Optical Fiber Eccentricity Measurement Using Multi-Angle Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring optical fiber glass eccentricity fail when the difference between the glass diameter and the coating outer diameter is small, as the laser light is not totally reflected, causing the pattern of brightness and darkness to disappear, making it impossible to detect the eccentric state of the glass.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber glass eccentricity measurement device and method involve irradiating the side surface of the optical fiber with light from three or more directions at different angles, allowing the eccentricity to be measured from patterns of brightness and darkness received, even when the difference between the glass and coating diameters is small, using multiple sets of irradiation and light receiving units arranged equiangularly around the fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light is irradiated from two directions perpendicular to each other, then the eccentric state can be detected based on brightness pattern asymmetry, but the measurement fails when the difference between glass diameter and coating outer diameter is small because total internal reflection does not occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the measurement approach from two perpendicular directions to three or more directions arranged equiangularly around the optical fiber. This dimensional expansion ensures that at least one irradiation direction will produce visible brightness patterns even when the glass-coating diameter difference is small, thereby maintaining measurement reliability while improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is divided into multiple independent irradiation and detection units arranged around the fiber. Each unit operates independently to capture brightness patterns from different angular directions, allowing the system to overcome the limitation of any single direction and ensure reliable eccentricity detection.
2Reliability
If multiple sets of irradiation and light receiving units are arranged around the optical fiber, then all areas can be covered and measurement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple sets of irradiation and light receiving units that serve dual purposes: they detect glass eccentricity and simultaneously identify the position of the glass core relative to the coating. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive measurement coverage without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging the measurement units in a circular configuration around the optical fiber rather than linearly, the system achieves complete angular coverage with a compact arrangement. This spatial configuration optimizes the balance between measurement reliability and device complexity.
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
This approach enables the detection of glass eccentricity even when the difference between the glass and coating diameters is small, ensuring accurate measurement by covering all areas and reducing the number of light emitting units, thereby reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving unit that receives light scattered and/or refracted following irradiation of the side surface of the optical fiber therewith
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving unit that receives light scattered and/or refracted following irradiation of the side surface of the optical fiber therewith
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a glass eccentricity measurement device which includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a side surface of a coated glass fiber obtained by coating the striated glass with light, and a light receiving unit that receives light scattered and/or refracted following irradiation of the side surface of the coated glass fiber therewith, and measures an eccentricity of the glass in the coated glass fiber by a pattern of brightness and darkness in the light received by the light receiving unit, in which three or more sets including the irradiation unit and a screen are provided around the coated glass fiber, and the sets are arranged respectively in directions having different angles on a circumference centered on the coated glass fiber.