Optical Fiber Cleave Angle Metrology Using Multi-Camera Pose Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleave angle measurement systems for optical fibers lack accuracy and repeatability, often failing to measure angles below 0.5 degrees and being fiber-type specific, which affects the alignment and performance of optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a light source, cameras, and a position sensing device to measure the cleave angle of an optical fiber by emitting light, detecting characterization light, and determining the pose of the distal tip, allowing for high-accuracy measurements through machine vision and motion control, even for small angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cleave angle measurement systems are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient (unable to measure angles below 0.5 degrees)
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple independent components: a light source module, multiple camera modules positioned at different locations, and a position sensing device. Each component performs a specific function, and their combined data is processed to achieve high-precision cleave angle measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while achieving overall high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from conventional two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional pose measurement by adding multiple cameras positioned at different spatial locations. This multi-dimensional approach enables measurement of both the position and orientation (pose) of the optical fiber distal tip, providing comprehensive data for accurate cleave angle determination that cannot be achieved with single-plane imaging.
2Reliability
If conventional measurement techniques are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the repeatability is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the position sensing device continuously monitors the characterization light from the distal tip, and the multiple cameras provide real-time pose information. This feedback loop allows for iterative refinement of measurements and compensation for systematic errors, significantly improving repeatability. The system can detect and correct deviations from the desired measurement configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to be fiber-type universal, capable of measuring cleave angles for different types of optical fibers without requiring significant reconfiguration. The multi-camera setup and position sensing device can adapt to various fiber configurations, making the system broadly applicable while maintaining high repeatability across different fiber types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but adaptability to different fiber types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple cameras positioned at different locations and a general-purpose position sensing device that can detect characterization light from various fiber types. This universal configuration allows the same system to measure cleave angles for different optical fiber types without requiring specialized components for each fiber type, achieving broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability to different fiber types by adjusting measurement parameters such as camera exposure settings, light source intensity, and analysis algorithms rather than changing physical hardware components. This allows the system to accommodate variations in fiber properties while maintaining a fixed, manageable system configuration.
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
Enables precise and repeatable cleave angle measurement down to 0.5 degrees or less, improving the alignment and performance of optical systems by compensating for systematic errors and reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
Optical fibers have structures that support propagation of light by way of total internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring a cleave angle of an optical fiber includes a light source configured to emit light and an optical fiber having a proximal tip, a distal tip, and a longitudinal axis. The optical fiber receives the light emitted by the light source at the proximal tip and emits characterization light from the distal tip. The system includes a first camera facing toward the optical fiber. The first camera measures a first position of the distal tip and a first angle corresponding to the longitudinal axis. The system includes a second camera facing toward the optical fiber, wherein the second camera measures a second position of the distal tip and a second angle corresponding to the longitudinal axis. The system also includes a position sensing device operable to measure the characterization light emitted from the distal tip.