Fiber Laser Combiner Capillary Tube for Backward Light Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Backward propagating light in fiber laser combiners causes reliability issues by damaging fiber coatings due to unwanted heating, which conventional cladding light strippers fail to address effectively, especially for low numerical aperture light.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating scattering and/or absorbing elements into the materials of the capillary tube to scatter or absorb backward propagating light, thereby reducing its impact on unstripped fiber sections and managing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cladding light strippers are used, then the device structure remains simple, but backward propagating light is not effectively scattered or absorbed, causing fiber coating damage due to unwanted heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber combiner reliabilityVSAvoidcapillary tube structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the capillary tube material by incorporating scattering elements (such as titania dioxide or zirconia) and absorbing elements (such as black glass or metal particles) into the glass matrix. This changes the optical properties of the tube material, enabling it to scatter and absorb backward propagating light effectively while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material structure by combining base glass material with dispersed scattering and absorbing elements. The capillary tube body consists of a glass matrix containing particulate scattering elements and/or absorbing elements, forming a composite that simultaneously provides mechanical strength, optical scattering, and light absorption functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If scattering and absorbing elements are incorporated into the capillary tube materials, then backward propagating light is effectively scattered or absorbed, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackward propagating light impactVSAvoidcapillary tube manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (scattering, absorbing, and structural support) into a single integrated capillary tube component. The scattering elements and absorbing elements are incorporated directly into the tube body during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate light-stripping components and simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes a porous or particulate-dispersed structure within the glass matrix to incorporate scattering and absorbing elements. This approach allows the elements to be distributed throughout the material volume, creating effective light interaction while maintaining the structural continuity of the capillary tube.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 solution effectively mitigates damage to fiber coatings by dispersing heat and reducing backward propagating light, enhancing the reliability and performance of fiber laser combiners.

Implementation Method 1

one or more scattering elements configured to scatter backward propagating light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

one or more absorbing elements configured to absorb backward propagating light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20260050174A1Reducing an impact of backward light on laser combiner reliability with scattering elements

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

A light combiner assembly includes a plurality of fibers that form a fiber bundle, and are configured to combine light from a plurality of respective light sources into forward propagating light; and a capillary tube that includes a tube body that defines an internal tube volume in which the plurality of fibers is arranged. The tube body includes a non-tapered section, including a first longitudinal end arranged proximate to respective unstripped sections of the fibers, and a tapered section, including a second longitudinal end, arranged around respective stripped sections of the fibers and to which the respective stripped sections are fused. The tapered section tapers from a first tube diameter to a second tube diameter. The tube body includes one or more scattering elements configured to scatter backward propagating light. The one or more scattering elements are incorporated into one or more materials of the tube body.