Optical Fiber Grating Manufacturing Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing optical fiber gratings, such as the phase mask and two-beam interference methods, face limitations in positioning accuracy, leading to gaps or overlapping between gratings, which deteriorate the characteristics of the optical fiber grating and hinder continuous writing.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing device and method that includes a fixing device to secure the optical fiber at specific positions, a feeder for linear reciprocation to improve positioning accuracy, and tension applicators to maintain consistent tension, allowing for precise alignment and writing of gratings without gaps or overlaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a phase mask method or two-beam interference method is used to write gratings in an optical fiber, then gratings can be written in the optical fiber core, but the length in which a grating can be written at one time is limited and operation to feed the optical fiber is repeatedly required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is divided into multiple sections, with fixing devices securing the fiber at both the upstream and downstream sides of the laser light irradiating position. This segmentation allows the grating writing process to be performed on a specific section while the rest of the fiber remains fixed, enabling continuous writing without repeated feeding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is fixed in advance at both upstream and downstream positions before the grating writing process begins. This preliminary fixation eliminates the need for repeated feeding and repositioning operations during the writing process, allowing continuous grating writing over the entire required length.
2Manufacturing precision
If positioning accuracy of the optical fiber is insufficient during grating writing, then operation is simpler, but gaps or overlapping portions are generated between gratings and characteristics are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple fixing devices located at different positions (upstream and downstream sides) along the optical fiber. Each fixing device independently secures the fiber at its location, and the combined effect of multiple fixed points provides stable, high-precision positioning throughout the grating writing process without requiring a single complex positioning mechanism.
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
Enhances positioning accuracy during grating writing, ensuring continuous, high-quality optical fiber gratings with reduced reflection errors and improved continuity, thereby maintaining the optical fiber's characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a grating is written in a core of an optical fiber by irradiating the core of the optical fiber with interference light of diffraction light (±1st order diffraction light) obtained by irradiating the phase mask with laser light in an ultraviolet region
Implementation Method 2
a grating is written by removing the coating by using the emitted laser light
Data Source
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AI summary
A manufacturing device of an optical fiber grating to write a grating in a core of an optical fiber by irradiating the optical fiber with laser light includes: a fixing device that fixes the optical fiber to at least one of a first position located more on an upstream side and a second position located more on a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the optical fiber than a laser light irradiating position of the optical fiber in a case of writing the grating; and a feeder having a structure capable of linearly reciprocating in the conveyance direction and adapted to feed a predetermined length of the optical fiber in the conveyance direction in a case where a fixed state of the optical fiber by the fixing device is released.