Single Fiber Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Micro-Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber in-line Mach-Zehnder interferometers are large and complex, limiting their application in high-temperature and refractive index measurement, and they require a more compact and simple design for improved sensitivity and precision.
Innovation Solution
A single fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer is created using an optical fiber with a micro-cavity formed by removing part of the cladding and core region, allowing light to propagate in both guided and unguided modes, and fabricated using femtosecond pulse ablation, enabling precise beam splitting and recombination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional fiber in-line MZI structures (LPFG, tapered structure) are used, then beam splitting and recombination functions are achieved, but device size becomes large and structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam splitter and beam combiner functions into a single micro-cavity structure within one optical fiber. The micro-cavity simultaneously performs both splitting and recombining functions that traditionally required two separate cascading components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining interference measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-cavity structure is nested within the optical fiber core, with the cavity forming an integrated structure where the fiber core contains the cavity region. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact hierarchical structure, reducing overall device size and complexity
2Measurement precision
If conventional MZI devices with cascading fiber components are used, then temperature and refractive index measurement functions are achieved, but device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (temperature and refractive index sensing) into a single compact micro-cavity device. The unified structure eliminates the need for separate sensing components, achieving both measurement capabilities in a miniaturized format while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a longitudinal cascading structure to a transverse micro-cavity structure within the fiber core. By utilizing the cross-sectional area of the fiber core for the cavity formation, the device achieves compactness in the longitudinal dimension while maintaining functional performance
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional MZI structures are used, then beam splitting and recombination are achieved, but manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-cavity structure is pre-formed within the optical fiber core using precise fabrication techniques before the fiber is deployed for sensing applications. This preliminary structuring simplifies the overall manufacturing process by integrating complex optical functions during fiber fabrication rather than requiring post-assembly of multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical assembly of multiple fiber components with a monolithic micro-cavity structure formed directly in the fiber core. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical alignment and assembly processes while maintaining precise optical beam splitting and recombination through the engineered cavity geometry
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 design achieves high refractive index sensitivity and temperature measurement capabilities, with a dramatic reduction in size and complexity, allowing for accurate measurements up to 1100°C and a detection limit of 3.0×10−4 RIU, while maintaining high fringe visibility and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
Mach-Zehnder interferometer comprises an optical fiber having a core region and a cladding surrounding the core region, and a micro-cavity having part of the cladding and the core region perpendicularly removed, wherein the micro-cavity is adapted to receive a light beam and separate the light beam into a first light beam that propagates through the micro-cavity in an unguided mode, and a second light beam that propagates through the core region in a guided mode
Data Source
AI summary
A single fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer comprises an optical fiber having a core region and a cladding surrounding the core region, and a micro-cavity having part of the cladding and the core region removed, wherein the micro-cavity is adapted to receive a light beam and separate the light beam into a first light beam that propagates through the micro-cavity in an unguided mode, and a second light beam that propagates through the core region in a guided mode.