Fiber Connector ROC Measurement via Optical Conjugate Positions
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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 to operate.
Innovation Solution
A system is used to determine the ROC of a fiber-optic terminating connector by correlating ROC-dependent optical conjugate positions induced by the connector, utilizing a controller to analyze the focus level of a conjugate image on an imager, without the need for interferometric microscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If interferometric microscopes are used to determine the radius of curvature (ROC) of fiber-optic terminating connectors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex interferometric optical measurement systems with a simpler optical imaging system. Instead of using interferometric microscopes that require complex optical paths and interference pattern analysis, the invention uses an optical system that captures images of fiducial marks through the connector end-face, determining ROC from geometric relationships in captured images. This substitution of measurement methodology reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical model (copy) of the connector end-face geometry using fiducial marks with known positions. By capturing images of these marks and analyzing their apparent positions through the curved end-face, the system creates a representational model that allows ROC calculation without direct interferometric measurement. This copying approach simplifies the measurement process while preserving the essential geometric information needed for ROC determination.
2Measurement precision
If interferometric microscopes are used to determine the radius of curvature (ROC) of fiber-optic terminating connectors, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex interferometric optical measurement systems with a simpler optical imaging system. Instead of using interferometric microscopes that require complex optical paths and interference pattern analysis, the invention uses an optical system that captures images of fiducial marks through the connector end-face, determining ROC from geometric relationships in captured images. This substitution of measurement methodology reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical model (copy) of the connector end-face geometry using fiducial marks with known positions. By capturing images of these marks and analyzing their apparent positions through the curved end-face, the system creates a representational model that allows ROC calculation without direct interferometric measurement. This copying approach simplifies the measurement process while preserving the essential geometric information needed for ROC determination.
3Device complexity
If traditional optical systems are used for ROC determination, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct interferometric phase measurements to geometric parameter extraction from captured images. By using fiducial marks with precisely known positions and measuring their apparent positions through the connector end-face, the system transforms the measurement problem into a geometric calculation based on image coordinates. This parameter transformation enables precise ROC determination using simpler optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fiducial marks as intermediary objects between the optical system and the connector end-face. These marks with known positions serve as reference points that mediate the measurement process, allowing the optical system to indirectly measure the end-face curvature by observing how the marks appear when viewed through the curved surface. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement without requiring complex direct measurement capabilities.
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 ROC is determined in a simple and cost-effective manner using an optical system, eliminating the need for additional equipment and expertise.
Implementation Method 1
determine a position of a conjugate image of an object induced by the ROC of the DUT
Implementation Method 2
conjugate image of a fiducial mark on another one of the optical components being in focus on an imager
Data Source
AI summary
According to examples, a computing device for determining a ROC of a DUT may include a controller and a memory on which is stored machine-readable instructions that when executed by the controller, cause the controller to cause a relative position between the DUT location and a lens in optical components of an optical system to vary and cause conjugate images of a fiducial mark included on one of the optical components 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.