Fiber Optic Insertion Loss Measurement via Thermal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring the total amount of scattered light in fiber optic connections are inaccurate due to the limited number of light collecting points, which may not capture uneven or directional scattering, leading to incomplete measurement of insertion loss.

Innovation Solution

A system using a light source to illuminate a test connector with opaque portions surrounding a fiber optic juncture, where the temperature increase from absorbed light is measured using a pyrometer, allowing for comprehensive measurement of scattered light and insertion loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple light collecting points are used to measure scattered light, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture uneven or directional scattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverage areaVSAvoidtotal scattered light measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of multiple light collecting fibers with a thermal measurement system. Instead of using multiple discrete light collection points, the invention uses a single photodetector to measure the total thermal energy generated by absorbed scattered light, thereby capturing the complete scattered light energy without missing directional or uneven scattering components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct light intensity measurement to thermal energy measurement. By measuring the temperature rise or thermal power generated when scattered light is absorbed by an opaque material, the system can accurately capture the total scattered light energy regardless of its spatial distribution or directionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a limited number of light collecting points are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incomplete capture of scattered light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of light collecting pointsVSAvoidtotal scattered light measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex multi-point light collection system with a simple thermal measurement system using a single photodetector. This substitution maintains low device complexity while dramatically improving measurement precision by capturing the total scattered light energy through thermal conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an opaque absorbing material as an intermediary between the scattered light and the photodetector. This intermediary converts the optical energy of scattered light into thermal energy, which is then measured by the photodetector, enabling accurate total scattered light measurement without requiring direct optical collection from multiple points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If direct light collection methods are used, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to light loss and directional limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidinsertion loss measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an opaque absorbing material as an intermediary to capture all scattered light before detection. This intermediary ensures that no light escapes undetected, converting all scattered optical energy into measurable thermal energy, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing measurement speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct optical collection with thermal measurement, eliminating losses associated with optical coupling and directional collection. The thermal measurement system captures 100% of the scattered light energy that is absorbed, providing more accurate insertion loss measurements while maintaining fast measurement speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method provides a more accurate measurement of scattered light and insertion loss by correlating temperature changes with light absorption, enabling a precise assessment of fiber optic connection performance without extrapolation from limited measurement points.

Implementation Method 1

A pyrometer or other heat detection means is then used to measure any temperature increase as a result of light scattered into and absorbed by the opaque portions of the test connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

A pyrometer or other heat detection means is then used to measure any temperature increase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation detection: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS7929123B2Method and apparatus for measuring insertion loss in a fiber optic cable connection

Publication Date: 2011.04.19 PANDUIT CORP

AI summary

A method and apparatus for measuring the insertion loss of a fiber optic connection is provided. The invention generally comprises a light source providing light to a test connector which contains a juncture of two fiber optic cables. The test connector has one or more opaque portions surrounding the fiber optic juncture. A pyrometer or other heat detection means is then used to measure any temperature increase as a result of light scattered into the opaque portions of the test connector.