Optical Fiber Bundle Structure for Precise Multicore Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting multicore fibers to optical fibers face challenges due to the small distance between core portions, requiring precise alignment with positional deviations leading to optical losses, and lack an adequate method for precise alignment with reduced optical losses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the insertion of optical fibers into a capillary, bonding them with an adhesive, and polishing to achieve a close-packed arrangement, allowing for precise alignment and reliable optical connection with the multicore fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If optical fibers with outer diameter equal to or smaller than the distance between core portions are used, then the multicore fiber can be connected, but the fibers are too thin to handle and require extremely high positional precision
Solution Approach 1:
A bonding structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the multicore fiber and individual optical fibers. This bonding structure includes a bonding portion that bonds multiple optical fibers together and a connection portion that connects to the multicore fiber, serving as a mediator that enables connection while improving handling ease and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the bonding structure with its bonding portion and connection portion, the multicore fiber, and individual optical fibers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the bonding structure for handling and alignment, and the optical fibers for their respective functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods using external mechanical pressure are used to form fiber bundles, then the fibers can be bonded, but the core positions cannot be arranged as intended causing deviations and optical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers are arranged in their final close-packed configuration before bonding occurs. The bonding structure is formed with the optical fibers already positioned at their intended locations, and then bonding material is applied to secure them. This preliminary arrangement ensures precise core positioning is achieved before the bonding process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
External mechanical pressure for bonding is replaced with a chemical bonding mechanism. Bonding material is applied to the bonding portion to chemically bond the optical fibers together, eliminating the need for mechanical compression that would distort fiber positions and cause core misalignment.
3Strength
If optical fibers are bonded with mechanical pressure, then bonding is achieved, but positional deviation from multicore fiber cores leads to optical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding structure serves as an intermediary that maintains precise alignment between optical fibers and multicore fiber cores. By providing a structured bonding portion with connection portion, it enables strong bonding while preventing positional deviation that would cause optical losses.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical pressure bonding is replaced with chemical bonding using bonding material. This substitution maintains bonding strength while eliminating the mechanical distortion that causes fiber displacement and subsequent optical losses during the bonding process.
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
This method enables reliable optical connection of multicore fibers with small pitch core portions, reducing optical losses and improving alignment precision.
Implementation Method 1
bringing the distal ends of the plurality of optical fibers into contact with a first adhesive so that the plurality of optical fibers are tightly attached and bonded together
Implementation Method 2
inserting a plurality of optical fibers arranged substantially in a close-packed arrangement into a capillary
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(d)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A multicore fiber 3 has a plurality of cores 11 formed at predetermined distances and surrounded by a cladding 13. A bundle structure 5 includes optical fibers 7 joined in a close-packed arrangement. Specifically, one optical fiber 7 is arranged at a center, and six optical fibers 7 are arranged around the optical fiber 7 arranged at the center. Accordingly, cores 15 of the optical fibers 7 are arranged at equal distances. The optical fibers 7 are bonded together with an adhesive 19a. Accordingly, claddings 17 of adjacent optical fibers 7 are in contact with each other either directly or via the adhesive 19a. The adhesive 19a also fills spaces between the optical fibers 7.