Fiber Coupling Module With Wavelength-Selective Anti-Reflection Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber coupling modules face operational difficulties and increased complexity due to the need to monitor optical fiber connection status externally, which can lead to cost and size issues, especially when dealing with high-power laser systems, as existing methods require sensors on the light axis and consideration of laser properties.
Innovation Solution
A fiber coupling module with an optical fiber connector treated with an anti-reflection coat that sets reflectance to a low value for a specific wavelength band and high value for another, allowing internal monitoring using an aiming light source and detection element to assess connection status based on reflected light from the second wavelength band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external sensors are used to monitor optical fiber connection status, then connection monitoring capability is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection monitoring function into the optical fiber connector itself by utilizing the anti-reflection coating's wavelength-dependent reflectance properties. The monitoring function is integrated within the connector structure, eliminating the need for separate external sensors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable connection status detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber connector performs self-monitoring of its connection status through the anti-reflection coating's inherent optical properties. The coating itself serves as the sensing mechanism, reflecting specific wavelengths that indicate connection state, thereby eliminating the need for external monitoring systems and reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If sensors are placed on the light axis of high-power laser, then connection monitoring is possible, but risk of damage from high-power laser exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical functions by using wavelength division: the main laser operates at a first wavelength band while the monitoring function uses a second wavelength band. This segmentation allows the monitoring sensor to be positioned off the main laser path, avoiding exposure to high-power laser damage while maintaining effective connection status detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-reflection coating acts as an intermediary element that enables wavelength-selective interaction. It reflects the second wavelength band (used for monitoring) while transmitting the first wavelength band (main laser), allowing the monitoring function to operate independently of the high-power laser path and avoiding damage risk.
3Reliability
If anti-reflection coating is applied to optical fiber face, then connection status monitoring inside module is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the anti-reflection coating's optical properties, specifically its wavelength-dependent reflectance. By designing the coating to have different reflectance characteristics for different wavelength bands, the system enables internal monitoring while the coating itself remains a standard manufacturing process, balancing functionality with manufacturability.
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 effective monitoring of optical fiber connection status within the module, improving user operability and system reliability by avoiding external sensors and reducing potential damage from high-power laser exposure, while maintaining system independence from the main light axis.
Implementation Method 1
the face is treated with an anti-reflection coat to set the reflectance, relative to the light of the first wavelength band, lower than a predetermined value and to set the reflectance, relative to the light of second wavelength band excluding the first wavelength band, higher than a predetermined value
Implementation Method 2
a detection element that detects the connection status of the optical fiber cable to the optical fiber connector based on the light of the second wavelength band reflected from the face of the optical fiber cable
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber coupling module comprises an optical fiber connector detachable from an optical fiber cable, wherein an end surface of the optical fiber cable is treated with an anti-reflection coat to set the reflectance lower than a predetermined value relative to the light of a first wavelength band and to set the reflectance higher than a predetermined value relative to the light of a second wavelength band excluding the first wavelength band, and the fiber coupling module connects to the optical fiber cable through said optical fiber connector. A main light source outputs the light of the first wavelength band to the optical fiber cable. An aiming light source outputs the light of the second wavelength band to the optical fiber cable. A detection element that detects the connection status of the optical fiber cable to the optical fiber connector based on the light of the second wavelength band reflected from the end surface of the optical fiber cable.