Cyclic Core Variance Fiber Profiles for Low-Loss Optical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber connections with core mismatches result in high insertion loss and signal reflection, while splitter technology exhibits symmetrical loss, leading to inefficiencies and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
The cyclic core variance process/method varies the core profile of optical fibers cyclically, incorporating transition zones to facilitate seamless connections and minimize loss, allowing for the fabrication of diverse optical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct mating of fiber types with different core diameters (e.g., OM1 to OM3) is performed, then connection simplicity is maintained, but insertion loss increases significantly (about 3.5 dB) and signal reflection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transition zone with a gradually varying core profile that acts as an intermediary between fibers of different core diameters. This transition zone progressively transforms the core diameter from the first fiber's diameter to the second fiber's diameter, minimizing insertion loss and signal reflection while maintaining connection simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by continuously varying the core diameter parameter along the length of the optical fiber. The core profile transitions from one diameter value to another through a controlled gradient in the transition zone, enabling efficient mode transformation between different fiber types without significant energy loss.
2Device complexity
If conventional splitter technology (FBT or PLC) with symmetrical loss is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to energy loss in the merging direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry into the splitter design by implementing a cyclic core variance profile that creates different optical path characteristics for splitting and merging directions. The core profile varies cyclically along the fiber length, creating zones that favor light propagation in specific directions, thereby reducing energy loss in the merging direction while maintaining acceptable splitting performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the cyclic variation of the core profile along the optical fiber. The core diameter oscillates between different values in a periodic pattern, creating multiple transition zones that collectively manage light distribution and reduce energy loss in the merging direction of the splitter.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides improved optical devices (e.g., discrete passive optical devices), and improved systems/methods for fabricating such optical devices. Systems/methods are provided for fabricating discrete passive optical devices by utilizing an advantageous cyclic core variance fabrication process/method. The cyclic core variance process/method employs a continuous process, but instead of having one constant core profile of the optical fiber, the core profile of the optical fiber varies cyclically, going back and forth between two or more core profile zones, with a gradual and properly-shaped transition zone in between. The core profile zones and transition zone can be custom formed (e.g., user-defined) to fabricate a variety of optical effects of the optical devices as desired, allowing a large variety of optical devices to be fabricated utilizing the exemplary cyclic core variance process/method.