Optical Fiber Microcavity Interferometer for Fusion Splicing Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring fusion temperature in optical fiber splicing are prone to inaccuracies due to environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and are not robust enough to maintain consistent splicing results across different splicers and operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A microcavity interferometer method that uses the optical fiber itself as the interferometric cavity, measuring changes in optical path length caused by thermal expansion and refractive index changes to accurately determine temperature, providing a non-contact, high-accuracy temperature measurement suitable for high-temperature fusion splicing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional temperature measurement methods (barometric sensor, electrode-impedance-detection) are used, then hardware construction is simplified, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to sensitivity to environmental factors and hardware tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical sensing methods (barometric sensors, electrode impedance detection) with an optical measurement system. The optical fiber acts as both the measurement probe and the medium, using optical interference patterns to detect temperature-induced changes in the fiber's physical properties, thereby eliminating sensitivity to environmental electromagnetic interference and hardware tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical field as an intermediary between the temperature field and the detection system. Temperature changes in the fiber cause changes in refractive index and physical dimensions, which modulate the optical interference pattern. This intermediary conversion enables precise temperature measurement while isolating the detection system from direct thermal and environmental stress.
2Reliability
If fiber-meltback method is used for calibration, then discharge heat energy can be determined, but measurement precision deteriorates due to strong sensitivity to arc-spread variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the optical fiber itself as the sensing element, eliminating the need for separate calibration targets or reference materials. The fiber's own optical properties (refractive index, dimensional stability) serve as the measurement basis, providing intrinsic calibration reference that is immune to arc-spread variations and external environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits temperature-induced changes in the fiber's optical parameters (refractive index, physical length) as the measurement mechanism. By monitoring shifts in interference fringes caused by these parameter changes, the system achieves precise temperature measurement that is independent of arc characteristics, thereby resolving the sensitivity issue with traditional meltback methods.
3Measurement precision
If offset-splicing methods are used, then discharge heat energy can be measured with less arc-spread sensitivity, but measurement precision deteriorates due to arc-walk effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical offset-splicing techniques with optical interference-based measurement. Instead of physically offsetting fiber cores and measuring repositioning, the system uses optical fields to detect temperature-induced dimensional and refractive index changes in the fiber, eliminating arc-walk effects and providing consistent, repeatable measurements across different splicing operations.
4Productivity
If conventional splicing methods are used, then splicing speed is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to fusion temperature variation from environmental factors and electrode wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time temperature monitoring using the optical fiber sensor during the splicing process. The measured temperature data feeds back to the control system, which dynamically adjusts splicing parameters (arc current, duration, fiber positioning) to compensate for temperature variations caused by environmental factors or electrode wear, thereby maintaining consistent splice quality without sacrificing productivity.
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 enables precise temperature control during splicing, reducing variability and improving the quality of the spliced fibers by being insensitive to external environmental perturbations, thus ensuring consistent and reliable splicing results.
Implementation Method 1
measuring changes in an optical path length in an optical fiber due to temperature dependent properties of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
measuring changes in an optical path length in an optical fiber due to temperature dependent properties of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
the optical fiber having a circular cross section itself serves as an optical microcavity
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring the temperature of optical fibers during fusion splicing or thermal processing, said method comprising: a) measuring,using an interferometric method,a change in an optical path length in an optical fiber due to temperature dependent properties of the optical fiber during fusion splicing or thermal processing; and b) determining the temperature of the optical fiber based on the measured changes in the optical path length.