Multimode Fiber EMB Qualification via Wavelength Extrapolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for assessing the Effective Modal Bandwidth (EMB) of multimode optical fibers are limited to a narrow wavelength range, making it costly and time-consuming to measure EMB over a wide wavelength range, such as 850 nm to 950 nm, which is necessary for next-generation high-speed data communications.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses DMD measurement data from a single wavelength to predict and assess EMB at other wavelengths through linear transformations of ROD and ROB data, allowing for the computation of effective bandwidth without the need for extensive measurements at each wavelength, thereby reducing production costs and time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If EMB measurements are performed at multiple wavelengths to qualify wide-band multimode fiber performance, then measurement accuracy and reliability are improved, but measurement time and production cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMB qualification accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs DMD measurements at a reference wavelength (850 nm) in advance to establish ROD and ROB data, which are then transformed to predict EMB at other wavelengths (e.g., 950 nm). This preliminary characterization at one wavelength enables subsequent wavelength predictions without additional time-consuming measurements, resolving the contradiction between measurement reliability and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a mathematical model (copy) of the fiber's modal dispersion characteristics through DMD measurements at a reference wavelength. This model is then used to predict performance at other wavelengths, replacing the need for actual physical measurements at each wavelength while maintaining qualification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If DMD measurements are performed at each wavelength point to assess EMB, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMB assessment precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal measurement approach where DMD measurements at a single reference wavelength serve multiple purposes: directly characterizing fiber performance at that wavelength and predicting performance at all other wavelengths in the operational range. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate measurement systems at each wavelength, reducing device complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct EMB measurement at each wavelength to measuring DMD parameters (ROD and ROB) at a reference wavelength, then mathematically transforming these parameters to predict EMB at other wavelengths. This parameter transformation approach simplifies the measurement system while preserving assessment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional single-wavelength EMB assessment is used, then production efficiency is improved, but adaptability to wide-band applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidwide-band wavelength range qualification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the qualification capability from a single wavelength dimension to a multi-wavelength dimension by introducing wavelength as an additional parameter in the prediction model. The DMD data at reference wavelength serves as a basis for predicting EMB across the entire wide-band wavelength range (850-950 nm), enabling high-speed VCSEL applications without sacrificing production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3391008B1Method of qualifying wide-band multimode fiber from single wavelength characterization using EMB extrapolation, corresponding system and computer program.
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 DRAKA COMTEQ BV
  • EP3391008B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3391008B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d
  • EP3391008B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present disclosure concerns a method of qualifying an effective bandwidth of a multimode optical fiber at a first wavelength λ1; using DMD data of the fiber measured a second wavelength λ2. Data representative of a Radial Offset Delay, a Radial Offset Bandwidth and a Relative Radial Coupled Power of the fiber are derived from the DMD data at the second wavelength λ2. A transformation is performed on the ROD data and ROB data at the second wavelength λ2 to obtain corresponding ROD data and ROB data at the first wavelength λχ. An effective bandwidth of the fiber at the second wave- length λ2 is computed using the ROD data and the ROD data at the first wavelength λ1 and the P DMD data at the second wavelength λ2.