Optical Fiber Grating Tracker for Branched Network Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Optical Time Domain Reflection (OTDR) technology is limited in detecting faults in optical fiber branches within a network, as it is only applicable to a single optical fiber and cannot effectively locate damage or faults in branched optical fiber configurations.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber grating tracker system comprising a first and second stub, an optical fiber grating, and a connection part with a through hole filled with a waterproof material, allowing for the detection of faults by emitting light with specific wavelengths and identifying reflections from each optical fiber branch, enabling fault detection from an optical splitter to each branch in the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If OTDR technology is used for fault detection, then single optical fiber fault location can be achieved, but branched optical fiber fault detection is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical fiber network into multiple independent detection channels by segmenting the single OTDR device into virtual multiple detectors through wavelength division. Each wavelength channel corresponds to a specific optical fiber or branch, enabling independent fault detection and precise location for each segment simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength dimension to the traditional time-domain OTDR detection method. By adding wavelength as an additional detection dimension, the system can differentiate between multiple optical fibers and branches, transforming a single-dimension detection into multi-dimensional detection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fault detection methods are used, then simple structure is maintained, but multiplexing capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single OTDR device perform multiple detection functions simultaneously by enabling it to detect multiple optical fibers and branches through different wavelength channels. This multi-functional capability allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate detection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions and wavelength channels into a unified OTDR system. By merging the detection capabilities for different optical fibers and branches into a single integrated system, it achieves high multiplexing capability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
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
The optical fiber grating tracker system allows for efficient fault detection in all-fiber integration, providing fast, high-isolation, and non-intrusive monitoring with small size and strong multiplexing capabilities, maintaining normal communication network operations.
Implementation Method 1
By means of ultraviolet light sensitivity of an optical fiber material, through methods such as a two beam interference method and a phase mask method, a bare fiber is exposed from the side surface to an interference pattern of an ultraviolet light beam, so as to write the interference pattern to the optical fiber and form a space phase grating inside the fiber core. After an optical signal with a specific spectrum width passes through the optical fiber grating, an optical wave with a specific wavelength is reflected along the original path
Implementation Method 2
According to the mode coupling theory, a wave with a wavelength of λB=2 nΛ is reflected by the optical fiber grating (λB is a center wavelength of the optical fiber grating, Λ is a grating period, and n is an effective refractive index of the fiber core)
Implementation Method 3
The reflected center wavelength signal λB is related to the grating period Λ and the effective refractive index n of the fiber core. The reflected wavelength λ is changed as factors such as the external temperature and the stress change.
Implementation Method 4
The reflected center wavelength signal λB is related to the grating period Λ and the effective refractive index n of the fiber core. The reflected wavelength λ is changed as factors such as the external temperature and the stress change.
Implementation Method 5
An optical emission and detection device for detecting faults of an optical communication system, the device comprising: an emission unit configured to emit light with a specific wavelength
Implementation Method 6
a detection unit configured to detect the light emitted by the optical emission and detection device, wherein the optical fiber grating tracker is configured to detect faults of an optical communication system by identifying reflections from each optical fiber branch
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber grating tracker includes a first stub, a second stub, an optical fiber grating, and a connection part. The connection part has a through hole. The first stub is inserted into one end of the through hole. The second stub is inserted into the other end of the through hole. An interval exists between the first stub and the second stub. The optical fiber grating is in the through hole and in the interval. A space in the through hole is filled with a waterproof material. The optical fiber grating tracker and the method for detecting an optical fiber line fault can detect an optical fiber fault from an optical fiber truck to the optical fiber grating tracker through an optical splitter, and meanwhile do not affect normal communication of an original optical communication network.