Fiber Connector ROC Measurement via Optical Conjugate Position Correlation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the radius of curvature (ROC) of fiber-optic terminating connectors are expensive and complex, often requiring interferometric microscopes that are difficult for users to operate.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the ROC of a fiber-optic terminating connector by correlating ROC-dependent optical conjugate positions using a controller, illumination source, and imager, without the need for interferometric microscopes, utilizing a lookup table or interpolation based on varying the distance between the connector and the objective lens to focus a conjugate image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If interferometric microscopes are used to determine ROC, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex interferometric microscopes and implements it using a simplified optical system consisting of a microscope, imager, and basic optical components. This extraction maintains measurement capability while eliminating unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an imager to capture optical images that serve as copies of the conjugate image positions. By analyzing these optical copies rather than direct interferometric measurements, the system achieves the same measurement objective with simpler equipment.
2Measurement precision
If interferometric microscopes are used to determine ROC, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement by automatically determining ROC values from captured optical images through image processing and analysis. The microscope and controller work autonomously to extract conjugate image positions and calculate ROC, eliminating the need for complex user operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical interferometric measurement systems with an optical imaging and image processing approach. This substitution simplifies operation by using standard imaging techniques that are more intuitive and easier to operate than interferometric methods.
3Device complexity
If standard microscopes are used instead of interferometric microscopes, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures ROC indirectly by observing the position of conjugate images in the optical path rather than measuring the physical curvature directly. This dimensional transformation allows standard microscopes to achieve precision comparable to interferometric methods by measuring optical position shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from direct curvature measurement to conjugate image position measurement. By measuring the position of conjugate images at different object distances and analyzing the relationship between these positions, the system determines ROC with high precision using simple optical components.
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 simple and cost-effective determination of the ROC, eliminating the need for expensive interferometric microscopes and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
varying a position of a device under test with respect to the objective lens of the optical components causes a conjugate position in the optical components to come into focus of the imager
Implementation Method 2
a correlation of radius of curvature (ROC)-dependent optical conjugate positions in optical components induced by the ROC of the connector
Implementation Method 3
a correlation of radius of curvature (ROC)-dependent optical conjugate positions in optical components induced by the ROC of the connector
Data Source
AI summary
According to examples, a system for determining a ROC of a DUT may include an illumination source to output a light beam, an imager to capture images, and optical components positioned in an illumination path from the illumination source to a DUT location and in an imaging path from the DUT location to the imager, in which at least one of the optical components includes a fiducial mark. The system may also include a controller to cause a relative position between the DUT location and a lens in the optical components to vary and cause conjugate images of the fiducial mark to be relayed through the optical components to the imager and determine the ROC of the DUT based on an application of a correlation of ROC-dependent optical conjugate positions in the optical components induced by the ROC of the DUT.