Optical Fiber Orientation Detection via Ferrule Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to precisely detect the orientation of optical fibers in optical modules, particularly the rotational angles θx, θy, and θz, due to the difficulty in analyzing the brightness distribution images obtained from collimated light reflection, especially when the optical fiber is in a thin, rod-shaped form.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an auto collimator and an optical sensor device to direct collimated light through a transparent ferrule accommodating the optical fiber, generating a brightness distribution image, identifying a reference point on the image to detect the orientation of the optical fiber by analyzing the position and inclination of the brightness distribution line, and calculating θx, θy, and θz based on the image coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electronic camera is used to photograph the optical fiber to detect its position, then the position detection can be performed, but the orientation detection (rotational angles θx, θy, θz) remains difficult due to the thin rod-shaped form of the optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ferrule as an intermediary component that holds the optical fiber. The ferrule has a larger diameter and a flat surface that reflects light, making it easier to detect orientation. The optical sensor device detects light reflected from the ferrule's flat surface rather than directly from the thin optical fiber, thereby enabling precise orientation measurement while the optical fiber remains in its thin rod form
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct optical fiber reflection to ferrule surface reflection. By detecting light reflected from the ferrule's flat surface (which has different optical properties and larger dimensions), the system can accurately determine rotational angles θx, θy, and θz that are difficult to obtain from the thin optical fiber itself
2Loss of information
If collimated light is directed to the optical fiber to generate brightness distribution image, then orientation information can be obtained, but the analysis becomes difficult when the optical fiber is thin and rod-shaped
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule acts as an intermediary that provides a well-defined reflective surface. When collimated light strikes the ferrule's flat surface, it produces a clear brightness distribution pattern that is easier to analyze than the pattern produced by the thin optical fiber alone. The ferrule's geometry converts the difficult-to-analyze fiber reflection into an analyzable surface reflection pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule introduces geometric asymmetry through its flat surface orientation. The asymmetric shape and surface orientation of the ferrule create a distinctive brightness distribution pattern in the reflected light, making it possible to determine the rotational angles by analyzing the asymmetric pattern rather than attempting to analyze the symmetric thin fiber directly
3Loss of energy
If the optical fiber end is aligned to reduce coupling loss, then coupling efficiency improves, but the manufacturing process complexity increases due to the need for precise orientation detection
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule serves as a manufacturing intermediary that simplifies the alignment process. By providing a easily detectable reference surface on the ferrule, the system enables automated detection and alignment of the optical fiber orientation, reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process while achieving low coupling loss through precise alignment
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 precise detection of the optical fiber's orientation, reducing coupling loss in optical modules by accurately aligning the fibers with the optical device, even when light is directed from a single direction, thereby improving the manufacturing process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
receiving reflected light of the collimated light by using an optical sensor device
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for detecting an orientation of an optical fiber including a flat surface as a part of a surface of the maintaining member. The method includes directing collimated light to the optical fiber through the flat surface of the maintaining member, receiving reflected light of the collimated light by using an optical sensor device, generating a brightness distribution image according to an output signal from the optical sensor device, identifying a reference point on a brightness distribution line appearing on the generated brightness distribution image, according to a position of the brightness distribution line in relation to a target orientation for the optical fiber, the brightness distribution line detectable on the brightness distribution image in correspondence to the reflected light received by the optical sensor device, and detecting the orientation of the optical fiber according to a coordinate of the reference point on the brightness distribution image.