High-Power Fiber Laser Assembly Reducing Splice Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing high-power fiber lasers require multiple splices, which lead to mechanical and optical degradation, increased manufacturing costs, and reduced reliability due to the need for extensive fiber connections.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming discrete fiber components into larger, integrated assemblies on a single length of fiber, reducing the number of splices required by combining a laser diode module and high-reflector fiber Bragg grating at the pump end and a partial-reflector fiber Bragg grating, cladding mode stripper, and fiber cable connector at the terminus end on separate fibers, necessitating only two splices for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple individual fiber components are assembled using conventional splicing methods, then the fiber laser can be manufactured with standardized components, but the number of splices increases leading to mechanical and optical degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fiber components (laser diode module, high-reflector fiber Bragg grating, rare-earth doped fiber, partial-reflector fiber Bragg grating, cladding mode stripper, and fiber cable connector) into a single integrated fiber assembly. This merging eliminates the need for multiple splices between separate components, thereby reducing mechanical and optical degradation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a unified fabrication process
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple splices are used to connect fiber components, then component assembly is flexible, but manufacturing costs increase and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all fiber components into a single fiber assembly during fabrication, the patent eliminates the need for complex multi-step splicing procedures. The unified structure reduces assembly complexity from multiple precise splicing operations to a single integration process, while maintaining the functional versatility of each component within the integrated assembly
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple splices are used to connect fiber components, then individual components can be manufactured separately, but the number of mechanical and optical interfaces increases causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manufactures all fiber components as a single integrated assembly rather than separate components requiring splicing. This approach eliminates multiple mechanical and optical interfaces that would otherwise be created by splicing, thereby preventing degradation at each interface while maintaining the functional independence of each component through its specific position and role in the integrated assembly
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
This approach enhances the reliability and quality of high-power fiber lasers by minimizing mechanical and optical interfaces, reducing manufacturing costs, and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode module 110, which is formed with a single leading end 121 of an un-doped first passive optical fiber 120
Implementation Method 2
a high-reflector fiber Bragg grating 112, which is optically machined into an intermediate section of the un-doped first passive optical fiber 120
Implementation Method 3
Rare-earth doped fibers are formed from un-doped passive optical fiber which are doped with laser-active rare earth ions such as neodymium, ytterbium, erbium and thulium to name a few. These ions absorb light which excites them into metastable levels. This facilitates amplification of the light, which was input into the doped fiber, by stimulated emission.
Implementation Method 4
The differences in the properties or characteristics of the core and the clads of the fiber facilitate the redirection and adsorption of stripped light
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a high-power fiber laser by forming a first assembly of fiber optic components on a common first fiber; forming a second assembly of other fiber optic components on a common second fiber; forming a further fiber optic component on a third optical fiber; connecting the first fiber to the third optical fiber by a first splice to fix the first assembly of fiber optic components to the further fiber optic component; and connecting the third optical fiber to the second fiber by a second splice to fix the second assembly of fiber optic components to the further fiber optic component.