method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Based on the orientation around the estimated central axis, each of the multiple optical fibers is adjusted to a predetermined orientation with respect to a straight line passing through the multiple optical fibers, and the multiple optical fibers with their orientations adjusted are arranged to assemble a tape fiber. A method for manufacturing optical fiber components, including [the specified part of the method].

12. A method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Based on the estimated orientation around the central axis, the optical fiber is adjusted to a predetermined orientation with respect to a reference orientation provided in the housing, and the single-core connector is assembled by housing the optical fiber with the adjusted orientation in the housing. A method for manufacturing optical fiber components, including [the specified part of the method].

13. A method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Based on the estimated orientation around the central axis, the multiple optical fibers are adjusted to a predetermined orientation using a straight line connecting multiple through-holes provided in a ferrule for holding each of the multiple optical fibers as the reference orientation, and the multiple optical fibers whose orientations have been adjusted are housed in the ferrule to assemble a multi-core connector. A method for manufacturing optical fiber components, including [the specified part of the method].

14. A method for estimating the orientation of an optical fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Based on the estimated orientation around the central axis, the multi-core connector is assembled by adjusting the multiple optical fibers so that each of them is at a predetermined orientation relative to a reference orientation provided on the ferrule, and by housing the multiple optical fibers whose orientations have been adjusted in the ferrule. A method for manufacturing optical fiber components, including [the specified part of the method].

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