Fiber-Optic Interferometer Measurement with Secure Return-Beam Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decentralized fiber-optic measurement systems, such as DAS systems, are vulnerable to unauthorized access, data interception, and signal deletion without detection, compromising the integrity of measurement data.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a measuring station with a waveguide for a measuring beam and a reference light beam, where both beams are connected to an interferometer unit, with one beam fed back into the station, and employing continuous-wave laser light split into measuring and reference beams, utilizing quantum entanglement and random modulation to secure the measurement data against eavesdropping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If backscattered light is used for measurement in distributed acoustic sensing, then the fiber optic cable can be tapped and the measurement signal accessed by unauthorized persons, but using the entire transmitted light for measurement would significantly increase the measurement signal strength
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of measuring the weak backscattered light that travels against the beam direction, the patent inverts the approach by guiding the entire transmitted light beam back to the measuring station through the same fiber optic cable. This is achieved by sending light pulses through the fiber and collecting the returned light after it has traveled the full length, thereby utilizing all available light for measurement rather than just the small backscattered portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the fiber optic cable itself acting as both transmission medium and return path) to guide the measurement light back to the measuring station. By using the fiber's bidirectional capability and appropriate optical coupling, the system mediates the return journey of the light beam without requiring separate transmission and reception fibers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional fiber optic tapping is used to access measurement signals, then unauthorized persons can read or delete measurement results, but protecting the measurement signal from interception requires alternative approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the transmission medium by guiding the entire light beam back through the same fiber, separating the measurement signal path from potential tapping points. This extraction approach removes the vulnerability to optical tapping that plagues traditional backscattered light methods, as the measurement signal is now the full-strength returned beam rather than a weak scattered component that can be intercepted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary anti-action by using quantum entanglement and random modulation to prevent unauthorized access before it can occur. The random modulation of the light beam and the use of entangled photon pairs create a system where any attempt to intercept or measure the signal fundamentally alters the quantum state, making eavesdropping detectable and preventing unauthorized reading or deletion of measurement results.
3Measurement precision
If the measurement signal is significantly strengthened by using the entire light beam, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the system becomes more vulnerable to detection and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by randomly modulating the light beam's properties (intensity, phase, or frequency) during transmission. This random modulation creates a time-varying signal that is difficult to intercept or analyze without the proper synchronization key. The measurement signal strength is maintained through full-beam utilization while the random parameter changes provide security against detection and interference by unauthorized persons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a composite approach combining classical optical techniques (full-beam transmission, interferometry) with quantum mechanical principles (entanglement, random modulation). This composite methodology achieves both high signal-to-noise ratio through complete light utilization and security through quantum properties, creating a measurement system that is simultaneously precise and resistant to interception.
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
Ensures a significantly better signal-to-noise ratio for authorized users, detects unauthorized access attempts, and prevents data interception by irreversibly decreasing entanglement, thus maintaining data integrity.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors are provided in the waveguide of the measuring beam, which modulate a measured value onto the measuring beam
Implementation Method 2
Both light beams are connected to an interferometer unit with at least one, preferably two, photodetectors
Implementation Method 3
interferometer unit with at least one, preferably two, photodetectors
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Device for fiber-optical measurement and transmission of measurement signals, comprising a measuring station having at least one waveguided measuring beam and a reference light beam, wherein the reference light beam runs within the measuring station and both light beams are combined in an interferometer unit having at least one photoelectric detector, wherein the waveguided measuring beam is guided back into the measuring station.