Contactless Optical Fiber Detection Using Free-Space Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber identification techniques for optical fiber networks are time-consuming, require multiple connection and disconnection steps, and often necessitate costly equipment, making them inefficient and prone to fiber contamination.
Innovation Solution
A contactless optical fiber identification system using a free-space, open-beam approach with an optical power meter and an accessory that includes a focusing lens to capture and detect fiber light emitted by the fiber under test, allowing for quick and contamination-free identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fiber identification techniques are used, then fiber identification can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple connection and disconnection steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fiber connection and disconnection operations with optical field-based detection. The optical accessory captures light emitted by the fiber under test through free-space propagation, eliminating the need for physical fiber coupling and multiple connection steps, thereby significantly reducing testing time and improving identification speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical accessory as an intermediary between the fiber under test and the optical power meter. This accessory includes a focusing lens that collects and directs light from the fiber to the photodetector, enabling contactless signal detection without direct mechanical connection to the fiber
2Productivity
If traditional fiber identification techniques are used, then fiber identification can be performed, but additional costly test equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical power meter universally applicable for both traditional connected fiber testing and contactless fiber identification by attaching the optical accessory to its detection port. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment, reducing overall device complexity and cost while improving identification efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The optical accessory serves as a versatile intermediary that enables the existing optical power meter to perform contactless fiber identification. By incorporating a focusing lens and optical pathway, the accessory allows the standard power meter to detect fiber signals without requiring additional expensive specialized equipment
3Productivity
If traditional fiber identification techniques are used, then fiber identification can be performed, but fiber contamination risk increases due to multiple connection and disconnection steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical fiber connection operations with optical field detection through free-space propagation. By capturing light emitted by the fiber without physical contact, the system eliminates the risk of fiber contamination from repeated connection and disconnection steps while maintaining high testing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the problematic mechanical connection and disconnection steps entirely by using contactless optical detection. The optical accessory directly captures fiber light signals, rushing through the identification process without exposing the fiber to contamination risks associated with repeated mechanical handling
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fiber identification techniques are used, then fiber identification can be performed, but certain techniques require operational networks preventing use during network deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fiber under test to serve itself by detecting its own emitted light signals through free-space propagation. This self-service capability allows the system to identify fibers independently of network operational status, making it adaptable to both deployment and operational phases without requiring external network conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables rapid, contamination-free identification of optical fibers without physical connection, reducing operational time and costs while maintaining signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
allow fiber light emanating from the FUT to enter the optical pathway via free-space propagation
Implementation Method 2
a focusing lens positioned within the housing along the optical pathway and configured to direct the fiber light onto the photodetector
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector optically coupled to the detection port within the casing
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for contactless identification of an optical fiber under test (FUT) are disclosed. System embodiments include an optical power meter and an optical accessory. The power meter can include a casing, a detection port extending through the casing, and a photodetector optically coupled to the detection port within the casing. The accessory can include a housing and a focusing lens. The housing extends between an attachment end and a testing end, and encloses an interior region defining an optical pathway. The attachment end is releasably connected to the detection port, while the testing end is configured to be positioned at a testing distance from the FUT and allow fiber light emanating from the FUT to enter the optical pathway via free-space propagation. The focusing lens is positioned within the housing along the optical pathway and configured to direct the fiber light onto the photodetector through the detection port.